City of Alexandria, Virginia
Community Profile
Alexandria claims the fourth largest concentration of professional associations and trade associations
in the country, behind only New York City, Washington, D.C. and Chicago. Associations number
approximately 400 in the City, employing nearly 11,000. In addition to the highly qualified workforce
and close proximity to Capitol Hill, Alexandria is uniquely able to satisfy the real estate needs of
not-for-profit organizations. Associations provide a valuable contribution to the economy of the City
by offering a stable source of well-paying jobs for Alexandria residents.
LOCATION
The city of Alexandria is located in the northeastern tip of Virginia on the banks of the Potomac River
across from Washington, D.C. The city is bounded by the Capital Beltway (I-95) to the south and
Washington National Airport to the north. Interstate 395 bisects the city's west end and provides a
direct link to downtown Washington, D.C. Alexandria is home to a growing base of high-technology
firms, management consulting companies, professional services, and trade and pro-professional
association headquarters.
Alexandria is within eight miles of downtown Washington, D. C.; 41 miles south of Baltimore,
Maryland; 104 miles north of Richmond; 190 miles northwest of Norfolk, Virginia; and is part of the
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).
VIRGINIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
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Every reasonable effort has been made to assure the accuracy of this report through the use of
standardized, reliable data sources, including the community. However, the Partnership provides this
information “as is,” and therefore, assumes no liability arising from the use of this report or data.
City of Alexandria, Virginia
Community Profile
LABOR MARKET DATA
Population
Gender Distribution (2007)
Area
City of Alexandria
Male
48.1%
Female
51.9%
Profile Area
98,181
30,570
8,270
2,282
493
228
Labor Area
2,377,676
1,271,275
392,052
81,923
17,360
4,388
17,976
197,736
Race/Ethnicity (2007)
Classification
White
Black
Asian
Two or More
American Indian or Alaska Native
Pacific Islander
Hispanic (may be of any race)
Median Age
Alexandria
38 years
Civilian Labor Force (2008)
City of Alexandria
Surrounding Labor Area
Total
91,633
2,358,389
2,450,022
Labor Force Participation (2000 Census)
City of Alexandria
Surrounding Labor Area
74.4%
72.3%
Unemployment
Unemployment Rate ( March 2009)
City of Alexandria
Labor Area
Statewide
Unemployed (2008)
City of Alexandria
Labor Area
Total
5.1%
6.0%
7.0%
2,586
91,447
94,033
Underemployed (1st Quarter 2009)
City of Alexandria
Labor Area
Total
6,355
219,674
226,029
VIRGINIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
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standardized, reliable data sources, including the community. However, the Partnership provides this
information “as is,” and therefore, assumes no liability arising from the use of this report or data.
City of Alexandria, Virginia
Community Profile
Commuting Patterns (2000 Census)
Live and work in City of Alexandria:
19,473
14.0%
Total In-Commuters:
Total Out-Commuters:
61,894
57,717
44.5%
41.5%
Net In-Commuters:
4,177
In-Commuters From:
Fairfax Co. VA
Prince George's Co. MD
Prince William Co. VA
Arlington Co. VA
District of Columbia DC
27,641
7,372
6,184
4,962
4,040
55.1%
14.7%
12.3%
9.9%
8.0%
Out-Commuters To:
District of Columbia DC
Fairfax Co. VA
Arlington Co. VA
Montgomery Co. MD
Prince George's Co. MD
23,292
14,643
10,755
2,484
1,813
44.0%
27.6%
20.3%
4.7%
3.4%
Additional Labor Resources
High school graduates not continuing (2007-2008)
Two-year college graduates (Spring 2007)
Two-year college enrollees (Fall 2007)
Other college and university graduates (Spring 2007)
Total
105
2,934
55,499
8,657
67,195
Educational Attainment
Percentage of City of Alexandria 2004-2005 ninth graders graduating in 2007-2008
Percentage of City of Alexandria population age 25+ who are high school graduates
Percentage of City of Alexandria population age 25+ who have earned a Bachelor's Degree or higher
VIRGINIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
80.0%
86.8%
54.3%
3
Every reasonable effort has been made to assure the accuracy of this report through the use of
standardized, reliable data sources, including the community. However, the Partnership provides this
information “as is,” and therefore, assumes no liability arising from the use of this report or data.
