2011 Regional LIFE Study

The purpose of the Leading Indicators For Excellence (LIFE) Study is to develop a clear understanding of the overall quality of life in the Fox River Region (Brown County, Fox Cities, and Southern Winnebago County).  The study provides an in-depth look into ten key areas:

  • LIFE in the Community Demographics, Infrastructure, Civic engagement, Faith, Volunteerism, Government
  • LIFE at Work Economy and Employment
    • LIFE at Home Children and Families (child care, youth, elder care, populations with special needs, rural issues, ethnic issues)
    • LIFE of Self-Sufficiency Affordable Housing, Nutrition, Basic Needs
    • LIFE of Learning Education (K-12 and higher education)
    • A Safe LIFE Personal & Public Safety
    • A Healthy LIFE Physical and Mental Health
    • LIFE in Natural Environment Natural Environment (water/air quality, land use issues)
    • LIFE of Arts & Culture Arts and Cultural Assets and Pursuits
    • LIFE of Recreation & Leisure Recreation, Leisure, and Sports

Description of Data. The project began with an internet survey of hundreds of community leaders regarding their perceptions of quality of life.  Focus groups with key demographic segments were held, along with a survey of a random sample of 1500 citizens in each metro area.  Key data was compiled from existing sources such as the Census, State of Wisconsin, and other current reports. Experts within each of the ten sectors provide information and informed opinions about issues in each sector.

Regional LIFE Study: The LIFE Study was conducted separately in each of the NE Wisconsin communities in the Fox River Region by the Center for Public Affairs at UW-Green Bay and the Survey Center at St. Norbert College. The communities used parallel timelines and assessment methods that include citizen and leader surveys, citizen and expert/provider focus groups, interviews, and a comprehensive secondary data review.  While the communities utilized common methods, each built on pre-existing data collection efforts and utilize existing local reports and data.

The process resulted in the following reports:

  • Metro-Area LIFE Study Report and Executive Summary. For each community, this integrated data includes relevant information on each topic brought together from all data sources. Data in the report will be accessible to community stakeholders for grant-writing, economic development, development of targeted initiatives, and more.
  • Fox River Regional Summary. Combined information from multiple data sources about all three communities in the Fox River Region.  The report will include charts that show a) all three areas together and b) regional level survey results combined from all areas. This report will be available as a stand-alone document.

The LIFE Study began in Summer 2010 with intent to involve numerous stakeholders and citizens in the Fox River Region.  The LIFE Study was released in October, 2011.  The LIFE Study sponsors will use the information in ways that are appropriate to their individual missions and hope that other organizations in the Fox River Region will use the Study to identify priorities that best fit within their mission and expertise.

LIFE Study Sponsors:

Brown County

Greater Green Bay Community Foundation

Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce

Brown County United Way

Fox Cities

United Way Fox Cities

Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region

Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce

Fox Cities Economic Development Partnership

Southern Winnebago County

Oshkosh Area Community Foundation

Oshkosh Area United Way

US Oil Venture Open for Basic Needs

 

LIFE Study Steering Committee Members:

 

Brown County

David Pamperin

Paul Jadin

Gregg Hetue

Martha Ahrendt

Nan Nelson

Adam Hardy

Fox Cities

Margie Weiss

Peter Kelly

Curt Detjen

Marti Hemwall

Jim Schlies

Shannon Meyer

George Dearborn

Nanci Micke

Gayle Hardt

Southern Winnebago County

Eileen Connolly-Keesler

Sue Panek

Dale Feinauer

John Nichols

Beth Wyman

Cathy Luther

Megan Lang

Craig Burnett