2012 QUALITY OF LIFE INDICATORS REPORT

SeCOND pRINTINg NOVeMBeR 2012 NORThWeST INDIANA pROFIle A PUBLICATION OF ONE REGION ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS RESEARCH COMMITTEE MEMBERS • Leigh Morris, Northwest Indiana Regional 04 INTRODUCTION Development Authority, Co-Chair • Thomas Keon, Chancellor, Purdue University Calumet, Co-Chair 04 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY • Denise Dillard, Methodist Hospitals • Lincoln Ellis, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana • Ric Frataccia, Portage Township Schools • Lou Martinez, Lake Area United Way • Mark Reshkin, Ph. D., Professor INDICATORS Emeritus, IU Northwest • Kris Pate, United Way of La Porte County • Linda Satkoski, IU Health La Porte Hospital 07 PEOPLE PROjECT SPONSORS 11 ECONOMY • Calumet College of St. Joseph • John S. & James L. Knight Foundation • Indiana University Northwest 16 ENVIRONMENT • Ivy Tech Community College • Purdue University Calumet • Purdue University North Central 22 TRANSPORTATION • Valparaiso University 27 EDUCATION OFFICERS • Bill Masterson Jr., The Times Media Co., Co-Chairman 32 HEALTH • William Lowe, Indiana University Northwest, Co-Chairman • Barb Young, Porter County Community 38 PUBLIC SAFETY Foundation, Secretary • David Bochnowski, Peoples Bank, Treasurer • Leigh Morris, Northwest Indiana 44 HOUSING Regional Development Authority, Research Committee, Chairperson 50 CULTURE • Kris Krouse, Shirley Heinze Land Trust, Program Committee, Chairperson 56 GOVERNMENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS • Mike Finissi, NIPSCO • Mark Maassel, Northwest Indiana Forum • Danita Johnson Hughes, Edgewater Systems • Lou Martinez, Lake Area United Way 61 FINAL ANALYSIS • Jon Costas, Mayor, City of Valparaiso • Karen Freeman-Wilson, Mayor, City of Gary • Bill Joiner, Northwest Indiana Regional 63 APPENDICES Development Authority • Barbara Eason-Watkins, Michigan City Area Schools METHODOLOGY • Bill Nangle, The Times Media Co. FURTHER QUESTIONS DATA RESOURCES

All photos are courtesy of The Times Media Company.

2 GREETINGS

am pleased to present you with also want to thank Ben Cunningham and his the 2012 Quality of Life Indicators staff at the Times for their efforts in creating Report. It comes to you from the layout for this publication. Finally, this One Region, the new organization publication would not exist were it not for that resulted from the merger of the financial support provided by the John S. the former Northwest Indiana and James L. Knight Foundation, represented Quality of Life Council and the by Harry J. Vande Velde III of the Legacy One Region, One Vision initiative Foundation. undertaken by The Times Media Co. In the coming weeks we will conduct a IThis report is the result of more than a number of community conversations regard- year of careful analysis of data from a variety ing the data presented in this 2012 report. I of sources. As many of you will remember, urge you to participate in one or more of these similar reports were published in 2000, 2004 conversations, which will be held throughout and 2008. This 2012 report reflects back Lake, Porter and La Porte counties. on those earlier documents, in which the In addition, I am pleased with the progress Quality of Life Council struggled to refine the being made at One Region. Our action nature of the indicators and the data points projects are all well underway as we attempt that best characterize them. It offers a cur- to identify specific approaches to improving rent analysis but also looks at the trends over our community. 601 W. 45th Avenue the past decade. And this year, we have of- I am honored to serve as your Executive Munster, IN. 46321 (219) 933-3300 fered a dashboard graphic for each topic area Director and look forward to the many www.oneregionnwi.org to show if the indicator itself has improved, contributions One Region can make in the worsened or remained unchanged. quality of life of our citizens. I want to acknowledge, in particular, the Best wishes, many contributions made by the Research Committee of One Region. This commit- tee, chaired by Leigh Morris, has worked extensively to assist our research consultant, Tina Rongers of Karnerblue Era, LLC, and Dennis Rittenmeyer, her team in the production of the report. I Executive Director of One Region

