3D "D"

Methodology

The 2009 One D Detroit Regional Scorecard has undergone many changes and improvements since last year, including:

First, we reexamined the indicators we are tracking under our five priority areas.  We studied other regional initiatives like Pittsburgh Today, the Boston Indicators Project, Vital Signs in Baltimore and the Buffalo-Niagara State of the Region to get a sense of how other metropolitan areas are monitoring their progress.  Second, we collaborated with the Detroit Area Community Information System (D-ACIS) and the New Economy Initiative (NEI) to finalize the indicators that made the most sense for our region.

Second, we defined the region, whenever possible, as the Detroit-Ann Arbor-Flint CSA (Combined Statistical Area), a 9-county area (Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Livingston, Lapeer, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Genesee) defined by the federal government.  This definition tracks with other metric efforts, such as that of Michigan Future, Inc., and provides a regional economy perspective that allows for consistency across indicators and geographies. 

Third, whenever possible, we pulled data for the top 54 metropolitan areas in the United States.  Over time, we will be able to track progress against ourselves in the region while continuing to benchmark ourselves against other metropolitan areas.  A number of metrics were deemed important to track, though data were lacking at the metropolitan level.  In such cases, data were developed at the State level and comparisons made.  In other cases, comparisons were drawn at the MSA level (metropolitan statistical area) or that of the urbanized area (UA).  In each instance, the level is noted.

Fourth, we changed the method for scoring.  This year we are using the rank against other metro areas (or states) in place of a score.  We believe this is a more objective and meaningful approach that places our region in the context of our peer regions.  In instances, such as with MEAP data, where comparisons can only be made against ourselves, no rank is given but we will start to examine trends over time.  

Finally, we have endeavored to make the scorecard site an interactive tool with which the user can engage.  Due to its size, the scorecard is only available via this site.  For those who want to explore the information more deeply however, we have provided users with downloadable reports, available in both Excel and PDF formats, and source links for further information.

Thank you for visiting the One D Scorecard site.  We hope you find this information valuable and useful in understanding our region.