Purpose of Community Needs Assessment
A comprehensive assessment enhances crash-related data and
provides additional information regarding community resources (those
a community already has and those a community is missing) and community
attitudes toward a project. The assessment is also used to identify
gaps, duplication, and potential solutions or countermeasures. Information
gained in a thorough assessment makes it possible to develop an
action plan that best meets the needs of the community. The assessment
may also identify a shortage of certain resources or technical support
that may be available through a traffic safety grant with federal
or state funding. In this regard, information gathered during the needs
assessment will be helpful when developing a project proposal.
A community needs assessment can provide opportunities beyond
problem identification. A good assessment may also be used to gain
commitment for a project with sources of potential funding, with
the community itself, and with a sponsoring agency. Besides assessing
current resources, the process may also provide building blocks
for self-sufficiency and can be useful in addressing task forces,
community officials, and traffic safety committees.