Peace & Justice Indicators

There is no progress in a community’s Quality of Life without a sense of equity and fairness that includes all members of society. Good government depends on active citizen engagement. Social welfare depends on personal responsibility and neighbors helping neighbors. Conflict resolution depends upon tolerance and understanding. Public safety depends on share responsibility and accountability. Our community is rich with many caring individuals, groups and congregations. Working together toward the common goal of a better quality of life for ourselves and all our neighbors is essential to society’s continued success.

Civic/Government

Voter Participation
- Indicator: Leon District Voter Turnout Analysis for 2020 General Election
- Data Source: http://www.leonvotes.org/
- Data Points: Leon County had one of the highest voter turnouts in the State for the 2020 General Election at 75%. Significantly more people early voted or used absentee ballots than voted at the polls (131,753 vs. 31,723).
- Observations: Leon County has demonstrated a substantial preference for mail in and early voting.
- Date Posted: February 2022
- Best Practices: Current discussion of increasing voter turnout versus protecting against real or imagined voter fraud has dominated state by state political discussions. If one accepts the premise that democracy is most successful when representatives are elected by a majority of the voters, not just a majority of those who are willing or able to vote, then increasing voter turnout is a very positive endeavor. There are many proven strategies that have been shown to increase voter participation. These include: Automatic voter registration at drivers licenses, high school graduation, etc.; Same day voter registration; On-line voter registration; Early voting; No excuse absentee or mail-in balloting; On-line voting: Accessible polling locations; Restoring voting rights to released felons; Increased civic education in schools and the community; Grassroots voter outreach; Election day as a state or federal holiday.

Taxation
- Indicator: Sales and Property tax rates
- Data Source: www.leonpa.org; www.leontaxcollector.net
- Data Points: Leon County Sales Tax is a 6% state and 1.5% local for a total of 7.5%. Property tax millage rate per $1000 value: in the city of Tallahassee -19.1948, outside the city – 15.0948 and Downtown -20.1948.
- Observations: While Florida, with no income tax has a state tax and revenue burden much lower than other states, its local taxes are proportionately much higher. At 54.6 percent (1921 data) it is the highest percentage in the nation and 21.9 percent above the U.S. average.
- Posted: February 2022
- Best Practices: According to most experts, the best tax system is one that meets the tests of fairness, adequacy, simplicity, transparency and administrative ease. A progressive tax such as an income tax or a consumption tax are the fairest and easiest to implement. Exemptions or supplements for low income, disabled or seniors are often included. Social safety net insurance (Medicare, Social Security) can also be included as part of income taxes. Property taxes and other wealth taxes, (such as Capital Gains) offer additional progressive revenue sources. Corporate taxes allow the government to recoup infrastructure and other costs for services that business use. The use of millage rates for service taxes is another way to make the taxation a bit more progressive.
Public-Private Partnerships
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Mediation Use
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Internet Access
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Newspaper Subscriptions
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Social/Welfare

Poverty Rate
- Indicator: Individuals Below Poverty Rate
- Data Source Florida CHARTS http://www.floridahealthcharts.com
- Data Points: In the three year rolling average Florida reported statewide a poverty rate for individuals at 16.4% in the period of 2014–16. In Leon County in that period the rate was calculated at 22.4%.
- Observations: Leon County has more than 1 in 5 individuals, and nearly 1 in 4 children who are calculated to be managing with incomes below the federal poverty rate. The need for food and housing assistance as well as other social services is highlighted by the significant poverty rate in the community.
- Date Posted: 9/18/2020
Non-profit Organizations
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Volunteerism
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Churches/Congregations
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Interfaith Organizations
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Public Safety

Emergency Response Times
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Crime Rates
- Indicator: Leon County Crime Rates
- Data Source: www.oevforbusiness.org.
- Data Points: Leon County Crime Rates, Rates per 100,000 Residents (2009-2018) reflects a 27% decrease in violent crimes (766.8 per 100K residents to 558.9), led by robbery (40% decline) and aggravated assault (27% decline). These declines however hide the significant increases in murder and non-negligent manslaughter (87% increase) and forcible sex offenses (57% increase). Similarly, reduction in total property crimes (8%) and burglary (56%) mask increases in larceny-theft (16.5%) and motor vehicle theft (91%). The Leon County crime rate index is significantly higher than the overall state rate on a per capita basis for both property crime (3272.5 vs, 2168.7) and violent crime (573 vs. 382.4).

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