Minnesota Initiative Foundations

The idea of Quality of Place is based upon the simple observation that today's global economy is driven by knowledge and that knowledge workers gravitate toward places they find attractive. Thus, places must have attractive qualities to compete in the global economy.

As political and geographic boundaries are erased in the information age, Quality of Place will be increasingly important for local citizens and leaders. Research conducted has shown that this concept, when applied to rural regions, incorporates four classes of "assets" desired by talented workers: natural, structural, social, and economic assets.

The idea of Quality of Place has provided a conceptual framework for organizing our various programs, delivering philanthropic services, and integrating the foundation's resources in a more coherent way. The notion is simple, intuitive and readily understood.