City of Alexandria, Virginia
Community Profile
Employment by Sector* (3rd Qtr. 2008)
Natural Resources and Mining
Construction
Trade
Transportation and Utilities
Manufacturing
Information
Financial
Services
Government
Other
Total
N.D. N.D.
3,588 3.5%
9,994 9.9%
2,300 2.3%
1,502 1.5%
2,277 2.2%
6,285 6.2%
52,192 51.5%
23,171 22.9%
0
0
101,310 100.0%
N.D. - Not Disclosed
*By Business Establishment
Employment by Occupation* (3rd Qtr. 2008)
Construction, Extraction &
Maintenance
Farming, Fishing & Forestry
Managerial, Professional & Related
Production, Transportation &
Material Moving
Sales & Office
Service
Total
6,667
7.9%
57 0.1%
27,128 32.2%
7,590
9.0%
24,625 29.2%
18,208 21.6%
84,275 100%
*By Business Establishment
Major Employers
Nonmanufacturing
Company
Department of Defense
INOVA Alexandria Hospital
Institute for Defense Analyses
Northern Virginia Community College
Pentagon Federal Credit Union
Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)
Washington Metro Area Transit Authority
Product/Service
National security
Health care
Scientific research
Higher education
Credit union
Television broadcasting station
Transit system
VIRGINIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
Est. Employment
2,500 - 4,999
1,500 - 2,499
600 - 999
600 - 999
300 - 599
300 - 599
1,000 - 1,499
4
Every reasonable effort has been made to assure the accuracy of this report through the use of
standardized, reliable data sources, including the community. However, the Partnership provides this
information “as is,” and therefore, assumes no liability arising from the use of this report or data.
City of Alexandria, Virginia
Community Profile
Closings, Reductions, Layoffs (1/2007 to date)
Date
Type
Company
Product/Service
12/1/2007
Closing
Capital Lighting and Supply*
12/1/2007
Reduction
MPRI, Inc.
1/1/2009
Closing
Washington Examiner
HQ; distribution center- electrical
supplies
Comprehensive and integrated
programs that address
training/simulation
Newspaper
Employees
Affected
70
134
101
*Foreign-affiliated
Union Activity (1/2004 - 5/2008)
Petitions filed for representation
Petitions filed for decertification
Petitions filed for raid
Elections won by union
Elections won by company
14
1
1
4
4
Estimated Earnings (May 2007)
Occupation
Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand
Maintenance and repair workers, general
Office clerks, general
Stock clerks and order fillers
Receptionists and information clerks
Customer service representatives
Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks
First-line supervisors/managers of office & admin support workers
Sales reps, wholesale & manufacturing, ex technical & scientific products
Security guards
Elementary school teachers, except special education
Network and computer systems administrators
Computer systems analysts
Computer support specialists
Computer software engineers, systems software
Computer software engineers, applications
Computer programmers
Accountants and auditors
Management analysts
General and operations managers
Med. Wage
$12.17
$20.08
$16.09
$11.52
$14.00
$16.06
$19.04
$27.54
$27.85
$13.66
$31.22
$38.51
$42.40
$25.41
$51.17
$45.13
$40.69
$33.45
$44.07
$64.80
Mean Wage
$12.97
$22.06
$16.44
$12.56
$14.04
$17.01
$19.52
$29.47
$35.17
$15.18
$32.50
$39.71
$43.57
$26.69
$51.74
$46.38
$41.91
$36.34
$46.44
$69.09
Med. Salary
$25,310.37
$41,773.97
$33,466.70
$23,971.94
$29,115.79
$33,414.59
$39,602.74
$57,289.45
$57,936.26
$28,406.49
$64,940.05
$80,091.39
$88,188.52
$52,856.91
$106,425.50
$93,860.40
$84,642.43
$69,585.42
$91,656.17
$134,775.20
Mean Salary
$26,968.75
$45,892.23
$34,202.41
$26,123.89
$29,204.68
$35,373.42
$40,596.97
$61,303.17
$73,144.01
$31,572.79
$67,601.15
$82,592.52
$90,626.06
$55,515.96
$107,619.10
$96,471.25
$87,180.48
$75,580.01
$96,602.60
$143,704.00
Per Capita Personal Income (2006)
$65,141
Median Family Income (FY 2008)
$98,990
VIRGINIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
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Every reasonable effort has been made to assure the accuracy of this report through the use of
standardized, reliable data sources, including the community. However, the Partnership provides this
information “as is,” and therefore, assumes no liability arising from the use of this report or data.
