Purpose and Opportunity

L.I.F.E. (Leading Indicators For Excellence) in the Fox Cities presents an overview of the socio-economic conditions of the Fox Cities region and the overall direction in which it is headed. 

This effort is in some ways unique and in other ways an extension of earlier efforts to describe quality of life (e.g., The Partnership Project, Quality of Life, and L.I.F.E. in the Fox Cities 2001).  The 2006 LIFE Study includes broader economic and environmental indicators than past efforts in order to expand the usefulness of the information and reflect interwoven socio-economic sectors of life in the region.

We intend for many groups to use these findings: from businesses recruiting employees, to nonprofit agencies planning services, to local government deciding on resource allocation, to coalitions addressing an area of need, to the general public increasing awareness of community strengths and challenges.

This report provides information, but not solutions. Its purpose is to spark regional leaders and citizens to action based on an accurate understanding of current community conditions and trends.

Download the reports below:

Executive Summary (838 KB)

Complete Report (5,595 KB)

Summary of Strengths, Key findings, and Opportunities for improvement (253 KB)

Focus Group Results (111 KB)

(released June 9, 2006)