The Soul of the Community study offers new insights by exploring what draws people to a community and what makes them want to put down roots and build a life. Conducted by Gallup in 26 communities and funded the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the study probes the emotional factors that bind people to place.

In this, the second year of the research, the results show an even stronger correlation between people's passion and loyalty for their community and local economic growth. Researchers will examine this connection further in 2010. More information can be found at: http://www.soulofthecommunity.org/