City of Alexandria, Virginia
Community Profile
EDUCATION
Public School Enrollment
Level
Elementary
Middle
High School
Number Fall 2008 Enrollment
13
6,007
2
2,206
1
3,010
Student Teacher Ratio (2006-07)
Elementary
Secondary
11.1:1
6.2:1
Percentage of 2004-2005 ninth grade membership graduating 2007-2008
Percentage of high school graduates continuing education 2007-2008 (including military)
80.0%
82.7%
Per Pupil Expenditure (FY 2007)
$19,448.00
Workforce Development Facilities
Facility
Alexandria Job Link
Arlington Employment Center
Virginia Employment Commission Field Office: Alexandria
VIRGINIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
Type
Comprehensive Center
Comprehensive Center
Satellite Center
6
Every reasonable effort has been made to assure the accuracy of this report through the use of
standardized, reliable data sources, including the community. However, the Partnership provides this
information “as is,” and therefore, assumes no liability arising from the use of this report or data.
City of Alexandria, Virginia
Community Profile
Higher Education Facilities
Facility
George Mason University - Arlington Campus
George Mason University - Fairfax Campus
Northern Virginia Community College - Annandale Campus
Northern Virginia Community College - Alexandria Campus
Northern Virginia Community College - Woodbridge Campus
Northern Virginia Community College - Loudoun Campus
Northern Virginia Community College - Manassas Campus
George Mason University - Prince William Campus
ECPI College of Technology - Northern Virginia Campus
Regent University - Washington D.C. Campus
Marymount University
Northern Virginia Community College - Medical Education Campus
George Washington University - Virginia Campus
Virginia International University
Virginia Theological Seminary
Old Dominion University - Northern Virginia Center
Virginia Tech - Northern Virginia Center
Centura College - Alexandria Campus
George Washington University - Alexandria Graduate Education Center
George Washington University - Arlington Graduate Education Center
George Washington University - Tysons Corner/McLean Campus
ITT Technical Institute - Chantilly Campus
ITT Technical Institute - Springfield Campus
Sanford-Brown College
Stratford University - Tysons Corner Campus
Stratford University - Woodbridge Campus
Strayer University - Alexandria Campus
Strayer University - Arlington Campus
Strayer University - Loudoun Campus
Strayer University - Manassas Campus
Strayer University - Woodbridge Campus
University of Fairfax
University of Management and Technology
University of Northern Virginia - Manassas Campus
* Enrollment figures are included in participating
†Enrollment figures are not available.
‡Enrollment figures are for all campuses.
Fall 2007 Enrollment
30,332‡
30,332‡
16,679
12,358
7,965
6,872
4,997
4,643
4,519‡
4,442
3,609
2,109
541
275
232
*
*
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
colleges and universities.
TRANSPORTATION
Interstates
Name
I-395
I-95
I-495
I-295
I-66
I-695
I-595
I-270
Distance
0.0 miles (0.0 km.)
0.0 miles (0.0 km.)
0.1 miles (0.2 km.)
