The 2007 Regional Report

The Inaugural Charlotte Regional Indicators Project Report is based on data compiled in 2007, and is comprised of a letter from Institute director Jeff Michael, an introduction giving an overview of the Project, a perspective essay by former Institute director Bill McCoy, an overview of indicator results, followed by chapters on general demographics of the region and on each of the Indicator Project’s ten quality of life theme areas covering a total of 54 indicators. Each indicator is illustrated with maps and graphs showing trends over time and results by county (or other sub-regional areas.) (Go to Regional Reports to view on-line or download pdfs.)

The UNC Charlotte Urban Institute provided staff and research support for the Indicators Project and compiling of the Report. The Institute staff was responsible for facilitating theme area task force meetings, collecting and refining data, and compiling indicator measures. Theme area task forces were comprised of experts and leaders in the region knowledgeable about specific quality of life factors. The task forces guided the selection and review of indicators included in the indicators report. Working with Institute staff, each task force identified a set of prioritized indicators for research and inclusion in the initial report. The task forces will be asked to reconvene to recommend refinements or additions to theme areas as subsequent reports are released.

It is important to note that this inaugural effort was shaped by certain constraints, notably a purposeful decision to start modestly and add or enhance indicators over time as data availability and research capacity permit. This dictated that this first set of indicators had to be not only objective, reliable and relevant, they also had to be cost-effective to compile and likely to remain so in the future. This placed a premium on indicators for which federally- or state-mandated and collected data is readily available over indicators for which local governments or other multiple organizations are the only sources of data or for which primary data collection would be required. In many cases, the Indicator Project’s research process has identified indicators that would be preferable to those currently available, but for which there is currently no reliable, cost-effective source of data. This lack of appropriate data for assessing regional challenges is itself a challenge that the region needs to address.

While the indicators in the Report can be used to identify or analyze problems or progress, the Indicator Project’s true impact will be realized in the region’s responses to the challenges the indicators highlight. These responses must be created through the active dialogue and collaboration of stakeholders throughout the 14 counties. Available through published reports and a website, the indicators report is meant to be used by a broad range of stakeholders, including research and planning professionals, local governments, community organizations, and the public. The measures are intended to inform the development of innovative solutions and public policy initiatives to address the challenges facing the region in the 21st century.