The STAR Community Index, a livability and sustainability rating system for communities, is launching this year with ten participating communities. Developed by ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability in partnership with the USGBC and the Center for American Progress, the STAR rating system is inspired by the LEED rating system but goes beyond buildings and even neighborhoods. STAR looks at healthcare access, affordable housing, and green jobs. The program defines 81 sustainability goals and employs a variety of sustainability metrics considering policy, practices, and performance benchmarks in the categories of environment, economy, and society.