0.8 miles (1.3 km.)
2.6 miles (4.2 km.)
3.4 miles (5.5 km.)
11.3 miles (18.2 km.)
11.7 miles (18.8 km.)
Note: Measured from border of locality/region.
VIRGINIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
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Every reasonable effort has been made to assure the accuracy of this report through the use of
standardized, reliable data sources, including the community. However, the Partnership provides this
information “as is,” and therefore, assumes no liability arising from the use of this report or data.
City of Alexandria, Virginia
Community Profile
Highways
Highway 1
Highway 420
Highway 236
Highway 7
Highway 241
Highway 400
Highway 401
Highway 402
Note: 4-Lane US Highways located within locality/region.
Commercial Air Service
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington, D.C.
Air Canada
American Eagle
Delta Connection
United Airlines
Midwest Airlines
AirTran Airways
Continental Airlines
Frontier Airlines
US Airways
Alaska Airlines
America West Airlines
Continental Express
Northwest Airlines
US Airways Express
Air Canada Jazz
Washington Dulles International Airport, Washington, D.C.
Aeroflot Airlines
All Nippon Airways
Austrian Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Air Canada
America West Airlines
British Airways
Delta Connection
Air France
American Airlines
Continental Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Saudi Arabian Airlines
US Airways
South African Airlines
Copa Airlines
Korean Air Lines
Southwest Airlines
US Airways Express
SAS/Scandinavian Airlines
Iberia
Lufthansa German Airlines
United Airlines
American Connection
TED
Virgin America
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport , Baltimore, MD
Air Jamaica
British Airways
Southwest Airlines
USA 3000 Airlines
AirTran Airways
Continental Airlines
United Airlines
Air Canada Jazz
America West Airlines
Delta Air Lines
US Airways
Hagerstown Regional Airport/Richard A Henson Field, Hagerstown, MD
0.9 miles (1.4 km.)
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Spirit Airlines
US Airways Shuttle
18.7 miles (30.1 km.)
AirTran Airways
American Eagle
Continental Express
Grupo Taca International
Airlines
Northwest Airlines
United Express
JetBlue Airways
Air Lingus
30.8 miles (49.5 km.)
American Airlines
Northwest Airlines
Mexicana Airlines
68.0 miles (109.5 km.)
Note: Within 75 miles of nearest locality/region boundary.
General Aviation Service
Name
College Park Airport, College Park, MD
Runway Length
2,607 ft (795 m)
Freight Rail Service
Norfolk Southern Railway Company
VIRGINIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
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Every reasonable effort has been made to assure the accuracy of this report through the use of
standardized, reliable data sources, including the community. However, the Partnership provides this
information “as is,” and therefore, assumes no liability arising from the use of this report or data.
City of Alexandria, Virginia
Community Profile
Ports
Name
Baltimore
Virginia Inland Port At Front Royal
Port Of Richmond
Distance
41.0 miles (66.0 km)
60.0 miles (96.6 km)
96.0 miles (154.5 km)
Note: Measured from center of locality/region
UTILITIES
Electric
Allegheny Power
Dominion Virginia Power
Natural Gas
Virginia Natural Gas
Washington Gas Company
Telecommunications
Verizon-Virginia
Comcast Business Communications
Water
Virginia American Water Company
Alexandria Sanitation Authority
Waste Water Treatment
Alexandria Sanitation Authority
Virginia American Water Authority
Fairfax County Office of Waste Management
Solid Waste Disposal
Ogden Martin Systems of Alexandria/Arlington, Inc.
(waste-to-energy plant)
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Bank
Bank of America, N.A.
Wachovia Bank, N.A.
SunTrust Bank
PNC Bank, N.A.
Branch Banking and Trust Company
Countrywide Bank, FSB
TD Bank, National Association
Manufacturers and Traders Trust Co.
Chevy Chase Bank, F.S.B.
Provident Bank of Maryland
United Bank
Virginia Commerce Bank
Cardinal Bank
Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust Co.
