Featured Review: Senior says Madeira's mission of "launching women who change the world" guides every aspect of this unique educational experience. Located in the District of Columbia, this area is home to roughly 670,000 people and is often viewed as its state as opposed to a traditional city. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. The website Business Insider created the map above (Click on the map for a larger view) with the most liberal and conservative towns . We used data and science to determine the most diverse cities in Virginia. The elementary schools are great. I've been here my entire life and can't imagine living anywhere else. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Its a great place to meet new people and have fun! We use data, analytics, and a sense of humor to determine the dirt on places across the country. Chaos reigns supreme in this horrible, dreadful place. Close to city and country living. And to be clear, we didnt form this list based on our own biases we relied on the cold hard data. Its like Im buying a $600,000 house., Obamacare is great for those near poverty (where Democrats prefer Americans dwell), but terrible for anyone even close to middle class. I would still live here after graduating from hi school. Read 24 reviews. Privacy Policy. It doesnt work at all if youre over that.. 4 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars. I've been here my entire life and can't imagine living anywhere else. I've been in this area a number of times and am always blown away by how beautiful and relaxing it is for only being 10 minutes from downtown DC. In order to do so, we turned our sites on measuring how each city in Minnesota with populations greater than 5,000 voted and contributed to political campaigns in the past several years. 71 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. However, there's so much food to explore here in Richmond itself so it's not a huge let down. Read 4,585 reviews. This is our third time ranking the most liberal places to live in West Virginia. Saint Paul is the county seat of Ramsey County, the smallest and most densely populated county in Minnesota. Population: 12,902Percent Democrat: 36.8%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $34.22# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.34More on South Charleston:Photos |Data, Population: 48,034Percent Democrat: 34.1%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $13.76# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.11More on Huntington:Photos |Data. Now that were starting up the election swing to decide not only our next President, but many other local statewide initiatives, its important to put into context the types of decisions that will be made in the coming years. It is a center of government, commerce, and industry. Your email address will not be published. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. The shops range from regular Safeway to Asian food stores. #14 Most Diverse Places to Live in Virginia. If you're curious enough, here are the least diverse places in Virginia: Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. Moreover, the architecture and art are breathtaking, and there is a thriving social scene and plenty of things to do. Maplewood ( Photos) Vadnais Heights ( Photos) White Bear Lake ( Photos) If you're wondering, Little Falls is the most conservative city in Minnesota of all those we measured. We used science and data to determine which cities in Virginia probably voted for Obama. #21 Most Diverse Places to Live in Virginia. The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the city of Emporia with surrounding Greensville county for statistical purposes. Schools from Fairfax or Arlington are superior in terms of test scores and I would like to see that be said of Annandale public schools as well. Read 120 reviews. Population: 220,892Percent Democrat: 78.6%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $17.05# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.1More on Richmond:Photos |Data. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Though the South is typically known for conservatism, Austin defies this stereotype. Definitely concur about northern Virginia and some parts of Norfolk. Population: 46,487Percent Democrat: 79.7%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $130.36# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.43More on Charlottesville:Photos |Data. A solid two-thirds are pro-choice while only about one-third identifies as religious. Public schools are excellent, and the crime rate is low. Huntington is a city in Cabell County and Wayne County in the U.S. state of West Virginia. The key is to find a good job away from Washington DC metro area in order to buy a good house and maybe good schools as well Read 14 reviews. Please. Then well take a closer look at each of our top 10 most liberal cities in West Virginia. First-year students have the option to join Read 1,510 reviews. In downtown, everything is within easy walking distance, and construction is booming. Population: 12,241Percent Democrat: 65.1%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $6.06# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.08More on North St. Paul:Photos |Data. #1 Most Diverse Places to Live in Virginia. We then measured the voting record and donation data to determine which places lean the most rightward in their allegiances by: Next, we ranked each city from 1 to 145 for each of the criteria where number one was the most liberal. Due to its location along major transportation routes, including the Ohio River, National Road, and the B&O Railroad, Wheeling became a manufacturing center in the late nineteenth century. However, other areas of academics, for example, Biology,The smaller size of campus and student body aids to facilitate a familial and belonging feeling. The city is also famous for its many museums, the most well-known of which is the Art Institute of Chicago, which has notable examples of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Then well take a closer look at each of our top 10 most liberal cities in Minnesota. Population: 22,440Percent Democrat: 65.1%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $6.66# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.14More on New Brighton:Data. Featured Review: Freshman says Norfolk State is a public university that offers 31 bachelors degree programs to nearly 5,000 undergraduates in Virginia. Featured Review: Niche User says There isn't very much violence around this area and it's pretty quiet most of the time. 51 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars. However, there is an excellent public education system. 