3 INTRO Twelve years ago the Northwest Indiana Quality of Life Council was formed to be a collective voice for sustainable economic, environmental and social progress in the region. It soon became apparent that in order to open conversations, set priorities and move forward, the council needed to collect data that would indicate both problems and progress. So in EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2000, the first Northwest Indiana Quality of Life Indicators Report was published. Now, the Northwest Indiana Quality of Life Council and the One Region, One Vision initia- tive are a single non-profit organization, One The 2012 Quality of Life Indicators is growing older, a fact that affects every- Region, focused on improving the quality of life Report is a portrait of a region in transi- thing from transportation to policing. in Northwest Indiana. tion. Many barriers and disparities re- But it also is growing more diverse, and This 2012 Indicators Report presents a main, and there are substantial gaps in our particularly more Latino, a fact that may baseline view of Northwest Indiana and serves knowledge of the facts about Northwest call for changes in education, housing as a relevant tool for One Region to use in its Indiana. But there also are opportunities and workforce development, among other civic engagement. The report fulfills three for conversation, leadership and action. areas. More natural areas are being con- primary purposes: This makes it an exciting time to focus on served and restored, and air pollution has 1. To provide an objective assessment of quality of life. been reduced, but the region still depends conditions in ten categories considered to The data trends in this report show almost entirely on cars and trucks, despite be leading indicators of the quality of life in that Northwest Indiana is in a state of the greenhouse gas emissions they cre- Northwest Indiana. flux. Its industrial past is fading, as it ate, the health risks they raise and the 2. To identify and evaluate trends in each of searches for a new future in high-skill sprawling development they encourage. It these categories during the period from 2000 manufacturing and the service economy. is a region that recreates, entertains and to 2010. It still is divided in many ways by class gives back. Though in the final analysis, 3. To stimulate dialogue and actions that and race, and those divisions are reflected the baseline data reveal that the region’s address opportunities to enhance the quality in disparities in education, safety, income quality of life remains much the same in of life. and access to health care. Its population 2010 as it was in 2000. Each chapter provides an overview of why the topic is important to the region, a histori- cal perspective on the issue and the current analysis. Questions are posed by the author to HOW ARE INDICATORS IN THE REGION TRENDING? stimulate thought about what the data does or does not say and what else might need to be IMPROVEMENT STEADY DECLINE considered. Calls to action are the ideas and    suggestions of the author on where One Region stakeholders might or could begin. A system PEOPLE  of arrows and blocks indicate if indicator performance has improved, remained steady or ECONOMY  has declined over time. This report is not an exhaustive list of data collected in prior years nor is it a com- ENVIRONMENT  prehensive analysis of all facets of the leading indicators. But beginning with the analysis in TRANSPORTATION  this report – including insight on where the data so far have fallen short – One Region can EDUCATION  structure a process for collecting the right data consistently and continually. HEALTH  The more useful and readily available the indicators can become, then the more that fact-based information and dialogue can PUBLIC SAFETY  shape policy and action in Northwest Indiana. These measured outcomes, as signs of marked HOUSING  progress, can then be used to hold people and organizations accountable for producing CULTURE  mutually-beneficial results. GOVERNMENT 

4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PEOPLE ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION

