Community Assessment Matrix (CAM)
The CAM is an assessment tool that helps community leaders and development practitioners characterize the strengths, weaknesses and needs of communities from two distinct perspectives.  Many years of assisting community leaders with introspective evaluations, with community-based planning and with a variety of development programs, it became clear that discussions were more productive when the group chose to distinguish between factors related to the “Community” and the local “Economy”.

What are the main characteristics that CAM evaluates?

Community
General community characteristics and trends
Organizational structure for integrated planning
Education and training
Governance
Resources for community growth
Quality of life

Economy
General characteristics and trends of the local economy
Ability to attract or recruit businesses
Business retention and expansion available
Assistance provided to entrepreneurs
Workforce development
Sustainability