24 Niche users give it an average review of 3.1 stars. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The only problem with Manassas is the fact that it's underdeveloped. Located in Massachusetts, this city is governed through a strong mayor and city council system, both of which predominantly align with the Democratic Party. It was incorporated in 1742, and has been an independent city since 1871. From small, personalized class with the modular schedule, to a tight community of both students and faculty, to worldly experiences, Madeira prepares us for the future that we will inherit. As of the 2010 census, the population was 32,420. Posted by. San Francisco is the second-most liberal city in the USA. People are very friendly and you will often see people running, biking, or walking their dog.. Current Resident: Groveton is a fairly tight-knit area between the 495 corridor and Ft Belvoir VA. Explore the most diverse places in the U.S. based on ethnic and economic diversity statistics by city from the U.S. Census. What Im being asked to pay is more than my mortgage. #20 Most Diverse Places to Live in Virginia. If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already. Then well take a closer look at each of our top 10 most liberal cities in Virginia. According to data from political analytics company Clarity Campaign Labs, Alexandria, Virginia is the most liberal city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. But, Virginia State University, provided safe counselling for their students, safe activity's we could do on and off campus, and still provide the best education virtually at the time. The people here are mostly nice, there is religious equality in the sense that everyone can practice what they believe in. Niche User: I like where I live it has many things to do and its pretty great theres something for everyone. #22 Most Diverse Places to Live in Virginia. Chasing Chains, LLC. Featured Review: Niche User says I like where I live it has many things to do and its pretty great theres something for everyone. The cities with the highest percentage of voters who voted Democrat and gave the most to liberals where named the most liberal cities in the state.Here are the 10 most liberal places in Minnesota for 2019:North St. Paul (Photos)Mounds View (Photos)Little CanadaArden Hills (Photos)St. Paul (Photos)Falcon Heights (Photos)New BrightonMaplewood (Photos)Vadnais Heights (Photos)White Bear Lake (Photos). Nov 13, 2017 DailyWire.com Charlottesville, Va., home to Thomas Jefferson's University of Virginia, is one of the most liberal cities in America. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. 12 Niche users give it an average review of 3.3 stars. Featured Review: Current Resident says Annandale is a wonderful suburb with plenty of diversity, job opportunities, and community! 60 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars. This city is located in Texass southcentral region and provides a liberal oasis in a predominantly conservative environment. Still, it is also a location where many individuals lose all hope and become homeless. After experiencing the closing of factories and substantial population loss following World War II, Wheelings major industries now include healthcare, education, law and legal services, entertainment and tourism, and energy. Most Liberal Cities in America Comparison, Best First Time Home Buyer Programs & Grants in NYC. The highest increases primarily affect the self-employed who make more than 400 percent of the poverty level or $47,520 for an individual. When you come, youll quickly realize that there arent enough inhabitants to go around. Other available resources include tutoring and supplemental instruction via the Student Success Center, a Writing Center, and the use of microcredential digital badges, which identify achievements in certain competencies and professional skills through activities and achievements. It is a quite diverse place, so I've loved getting to try all of the cool and unique restaurants in particular. Chasing Chains, LLC. It is the county seat of Albemarle County, which surrounds the city, though the two are separate legal entities. Population: 27,521Percent Democrat: 30.2%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $39.93# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.14More on Wheeling:Photos |Data. These Are The 10 Best Places To Live In Minnesota, These Are The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In Minnesota, These Are The 10 Cheapest States To Live In, These Are The 10 Best Counties To Live In Minnesota, 10 Best Places To Raise A Family In Minnesota, These Are The 10 Best Places To Retire In Minnesota, These Are The 10 Richest Cities In Minnesota, # Of Contributions To Democrats Per Capita, $ Amount Contributed To Democrats Per Capita. Herndon took the distinction of being the most diverse, while Richlands was the least diverse city. This means that it is home to roughly 5.27 Million Democratic