The Village of Happiness Report is Here
Published on December 26, 2024
The Village of Pinecrest sets a bold precedent for communities nation-wide. As the first municipality to pilot the World Happiness Foundation’s Cities of Happiness Initiative in the United States, Pinecrest leads the way in integrating happiness and well-being into every aspect of governance, community planning and daily life.
This initiative stems from a challenge posed by US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to address the loneliness epidemic, transforming the way cities approach governance. With Pinecrest as the pilot city, our goal is to become the City of Happiness, where you—every resident—feel connected, valued, and fulfilled.
Our Journey to Becoming a City of Happiness
In March 2024, Pinecrest launched the Happy Pinecrest People Initiative (HaPPI) in partnership with the World Happiness Foundation. More than 350 residents engaged in strategic workshops, focus groups and resident surveys to help our community gain a deeper understanding of what contributes to happiness in Pinecrest.
Key findings from the survey include:
- Happiness Levels: Over 73% of residents report being happy, yet 26% seek additional support to address dissatisfaction.
- Community Engagement: 90% of residents feel emotionally close to family or friends, but many desire more ways to engage with neighbors.
- Mental Health: 52% of residents are satisfied with mental health resources, highlighting an area for growth.
- Environmental Sustainability: With 92% of residents valuing green spaces, parks and natural areas, environmental stewardship remains a top priority.
- Educational Excellence: While schools are celebrated, teachers and students alike advocate for better wellness resources and reduced academic stress.
- Safety: Residents feel secure in Pinecrest but advocate for enhanced emergency systems and greater police visibility.
View the report(PDF, 10MB) .
The Pillars of Happiness in Pinecrest
The research identified key areas where we can enhance happiness and well-being in our community:
1- Fostering Community Engagement: Expanding events like farmers markets, cultural festivals and youth programs to deepen social bonds.
2- Promoting Environmental Sustainability: Launching additional green initiatives, improving recycling programs, and preserving Pinecrest’s natural beauty.
3- Supporting Mental Health and Wellness: Introducing more programs for seniors, youth, and educators, and integrating mindfulness practices into schools.
4- Improving Infrastructure and Mobility: Addressing traffic congestion, enhancing public transit, and creating bike-friendly spaces.
5- Encouraging Civic Participation and Volunteerism: Strengthening communication channels, increasing transparency, and offering more opportunities for residents to volunteer and get involved.
Pinecrest Hosts the World Happiness Fest 2025
Mark your calendars. Pinecrest will host the World Happiness Fest 2025 on March 20 and 21, 2025 at Pinecrest Gardens, coinciding with the International Day of Happiness. This event will explore the theme of Regenerative Happiness, a philosophy that integrates personal, social, and environmental well-being.