People matter, The Lake Educational and the way people Michigan shoreline attainment is the live in Northwest defines Northwest key to Northwest Indiana is chang- Indiana. A unique Indiana’s progress. ing. The popula- combination of Yet children still tion is becoming heavy industry, do not have equal more diverse, with residential access to a good substantial development education. While increases in the and ecological some areas have number of Latinos biodiversity make high-performing and the proportion for a stark contrast K-12 schools, of people who do not speak English at home. along the lakeshore. Industrialization and others perform well below state standards. Married households are now outnumbered by urbanization account for higher concentra- A child’s chances of succeeding in school other household arrangements and married tions of environmental degradation. Air, water depend greatly on where she lives and couples with children are a decreasing minor- and land are cleaner. Yet the effects of other which school she attends. The population of ity. The region's population also is aging, with key environmental factors, like energy and students is changing, with a rapid growth in substantial implications in every area. climate change, are largely unknown. A more Hispanic students. Data are unsatisfactory; Overall rating:  sustainable region is gradually occurring. important questions such as how well the Overall rating:  education system is preparing students for the workplace to come remain unstudied. ECONOMY Overall rating:  TRANSPORTATION Northwest Indiana is a prime Our infrastruc- HEALTH location to do ture moves goods business. The and people where Health and industrial past they need to go, well-being reflect has given way to anywhere in the the quality of care a more uncertain world. Northwest and value of human future that will Indiana's residents, life. Although there require greater workers and goods are sparkling new diversification, still move mostly hospitals and medical innovation and by car and truck, facilities, Northwest entrepreneurship and a workforce trained for with associated Indiana overall ranks a wider variety of occupations, particularly in costs in emissions, sprawl, congestion and poorly within the service industries, health care and transporta- accidents. Public transit remains fragmented, state and against tion. Employers will require better educated underfunded and underutilized. Local public national benchmarks for most measures of ac- and higher skilled workforce. Stubborn transit systems are inefficient and costly cess to health care, delivery of health care, health disparities persist in income, education and compared to other similar systems. Greater outcomes and the behavioral and environmental employment. intra-regional transit connectivity needs factors that tend to harm. Data in previous Overall rating:  further study. indicators reports were scanty, inconsistent and Overall rating:  not comparable, forcing this report to start fresh with county-level data. But better data choice, collection and access are essential for the future, especially in addressing disparities. Overall rating:

5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PUBLIC SAFETY CULTURE ANALYSIS

Essential Arts and The Quality of Life Indicators serves to services help to culture, along quantify sustainable progress in North- protect and secure with charitable west Indiana. The baseline data reveal that the region. The giving, enrich the the region’s quality of life remains much urban core of the lives of Northwest the same in 2010 as it was in 2000. region has fewer Indiana residents What does sustainability and the data violent crimes, and visitors. tell us? That the performance of the but still is violent Despite a struggle economy, environment, people, education, and unsafe. The for more funding, housing, health, government, transporta- effectiveness of program offerings tion, arts and culture, and public safety community polic- and patronage are are interconnected. This interdependence ing strategies has not been studied. There has strong. Overnight lodging related to visiting holds true for Lake County, Porter County been no coordinated effort in the region to family and friends and the area attractions, and La Porte County being smaller parts of study and take action on the root causes of like the casinos and the Indiana Dunes the whole region. But sustainable progress youth crime and delinquency. Public safety National Lakeshore, drive tourism. Wages, requires real accountability. agencies still do not broadly cooperate and spending and taxes generated make the tour- The effects of major accomplishments share information effectively. And little atten- ism and travel industry a growing sector of the have had little net impact on the numbers. tion has been paid to the non-crime sources of economy. More nonprofit organizations have There has been incremental improvement danger to the region's residents, such as fire, modest means to address community needs, in a few areas such as in crime rates, edu- auto accidents, grade crossings, drownings, yet charitable giving to them is not evenly cational attainment and water quality, and natural disasters and disparities in ambulance distributed. there are a few bright spots such as wages, response times. Overall rating:  charitable giving, air quality and recre- Overall rating:  ation. There have been a number of highly publicized initiatives that had limited local GOVERNMENT or short-term success. But overall, there HOUSING has been little systemic change, and the Leadership region has made little progress on tackling Northwest operates with the its major challenges or fully optimizing its Indiana is a good people in mind; assets since 2000. place to call home. however, North- Though the Quality of Life Indicators Yet, the effects of west Indiana still Reports have often made acute observa- the nationwide is a long way from tions about the state of the region, their housing collapse efficient, trusted, data and analysis have been too inconsis- and the ensuing re- effective govern- tent to create real accountability or provide cession are clearly ment. A major shift a fully informed basis for action. felt in Northwest in the property One Region needs a functional and Indiana. New home tax system has intellectually honest knowledge base to starts have slowed drastically cut many local agencies' budgets, guide future strategy and to make it pos- to a crawl and, while home values continue and they struggle to deliver essential public sible to judge what works. Future initia- to rise in the region, that growth has greatly services and plan for the future as tax revenues tives should be clearly linked to overall slowed in the past few years. Both homeown- fall, populations decline and tax bases shrink. strategies for progress and should be ers and renters are having a harder time paying These circumstances make it all the more clearly linked to metrics that can measure for housing, and there are more vacant homes. urgent for local governments to streamline their impact. Over time, the core indica- But long-term disparities in housing opportu- and cooperate to lower costs, but they remain tors should be able to pick up evidence nity and patterns of segregation remain, as do fragmented with often overlapping responsi- that the strategy is working or failing. the environmental and other costs associated bilities. The 2007 Kernan-Shepard Report on As the picture improves and new visions with sprawling development. streamlining government has had little effect form, Northwest Indiana communities can Overall rating:  on producing good government. come to see themselves as one region. Overall rating: 

VISION FOR The FUTURe

“A REGION RICH IN DIVERSITY, PROVIDING A HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE WITH

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EACH PERSON TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL AND LEAD A

REWARDING LIFE THAT BENEFITS SOCIETY.” - MARk MAASSel, pReSIDeNT, NWI FORUM

6 PEOPLE

diversity was seen as an obstacle to regional “WE ASPIRE TO BE A REGION THAT progress. The demographic trends fluctuated IS DIVERSE AND VALUES INCLUSION.” somewhat, but the trajectory was nearly unchanged: Northwest Indiana was growing, Before we can ask “where are we headed,” 21.7 percent in other metropolitan areas in the but not evenly. From 1990 to 2000, Porter we have to know who we are. Though the Northeast and Midwest. County grew quickly, yet the urban core demographics of Northwest Indiana have Locally, northern sections of Lake County communities and La Porte County grew changed over the years, one major charac- were contracting and its suburban and rural hardly at all. teristic remains constant: The region has areas were expanding. Porter County was de- Meanwhile, households in Northwest no single “dominant city” that defines us veloping most rapidly while La Porte County Indiana were changing. Lake County had the because no one city is dominant. Instead, the grew slightly. Meanwhile, the region became highest rate of single-parent homes, at 11.3 cities of Hammond, East Chicago, Gary and more racially and ethnically diverse between percent in 2000. The proportion of people Michigan City, when thought of as an urban 1970 and 1998. As of 1998, Northwest Indiana living alone, an average of 24 percent region- core, are comparable to the central cities of had 12 percent of the state's population, but ally, was nearly equal to the proportion of other metropolitan areas yet are encompassed 29.5 percent of its African-American and 51 households consisting of married parents with by smaller and growing cities and towns that percent of its Hispanic residents. children. compromise our region. As with other metropolitan areas at the In the 2008 report, the perspective Highly urbanized areas that include rural time, the population shifts left poverty changed from seeing racial division as a life, like Northwest Indiana, attract and reflect concentrated in the urban core. Poverty was liability to viewing diversity as a social asset a diversity of people. The challenge becomes especially concentrated in Lake County, where that could fuel creativity and innovation, how best to create a marketplace and home- most blacks and Latinos lived, the majority of and therefore economic growth. Northwest towns that are desirable to a range of needs, them in low-income neighborhoods. Between Indiana's history has resulted in patterns of interests, eclectic tastes and rich cultures. 1970 and 1998, the proportion of people living division and exclusion by race, class, religion, in poverty in Northwest Indiana increased nationality and politics. A major challenge for from 8.5 percent to 13.4 percent. The 2000 the region was creating a sense of inclusive- A LOOK BACK report concluded that it was not in anyone's ness, community cohesion and collective interest to leave each city on its own to address identity going forward. When the first “Northwest Indiana Quality these problems: “Disparity requires regional In 2006, 73 percent of Northwest Indiana's of Life Indicators for Progress” report was solutions.” people were white, 18 percent were black published in 2000, its writers noted that The 2004 report recognized racial division and 9 percent were of other races, and 10.9 from 1970 to 1990 the region, like other as the “Achilles’ heel” of Northwest Indiana. percent were Hispanic. The 2008 report noted older industrial cities, had seen a dramatic Though the region overall was increasingly a historic shift: More people were coming population shift from the urban core to outly- diverse, members of its racial and ethnic to Northwest Indiana from other parts of ing areas. Northwest Indiana's urban core groups still led separate lives in segregated the nation than were emigrating from other population loss was 28.7 percent, compared to communities. Lack of appreciation for countries.

7 NWI Population, 2000-2010 and Projection, 2015 NWI Population by Age Groups, 2010 2000 2005 2010 2015 Lake Porter La Porte 900,000 250,000 800,000 200,000 700,000 NWI Population, 2000-2010 and Projection, 2015 NWI Population by Age Groups, 2010 600,000 2000 2005 2010 2015 150,000Lake Porter La Porte 500,000 900,000 250,000 400,000 800,000 100,000 200,000 700,000 300,000 50,000 600,000 150,000 200,000 500,000 100,000 100,000 0 400,000 Senior Adult Young College School Preschool 0 NWI Population, 2000-2010 300,000and Projection, 2015 NWI Population by Age Groups, 2010 (65+) (45-64) Adult (18-24) (5-17) (Under 4) Lake Porter La Porte NWI 50,000 (25-44) 2000 2005 2010200,000 2015 Lake Porter La Porte 900,000 Population100,000 Change 250,000 0 Senior Adult Young College School Preschool 800,000 2000 02010 (65+) (45-64) Adult (18-24) (5-17) (Under 4) Lake Porter La Porte200,000 NWI 700,000 (25-44) 1000 NWI Population, 2000-2010 and Projection, 2015 NWI Population by Age Groups, 2010 600,000 Population Change 150,000 2000 2005 2010 2015 Lake Porter La Porte 500,000 800 2000 2010 900,000 250,000 400,000 1000 100,000 800,000 600 300,000 200,000 700,000 800 NWI Population,50,000 2000-2010 and Projection, 2015 NWI Population by Age Groups, 2010 200,000 2000 2005 2010 2015 Porter La Porte 600,000 Lake 400 600 150,000 100,000 900,000 0 250,000 500,000 Senior Adult Young College School Preschool 0 800,000 400,000 200 400 100,000 (65+) (45-64) Adult (18-24) (5-17) (Under 4) Lake Porter La Porte NWI (25-44) 200,000 700,000 300,000 200 Population Change0 50,000 People per Capita 600,000 200,000 150,000 2000 2010 0 500,000 100,000 -200 People per Capita 0 1000 400,000 Senior Adult Young College School Preschool 100,000 0 -200 (65+) (45-64) Adult (18-24) (5-17) (Under 4) Lake Porter La Porte NWI 300,000 (25-44) 800 -400 50,000 Population Change -400 200,000 600 -600 100,000 0 2000 2010 Natural-600 Net Population Natural Net Population Senior Adult Young College School Preschool 1000 0 PEOPLE400 Change MigrationChange MigrationChangeChange (65+) (45-64) Adult (18-24) (5-17) (Under 4) Lake Porter La Porte NWI (25-44) 800200 NWI MigrationNWI Migration Patterns, Patterns, 2000-2010 2000-2010Population Change NWINWI Population Population THE NUMBERS NOW byby Race Race & Ethnicity & Ethnicity 600 0 2000 200020052005 2010 2010 2000 2010 People per Capita The way we live is changing. of2,500 the region's households, up 1000 Today we are less likely be2,500 part from the 8.5 percent of house- 2% 400-200 2% 12% of a household with a married holds in 2000. The proportion Asian 800 12%17% 1% Asian couple200 and children, and more of2,000 non-English-speaking 17% 1% White likely-400 to live in a single-parent households was greatest in 2,000 Other RacesWhite family home or alone. We are Lake County and fewest in 600 0 1,500 aging:People per Capita -600 The region's median age La Porte County. HispanicOther Races Natural Net Population is approaching 40, with fewer1,500 The region also is more 400 68% African-AmericanHispanic -200 Change Migration Changediverse in how its residents young people and more graying 1,000 baby boomers. live. Married people are no 200 68% African-American longer a majority of households -400NWIIn 2010, Migration Northwest Patterns, Indiana1,000 2000-2010 NWI Population accounted for 11.9 percent of in 500Northwest Indiana; more by Race & Ethnicity 2000 2005 2010 households