voters the most of any other city in the nation. The population was 21,456 at the 2010 census. Without the chaos and fear of a big school, our daughter got past the nerves that held her back and learned to speak to adults and advocate for herself. The population was 11,460 at the 2010 census. One of the major cities in the United States, Chicago is located in Illinois on the shore of Lake Michigan. Being so close to DC means there is. Niche User: Its a safe neighborhood and community with proactive homeowners Read 6 reviews. Featured Review: Senior says So far, VSU has given me the best experience I could ask for. And if you already knew these places were diverse, check out: HHI: 2,878% White: 36.4%% African American: 6.7%% Asian: 17.7%More on Herndon:Photos |Data, HHI: 2,935% White: 20.6%% African American: 32.4%% Asian: 4.6%More on Dumfries:Photos |Data, HHI: 2,989% White: 32.5%% African American: 14.0%% Asian: 11.3%More on Manassas Park:Photos |Data, HHI: 3,155% White: 39.6%% African American: 12.6%% Asian: 5.6%More on Manassas:Photos |Data, HHI: 3,441% White: 51.6%% African American: 21.3%% Asian: 6.6%More on Alexandria:Photos |Data, HHI: 3,493% White: 42.1%% African American: 40.0%% Asian: 3.2%More on Newport News:Photos |Data, HHI: 3,561% White: 43.1%% African American: 40.1%% Asian: 3.6%More on Norfolk:Photos |Data, HHI: 3,659% White: 53.8%% African American: 18.0%% Asian: 3.3%More on Culpeper:Photos |Data, HHI: 3,752% White: 55.4%% African American: 5.1%% Asian: 18.5%More on Fairfax:Photos |Data, HHI: 3,858% White: 41.2%% African American: 45.8%% Asian: 2.1%More on Richmond:Photos |Data. There's a wide diversity in students here allowing you to learn from different perspectives. Don't worry about it, it's always nearby! What really matters is where you park your car, not where you drive. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'roadsnacks_net-medrectangle-3','ezslot_0',606,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-roadsnacks_net-medrectangle-3-0');And if you already knew these places were liberal, check out some more reading about Virginia and the most lberal places in the country: We started by making a list of every city in Virginia over 5,000 people based on the 2013-2017 American Community Survey (The most recent data). The cities with the highest percentage of voters who voted Democrat and gave the most to liberals where named the most liberal cities in the state. 2y. 230 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars. In a piece headlined The Coverage Gap, the paper notes that Albemarle County, which voted for Hillary 59-33, will also see the dramatic increases. How can we aid those who ask for it? VB Raised/NOVA Resident. So that's where we went to get the breakdown of race across Virginia. About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The most liberal cities were about what you would expect: San Francisco, Washington D.C., Seattle, Oakland and Boston; the most conservative city was Mesa, Ariz., followed by Oklahoma City, Virginia Beach and Colorado Springs. The population was 5,321 at the 2010 census. No matter what university you attend, you make the experience how you want it to be. It is located at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha Rivers. If youre wondering, Little Falls is the most conservative city in Minnesota of all those we measured. The area is very culturally diverse and the neighbors are very friendly. I have just completed my Associates degree and I am working on starting my Bachelors degree. 14 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars. The schools are average. President Trump got just 2,960 votes in a city with a population of nearly 50,000. Last but not least, Portland has secured its place as one of the most liberal cities in the US. #2 Most Diverse Places to Live in Virginia. The city is home to a proud voting population of roughly 654,000 people, and 82% of the areas voters consider themselves part of the Democratic Party. #9 Most Diverse Places to Live in Virginia. The city lies mostly on the east bank of the Mississippi River in the area surrounding its point of confluence with the Minnesota River, and adjoins Minneapolis, the states largest city. 184 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars. 19 Reply All of this is to be expected, as the citys home state of Illinois is generally considered one of the most liberal in the nation. In order to do so, we turned our sites on measuring how each city in West Virginia with populations greater than 5,000 voted and contributed to political campaigns in the past several years. Also there are many jobs.. Current Resident: I love the beautiful parks and trails in the area. Current Resident: Seven Corners is a fantastic place to live! I'm kind of surprised that it took a study to determine that cities with conservative or liberal leanings among the population also had conservative or liberal policies enacted by the city government. Located on the nations west coast, this city has long been considered a haven for democrats and liberal thinkers. If you can handle going a little more west, look . That left us with 27 cities and towns. I hope to. Niche User: I like this area a lot. 7 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars. Swipe left for slideshow. 28 Reply ESQ2020 1 yr. ago Ehhh Virginia Beach is questionable. My daughter has an anxiety disorder and OCD. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. #24 Most Diverse Places to Live in Virginia. RoadSnacks is reader-supported. Read more on how this ranking was calculated. The staff is helpful and any questions I have are answered promply. Featured Review: Parent says Commonwealth Academy is above and beyond what anyone could possibly imagine for their child. Virginia Beach is conservative, but nearby Norfolk is pretty liberal, especially this one really cool neighborhood called Ghent. Your email address will not be published. In 2014, the population was estimated to be 14,691. 