Published In

Metroscape

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Summer 2003

Subjects

Economic indicators -- Oregon -- Portland Metropolitan Area, Economic forecasting -- Oregon -- Portland Metropolitan Area, Benchmarking (Management) -- Oregon, Oregon -- Economic aspects -- Forecasting, Quality of life -- Oregon -- Portland Metropolitan Area

Abstract

Through its Progress Board created in 1989 and Oregon Benchmarks, Oregon has been a leader in collecting and using data to discern statewide trends in dozens of different economic, environmental, and social arenas. Oregon was among the first U.S. states to set targets for the future in each of these categories, allowing its citizens to see how much farther we have to go to achieve livability goals. These benchmarks are grouped under three major areas of a state strategic plan: quality jobs for all Oregonians; safe, caring and eng aged communities; and healthy, sustainable surroundings. Is there real value in all this data gathering? Is it useful not only to government planners, but to policy makers in both the public and private sectors? If so, will Metro's performance measurements be adequate to rate regional progress toward a better quality of life? If not, what more do we need to do?

Description

Originally appeared in the Summer 2003 edition of Metroscape, published by the Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies, Portland State University.

Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/6928

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