Based on more than a decade of research by the Pew Partnership for Civic Change, Smart Communities outlines seven "leverage points" for decision-making used by thousands of leaders who have worked to create successful communities. This new edition is informed by the evolution of the design thinking that underlies the use of strategy, the impact of social media, technology and increased access to information, and greater clarity about the role of and processes for innovation. The seven leverage points are: Setting the Stage for Community Change Investing Right the First Time Working Together Building on Community Strengths Practicing Democracy Preserving the Past Growing New Leaders Creating an Innovative Community: A Culture of Positive Change