5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Its also the largest city in the U.S. Still part of Durham, the mid-burbs seem like the suburbs, but are safer and more welcoming to children. He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move. Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in St. Louis. A small portion of the city also extends into Washington County. Oh, there's Roanoke. Read more on how this ranking was calculated. It never fails to bring up memories of how much I like visiting Portland. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. We then measured the voting record and donation data to determine which places lean the most rightward in their allegiances by: Next, we ranked each city from 1 to 62 for each of the criteria where number one was the most liberal. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Copyright 2023 USA by Numbers | All Rights Reserved, Top 13 Most Liberal Cities in the US [Update 2023], 18 Cities with Highest Homeless in the US [Report of 2023], Top 15 Greenest Cities in the US [Update 2023], 10 Cloudiest Cities in the US [Update 2023]. Population: 12,872Percent Democrat: 65.1%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $16.7# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.36More on Mounds View:Photos |Data. Doug Gray, executive director of the Virginia Association of Health Plans, told the paper: For the people without a subsidy, its ridiculous. Coupled with its Democratic mayor, this makes New York City one of the most liberal places to live in the United States. Now that were starting up the election swing to decide not only our next President, but many other local statewide initiatives, its important to put into context the types of decisions that will be made in the coming years. It is the county seat of Marion County. Read more on how this ranking was calculated. One thing I would change however, would be the public schools. 83 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. Population: 14,817Percent Democrat: 68.3%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $47.9# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.7More on Williamsburg:Photos |Data. Here are the category names as defined by the Census: We limited our analysis to non-CDPs with a population greater than 5,000 people. #6 Most Diverse Places to Live in Virginia. The citys unique industrial past and its location as a transportation hub combined to create wealth for Virginia and the region. People are very friendly and you will often see people running, biking, or walking their dog. All rights reserved. There's a wide variety of. Sophomore: The University of Management and Technology is perfect for students with a busy schedule. How do we help those who desire a fresh start and a chance at a better life? Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. Featured Review: Current Resident says I've recently moved to Manassas the past year and I'm quite content with it. Though NYCs percentage of Democratic voters is only 62%, its total population is roughly 8.5 million. Cambridge is ultraliberal 85 percent for Coakley and suburbs like Newton, Arlington, Lexington and Concord also gave Coakley more than 60 percent. The most liberal city is San Francisco, California, followed by Washington, DC; Seattle, Washington; Oakland, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Detroit, Michigan; New York City, New York; Buffalo, New York; and Baltimore, Maryland. Have fun in the Old Town which is still alive with a wide variety of superb dining and retail establishments. The police usually cruise about often too so even if there is an emergency we could find an officer fairly. Current Resident: I've recently moved to Manassas the past year and I'm quite content with it. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'roadsnacks_net-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',606,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-roadsnacks_net-medrectangle-3-0');And if you already knew these places were liberal, check out some more reading about West Virginia and the most lberal places in the country: We started by making a list of every city in West Virginia over 5,000 people based on the 2013-2017 American Community Survey (The most recent data). The Morgantown metropolitan area has a population of 138,176, and is the 3rd largest in West Virginia. New Brighton is a city in Ramsey County, Minnesota, United States. I can walk to most of the stores I need to shop at. Featured Review: Current Resident says The neighborhood is safe, and family friendly. The area itself isn't exactly an ideal place to raise a family, but it is amazing for the up and. Current Resident: Larrymore is a wonderful neighborhood in Norfolk. Visit a farmers market or have a delectable meal in the charming Del Ray area. Read more on how this ranking was calculated. We used science and data to determine which cities in Minnesota probably voted for Obama. The population was 18,704 at the 2010 census. Every single teacher CARES. The winner, North St. Paul, is The Most liberal City in Minnesota For 2019. Cookie Notice There are 19 people per square mile; while Maysville offers a number of homes, many have a great deal of land. Here in Lorton there are recreational parks and other public places just within minutes of driving. You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website. There are about 964,000 voters in this area about 71.6% of whom identify as Democrats. #17 Most Diverse Places to Live in Virginia. In 2018, that same plan is projected to cost him $3,158 a month, with a high deductible. She had warm and nurturing advisors who saw her potential and appreciated her strengths - they gave her CONFIDENCE. Charlottesville, colloquially known as Cville by locals, is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It became a village in 1949 and a city in 1973. Located along Washington states western coast, this area is home to a voting population of about 734,000 people, roughly 74.9% of whom identify as liberals. Morgantown is best known as the home of West Virginia University and the Morgantown Personal Rapid Transit system. A historic and bustling city of commerce and heavy industry, Huntington has long-flourished due to its ideal location on the Ohio River at the mouth of the Guyandotte River. 