NEWLY ADDED INDICATORS: Prime working age population (25-54)
REGIONAL COLLABORATION The creation of theWest Michigan Regional Dashboard would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of regional partners, along with funding from the West Michigan Regional Prosperity Alliance. Members include: • Barry County Chamber of Commerce • Grand Valley State University • KConnect • Michigan Works! West Central • Sustainable Partners LLC • Talent 2025
THE REDESIGN Along with a more user-friendly design and the latest available data, the updated dashboard now includes six new indicators, bringing the total to 37 indicators: 17 economic, 14 social, and six environmental. All indicators are believed to fall within the sphere of influence of at least one regional partner organization or stakeholder. These new indicators (shown in the sidebar to the left) were selected by the Advisory Committee this year as part of a continuous improvement process for the dashboard. Through the process, each original indicator was reviewed to ensure it was still actionable, impactful, and available on the county level. Upon review, a couple of indicators were removed because they no longer fit that criteria, while the six new indicators were added because they helped create a more robust picture of West Michigan’s overall health and prosperity.
Points to the strength of an economy and society as a whole, as this cohort generates the most goods, services, earnings, and tax revenue overall. Total number and value of small business loans Represents the lending activity of local, regional, and national banks to growing West Michigan businesses. These loans can be used for working capital, expansion, and equipment purchases. Percentage of jobs at young firms (0-5 years old) Indicative of the strength of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, which research has identified as a crucial driver of innovation and net job creation. Estimates the revenue from seasonal and secondary homes, which provides critical tax revenue for municipalities across the region, especially in the northern and lakeshore portions of West Michigan. 8th grade math level Defines the percentage of students who tested proficient or advanced on an administered mathematics examination. Recent research finds students with low math levels in 8th grade have a higher likelihood of not graduating high school and living in poverty. Housing affordability Evaluates the proportion of residents considered ‘rent-burdened’, or paying more than 30 percent of their income for housing. Individuals in this category are more likely to have difficulty affording necessities like food, clothing, transportation, and medical care. Seasonal residential property tax base
• The Right Place, Inc. • W.E. Upjohn Institute • West Michigan Works!
EXPLORE THE DASHBOARD The newly redesigned and updated dashboard can be explored online at www.wmdashboard.org . If you have any questions about the dashboard, please reach out to The Right Place at info@rightplace.org .
“As Habitat Kent begins work on a 5.5 acre site in the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood, we will be measuring the impact of our efforts on the resident’s quality of life. The West Michigan Regional Dashboard will be an important tool for how we effectively collect, display, and measure this project’s results.”
Andrew Claucherty Grants and Data Specialist Habitat for Humanity of Kent County
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