Citibank, N.A.
HSBC National Bank USA
3rd Qtr 2008 Assets (in millions)
$1,359,070.9
$664,223.0
$170,007.3
$134,780.5
$133,166.2
$112,947.2
$98,613.1
$64,229.9
$15,499.5
$6,154.1
$4,199.5
$2,659.5
$1,632.2
$1,631.1
$1,207.0
$420.7
GOVERNMENT
The city of Alexandria has a City Manager and a seven-member City Council.
The city has a comprehensive plan and zoning and subdivision ordinances.
VIRGINIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
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Every reasonable effort has been made to assure the accuracy of this report through the use of
standardized, reliable data sources, including the community. However, the Partnership provides this
information “as is,” and therefore, assumes no liability arising from the use of this report or data.
City of Alexandria, Virginia
Community Profile
TAXES
Localities in Virginia collect a 1% sales tax. They do not tax other items taxed at the State level.
Counties and cities in Virginia are separate taxing entities. Therefore, a company pays taxes to either
a county or to a city.
If a company is located in a town, it pays town and county taxes except for utility taxes which are
paid only to the town and the license tax which is paid only to the town unless town law permits the
additional collection of a county tax.
Manufacturers pay real estate, machinery and tools, truck and automobile, utility, and sales taxes.
Nonmanufacturers pay real estate, tangible personal property, truck and automobile, utility, and sales
taxes. They also may pay either a merchants' capital or a license tax.
Manufacturer's Tax Profile (Alexandria) pdf
Non-Manufacturer's Tax Profile (Alexandria) pdf
CLIMATE
Average Temperatures
January
July
36ºF (2ºC)
79ºF (26ºC)
Average Annual Precipitation
Rainfall
Snowfall
39.52" (100.38 cm)
16.80" (42.67 cm)
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Alexandria Hospital is one of the largest health care providers in Northern Virginia. This 363-bed
facility cares for over 50,000 patients yearly. The hospital offers a full-service emergency department,
an obstetric and maternity unit, CAT scanning, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, a poison control center,
and comprehensive surgical capabilities. Dozens of additional hospitals are located in the region along
with four major medical schools with hospitals nearby.
Alexandria's hospitals are supplemented by over 360 physicians, 123 dentists, and several walk-in
clinics. Three nursing homes are located in the city.
The Alexandria Health Department implements statewide health programs and provides clinics,
nutritional planning, and dental care for children.
Approximately 70 places of worship are located in the city and represent most major Protestant
denominations, Catholic, and Jewish faiths. More than 450 additional churches, temples, and
synagogues are located throughout the Northern Virginia region.
The Alexandria Library System consists of a headquarters and three branches with a total collection
of over 421,000 volumes. The system circulates a phenomenal 2.4 million books annually. In
addition, nearby Fairfax County branch libraries service Alexandria.
VIRGINIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
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Every reasonable effort has been made to assure the accuracy of this report through the use of
standardized, reliable data sources, including the community. However, the Partnership provides this
information “as is,” and therefore, assumes no liability arising from the use of this report or data.
City of Alexandria, Virginia
Community Profile
There are an additional 35 colleges and universities in the Baltimore-Washington area. They include
the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, the Virginia Polytechnic Institute's
Washington-Alexandria Architectural Consortium, and the University of Virginia's College of
Architecture Continuing Education Program.
Shopping options in Alexandria are tremendously varied. The historic Old Town district near the
Potomac River is a bustling center of retail and service activity in a district known for Colonial-era
architecture and cobblestone streets. A focal point of activity throughout Alexandria's history has
been the Farmer's Market, at which fresh produce, meat, seafood, baked goods, and homemade crafts
may be purchased. Outside of Old Town, thirteen large modern shopping centers do a flourishing
business. As business and office space has developed, additional supporting retail projects are being
planned or are underway.