2106 Niche users give it an average review of 3.2 stars. Lets go through these liberal places, shall we? We used science and data to determine which cities in West Virginia probably voted for Obama. As of the 2010 census, the population was 5,927, making it the second-least populous city in Virginia. The city is located on White Bear Lake, one of the largest lakes in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. If you're looking for a scientific breakdown of diversity across Virginia, this is an accurate list. I'm able to walk my dog at night safely. It provides easy access to DC, Old Town, Tysons Corner, and the 395/495/95 highways. Everyone who is considering migrating to Oakland Please read this. Located along the western bank of the Potomac River, Alexandria is approximately 7 miles south of downtown Washington, D.C. Population: 13,843Percent Democrat: 75.0%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $280.32# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 1.22More on Falls Church:Photos |Data. The local voting population is also predominantly liberal, with 79.6% of local voters aligning with the Democratic Party. Here in Lorton there are recreational parks and other public places just within minutes of driving. Read 71 reviews. Issues with the school would include a lack of diversity, small local community outside the campus, and fluctuations in academics. This is our ninth time ranking the most diverse places in Virginia. On the other hand, the city is very multicultural and welcoming to visitors from all over the world. New York City is another one of the most liberal cities in America. Swipe left for slideshow. If I could live over again, however, I would not live here at first because the. Niche User: There isn't very much violence around this area and it's pretty quiet most of the time. 7 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. It can be found in Western New York, at the easternmost tip of Lake Erie, at the beginning of the Niagara River, and not far from the international boundary between the United States and Canada. The people, the food, the stores, everything is great. Big insurers in Idaho, West Virginia, South Carolina, Iowa and Wyoming are seeking to raise premiums by averages close to 30% or more, according to preliminary rate requests published Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Certain programs, such as general education requirements, lack substantial teaching and learning. Featured Review: Current Resident says A great place for our first home as newlyweds! The city is governed by a mayor and city council, all of whom are considered non-partisan officials. Most people about 70 percent of those on individual plans will see rate increases absorbed by government subsidies, and some may even see lower premiums. New York County, N.Y. Co-terminus with the Borough of Manhattan Manhattan is the most famous, most written about, most exclusive 23 square miles in the United States. St. Albans is a city in Kanawha County, West Virginia, United States, at the confluence of the Kanawha and Coal Rivers. Well there you have it, the places in West Virginia that have the highest number of liberals per capita, with Morgantown ranking as the least conservative in the entire state. Visitor: As I visit Dulles, Virginia, I love it there! This is our third time ranking the most liberal places to live in Minnesota. There is a strange blend, with pockets of mini mansions next to trailer parks; however, in the 30-odd years I've. Current Resident: Quiet, traffic is good locally, less expensive compared to Fairfax county, good shops, the region is getting better, buying a house may be affordable with median or above median income. Your vote can alter things, and these cities are overwhelmingly liberal. Population: 136,255Percent Democrat: 66.3%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $1.92# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.03More on Hampton:Photos |Data. Most rent Politics Very conservative Conservative Balanced Liberal Very Liberal Importance of things to do Bars Not very Somewhat Very Restaurants Not very Somewhat Very Coffee shops Not very Somewhat Very Parks Not very Somewhat Very 1-25 of 885 results #1 Best Places to Live in Virginia Radnor/Fort Myer Heights Neighborhood in Arlington, VA It provides easy access to DC, Old Town, Tysons Corner, and the 395/495/95 highways. These Are The 10 Best Places To Live In Virginia, These Are The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In Virginia, These Are The 10 Cheapest States To Live In, These Are The 10 Best Counties To Live In Virginia, 10 Best Places To Raise A Family In Virginia, These Are The 10 Best Places To Retire In Virginia, These Are The 10 Richest Cities In Virginia, # Of Contributions To Democrats Per Capita, $ Amount Contributed To Democrats Per Capita. Its a really one-of-a-kind place. Politics: 40% Democrat 50% Republican. Can't get much closer to Baltimore than Shepherdstown. Chasing Chains, LLC. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, this city boasts a voting population of roughly 2.7 Million, making it the third-largest city on this list. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform.