QUIET COMMUNITIES INC

Excessive noise has become an unwelcome feature in our communities. Gas-powered landscape operations, noise from car, truck and aviation traffic, sirens, building and road construction, industry, and even outdoor sound systems used for sports events and concerts, expose large portions of the public and the environment to significant harm, since noise levels in American society have far exceeded safe standards. Scientific evidence on public health impact from noise is incontrovertible. The most vulnerable in our population — children, the elderly, veterans with PTSD, neurodiverse individuals, and those who are immunocompromised, bear the worst of these impacts. Decades of studies have shown that noise causes auditory and non-auditory damage ranging from hearing loss and tinnitus to cardiovascular disease, anxiety, and developmental and learning challenges. Public policy has been unable to address these impacts effectively.

Jamie Banks founded Quiet Communities, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, 11 years ago as a coalition of concerned community members committed to eliminating the disproportionate and extreme effects of noise in our society. Today, we are a leading voice addressing noise, related pollution, and subsequent adverse health and environmental impacts. QC operates through seven programs—Quiet Landcare, Quiet American Skies, Quiet Coalition, Quiet Healthcare, Quiet Streets, Quiet Restaurants, and Quiet Empowerment. We are problem-focused and solutions-driven, using collaborative, systems-based approaches to achieving long-lasting structural and behavioral changes that result in quieter, more sustainable, and more livable communities. We strive to develop scalable solutions that are outcomes-centered and evidence-based. Our services include research, education and outreach, community organizing, expert testimony, development of procurement specifications, and strategic solutions.