A special taskforce comprised of EDC volunteers was tasked with choosing five regions with similar economic and workforce capabilities.  Final selected sites were Austin, Texas; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Huntsville, Alabama; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Wichita, Kansas.

Space Coast Performance Indicators compares Brevard to the five peer regions within the following nine categories: 

• Education
• Workforce 
• Livability 
• Competitiveness 
• Productivity and Labor Supply
• Technology and Innovation 
• Business Dynamism and Vitality 
• Economic Prosperity 
• Economic Growth

Each region is ranked on every category on a one-to-six scale – one being the most favorable. No overall ranking is assigned, as each category is considered equally important to economic vitality.  Each report includes written analysis alongside the numbers as well as a system to show improvements and setbacks for each region from issue to issue.

“As the community agency tasked with monitoring the economic health of the Space Coast, this presentation of local data across a multitude of indicators and within a concise framework will allow us to provide a clear picture of where we stand as a community, as well as identify opportunities for the future or our economy,” said Lynda Weatherman, president and chief executive officer, Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast.  “It’s a powerful resource and I encourage leaders across the Space Coast to utilize this publication as an important business tool.”

Space Coast Performance Indicators is available for complimentary download, click here for a direct link.

This report is one of several new products launching this year from the EDC’s in-house research department, led by Research Specialist Neil Hamilton. Questions about the report and future releases can be directed to Hamilton at research@SpaceCoastEDC.org.