'Measurement is critical to improvement'

MILTON — Milton will soon be involved in a field study that will measure its area growth, educational attainment, civic life, economic prospects and safety. City of Milton has approached Studer Community Institute to conduct a “Dashboard Research Project” to help, “support improving the quality of life in our community.”

Shannon Nickinson, with SCI, gave a presentation at the Nov. 13 city council meeting to give an overview of what the study will do. She said she was excited to see Milton become a part of this study. Nickinson said previous studies have been done on neighboring communities including Pensacola, Crestview, Panama City, and Mobile.

“The potential in Milton is exciting,” Nickinson said. “I applaud your desire to use objective benchmarks to get a snapshot of where your community is and what areas might need improvement. I do believe SCI can be helpful to your community.”

Nickinson said the study will include adding results to the online dashboard which will be available to the public at https://www.studeri.org/community-dashboard.

“The metrics provide a good snapshot of where a community is,” she said.

Part of the study, Nickinson said, will include mapping the rate of Asset Limited Income Constrained Employment (ALICE), a system used by United Way to track families who struggle financially, but earn more than poverty rate.

“While the poverty rate is a useful tool, I believe mapping the ALICE rate gives a fuller picture of a community’s economic status.” Nickinson said.

City Councilman Jeff Snow thanked Nickinson for coming and said he appreciated SCI letting Milton be a part of this study.

Mayor Wesley Meiss said, “we appreciate all of your hard work.”

According to their website, SCI is an institution that is focused on improving community quality of life by focusing on skill building for employees and business and creating tools and interventions for families to help understand the importance early brain development. 

Council approved unanimously to move forward with the project.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: 'Measurement is critical to improvement'