'Quality of life' can't be examined under a microscope, quantified on a calculator or dissected in a laboratory. Instead, researchers from Stephen F. Austin State University's Center for a Livable World are assessing Kilgore's livability through face-to face interaction, plain questions and walking the city's streets and sidewalks.
According to Dr. William Forbes, the center's focus here is to explore ways the community can develop, becoming more attractive for current and potential residents. A pilot project that could serve as a model for similar cities, the Kilgore livability study comes at no cost to the city and is currently underway. Researchers are meeting with locals to survey everything from demographics to available housing, business diversity, social services, planning and environmental factors.