LIFESTYLE
Area residents can enjoy fine cultural offerings within the city and in nearby Washington, D C. The
Little Theater of Alexandria stages several major productions each year, ranging from musicals to
classical and experimental theater. The theater also sponsors classes in acting, dance, and voice and
holds a nationally known pre-art playwriting competition. Four other community theaters and several
dinner theaters add to the enjoyment. Many community musical organizations are available in
Alexandria. The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, the Alexandria Choral Society, and the Alexandria
Community Singers are but a few of the groups active in the performing arts. Jazz bands, barbershop
quartets, and a Revolutionary style pipe and drum corps are also part of the musical diversity. The
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is just across the Potomac River and Wolf Trap Foundation
for the Performing Arts is near Dulles Airport in Fairfax County.
The city is also home to approximately 123 art galleries and studies displaying works ranging from
16th century art to contemporary paintings, etchings, bronzes, and other works. The Athenaeum,
housed in a Greek Revival Structure built in 1851, is the home of the Northern Virginia Fine Arts
Association and presents a full calendar of art shows, workshops, films, and special trips.
Alexandria maintains over 929 acres of city-owned park and recreation space. One of the best known
parks is the Fort Ward Museum and Historical Site containing a Civil War period fort and
surrounding grounds, much of which is devoted to spectacular azalea gardens. The Dora Kelley
Nature Park contains 50-acres and is habitat to numerous species of wildlife--particularly unique for
an urban setting. A nature center is located in the park and offers educational programs and live
animal exhibits. The city provides 43 tennis courts, 30 basketball courts, 65 multi-use fields, seven
swimming pools, eight recreation centers, and a major fitness complex. The latter, the Chinquapin
Park Recreation Center features programs and hobby classes for all ages. Moreover, the city sponsors
men's, women's, and coed amateur sports competitions in basketball, volleyball, and softball. Public
recreation is well supplemented by many private athletic clubs in the city.
The National Park Service maintains a 17-mile paved trail running along the Potomac River from
Mount Vernon south of the city to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Known as the Mount
Vernon Trail, the facility is a popular recreation resource for bikers, joggers, or walkers. Numerous
picnic and fishing spots are provided on the trail. The Northern Virginia Park Authority operates
Cameron Run Regional Park including a manmade lake, picnic area, wave pool, and waterslide.
Spectator sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the Washington area's professional sports teams,
VIRGINIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
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Every reasonable effort has been made to assure the accuracy of this report through the use of
standardized, reliable data sources, including the community. However, the Partnership provides this
information “as is,” and therefore, assumes no liability arising from the use of this report or data.
City of Alexandria, Virginia
Community Profile
including the Washington Redskins football team, the Washington Bullets basketball team, and the
Washington Capitals ice hockey team. The Blue Ridge Mountains are just a short drive west of the
city and the coastal beaches are close to the east.
Alexandria is also the site of several well-known festivals. The Red Cross Waterfront Festival in June
celebrates the city's historic importance as a seaport and includes boat races, ship tours, art shows,
musical entertainment, and food booths. The Spring Seaport Festival and Waterfront Antique Sale
also prominently feature the waterside as a focal point of activity. The Virginia Scottish Games in
July and the Scottish Christmas Walk celebrate the city's Scottish heritage and highlight kilted
bagpipers and Highland dancing.
Both residents and tourists enjoy numerous historic attractions. Many Old Town sites, such as Christ
Church, Gadsby's Tavern Museum, The Lyceum Historic Site and Museum, and the Robert E. Lee
Boyhood Home date to Revolutionary days. Mount Vernon, President George Washington's home,
and Gunston Hall, home of George Mason, are just a few of the noteworthy attractions in the
surrounding area.
Northern Virginia Economic Development Coalition
City of Alexandria Economic Development Partnership
VIRGINIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
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Every reasonable effort has been made to assure the accuracy of this report through the use of
standardized, reliable data sources, including the community. However, the Partnership provides this
information “as is,” and therefore, assumes no liability arising from the use of this report or data.