TOP ASSETS AND CONCERNS
"The people" were most often cited as Howard County's greatest asset, particularly their generosity with time and money.

Other frequently cited strengths were:

• "Great community to work, live, and raise a family."
• Skilled work force with a strong work ethic
• Employers
• The non-profit sector

The top concerns were jobs and public transportation. Collaboration was cited both as a strength, most often among health and human service providers - and a weakness, particularly in the economic development realm. Community leadership emerged as another key area calling for concerted attention. Each of these issues is discussed further in the topical sections of this report.

PAST NEEDS ASSESSMENTS
Howard County conducts needs assessments every three years or so. The last two employed different methods and focused more specifically on health issues than did the current one, yet all three studies found transportation as a top community concern, as seen in the following table.

2000*	2003**	2007
Transportation Housing Affordable child care Substance abuse services	Transportation Access to/cost of medical services Affordable child care Prescription costs	Jobs Transportation Collaboration Community leadership

*Howard County Community Needs Assessment 1999-2000.  St. Joseph Hospital & Healthcare.
**Davidson, Ami.  Howard County Needs Assessment 2003.