We were unable to define a satisfactory all-purpose group of peer communities. We think the reasons for this and the data we collected are interesting. Based on what we learned, we offer a few suggestions for anyone beginning a study that compares Arlington to other communities.

When Arlington is considering some issue, it would be helpful to know how other similar communities have handled the issue. For example:

• To show the impact of providing utility services at a local level, a group of communities that have established municipal light services are chosen.
  
• To show the impact of water and sewer infrastructure projects on taxes, a group of communities that are served by the MWRA are chosen.
  
• To show the effect of alternate approaches to redeveloping a former hospital site, a group of communities with this

Consider the following possibilities:

• To show the wisdom of increasing the size of fiscal reserves, a group of communities with higher bond ratings is chosen.
  
• To show the need for increasing employee salaries, a group of wealthier communities is chosen.
  
• To show the need for a larger public safety department, a group of communities from around the State with large public safety departments is chosen.
  

Should they be bordering communities with which we compete for residents and sometimes share services (MWRA, MBTA)?

Should they be communities with similar wealth, population, and level of public service?

Should selection of peers be done by an impartial body using sophisticated numerical techniques?