The Urban Institute's Upward Mobility Initiative is a national effort that gives local communities tools to boost long term economic well-being, racial equality, and opportunity through a foundation of clear, accurate data. Their work is done across the United States and can be found here. Their indicators are into six categories: rewarding work, high quality education, opportunity-rich and inclusive neighborhoods, healthy environments and access to good healthcare, and responsive and just governance.
Current data from the Initiative show that Walla Walla County deserves a pat on the back: It ranks on par with and even in front of the national median in a variety of important indicators. One indicator is air quality; Walla Walla County far outpaced, with an air cleanliness rating of 74% compared to the nation's 44% air quality average. Another example: Between online schooling and remote work, a strong internet connection is more important than ever, and Walla Walla is only just below the national average with 64% of households having access to high-speed internet.
A final note is such: Equal access to quality education is a big-ticket issue nationwide, and Walla Walla isn't falling behind; Most students attending public or charter schools in Walla Walla County are doing so at schools not considered high poverty; this is regardless of race or ethnicity, at rates far better than the national average. This means that most students receiving public education are doing so in well-funded schools. Good job, Walla Walla County!
To read more about these indicators, visit the Walla Walla trends website here.