The sustainability of a region typically is measured by markers, or indicators, of community vitality. These include assessments of resources such as air quality, water quality, and biodiversity; social and economic indicators such as housing affordability, crime rates, and unemployment. Since 1997, SSMC has published an annual report on key indicators of San Mateo County’s health in its Indicators for a Sustainable San Mateo County: An Annual Report Card.

The SSMC Indicators Report has provided a model for national and international communities that seek to create their own local reports.These reports stimulate a community-wide dialogue about bettering this special place where we work, play, and live. It challenges each of us to ask, “How do we simultaneously achieve the triple goals of a healthy economy, society, and environment in San Mateo County, while using only our fair share of the planet’s resources?” Propelled by the philosophy that “what gets measured gets managed,” this annual report card holds us collectively accountable for improvement in all areas.

This report aims to weave the concept of sustainability into the vocabulary of our leaders, residents, and workers, and ultimately into the fabric of our entire community. By providing fact-based information about local trends over time, it improves our ability to make sound decisions for the benefit of current and future generations. It is distributed to government policy makers, chambers of commerce, environmental organizations, human services agencies, civic groups, businesses, individuals, and more.

This report is a reflection of our community in more ways than one. It would not be possible without the help of dozens of volunteers representing various walks of life. These volunteers selflessly contributed their talents in research and the graphic arts. We are grateful for their assistance and the financial contributions of our sponsors.We invite you to download and share any of the past 11 reports by clicking on the links to the right.