now are headed by 0 Indiana's population and its People per Capita -600 population2,500Natural has increased Net byPopulation single parents or people living 4.1 percentChange since Migration2000. But500 Changealone.0 Only in Porter County 2% -200 12% Asian most of that increase has been do more than a quarter of 17% 1% in Porter2,000 County. Lake and La households consist of married White NWI Migration Patterns, 2000-2010-500 -400 NWI Population Porte counties grew far more 0 couples with children. Foreign Domestic by RaceNet & Migration Ethnicity Other Races slowly2000 than the rest2005 of the 2010 The aging of Northwest state.1,500 Indiana hasImmigration substantial impli- Immigration-600 Hispanic 2,500 Natural Net Population We have an increasing -500 cations all across the region, 2%Change Migration68% Change African-American number of Latinos, Asians and for the business, employment, 12% Asian 1,000 Foreign Domestic Net Migration17% 1% people2,000 of combined ancestry in NWIgovernment, Race & health Ethnicity care, Percent Change, 2000-2010 White Immigration ImmigrationNWI Migration Patterns, 2000-2010 NWI Population our population. While whites educationLake and Porterinfrastructure. La Porte NWI accounted500 for 78 percent of its The populations of people ages Other Races by Race & Ethnicity 2000 2005 2010 population1,500 in 2010, that figure 300%45-65 and 65 and older are NWI Households by Type, 2000-2010 Hispanic is down 2 percent from 2000. increasing while the population 2,5002000 2010 NWI Race & Ethnicity Percent Change, 2000-2010 68% African-American 2% The proportion0 of African of young people is largely flat. 12% 1,000 250% 35% Asian Americans stood at 19 percentLake FromPorter 2000 to 2010, La the Porte median NWI30% 17% 1% of the population, but the age for the Northwest Indiana 2,000 White -500 25% Hispanic population has grown 200%region increased from 36.4 to 20% Other Races 500 Foreign300% Domestic Net Migration rapidly to 13 percent. 38.5, with the population of 15% Immigration Immigration 1,500 Hispanic In 2010, English was not the 150%La Porte County aging most 10% primary0 language in 9.3250% percent rapidly. 5% 68% African-American 0% 100% 1,000 NWI Race & Ethnicity Percent Change, 2000-2010 Married Married Single Living Balance -500 200% with Children without Parent Alone Lake Porter La Porte NWI Foreign 50%Domestic Net Migration 500 Children Households Immigration Immigration 300% 150% 0 0 250% NWI Race & Ethnicity Percent Change, 2000-2010 100% -50% Lake Porter La Porte African-AmericanNWI American Indian/-500 Asian White Native Hawaiian/ Two or Hispanic 200% Alaska Native Foreign Domestic PacificNet Islander Migration more races NWI Primary Language 300% 50% Immigration Immigration Spoken in Home, 2010 150% 250% 0 100% NWI Race & Ethnicity Percent Change, 2000-2010 200% -50% Lake Porter La Porte NWI 50% African-American American Indian/ Asian White Native Hawaiian/ Two or Hispanic 150% Alaska Native300% Pacific Islander more races 0 English only 100% 250% -50% African-American American Indian/ Asian White Native Hawaiian/ Two or Hispanic 50% 200% Other Alaska Native Pacific Islander more races

0 150%

-50% 100% African-American American Indian/ Asian White Native Hawaiian/ Two or Hispanic Alaska Native Pacific Islander more races 50%

0 8 Population Age 5+ Lake Porter -50% MedianAfrican-American Age, 2000-2010 Americanwith Indian/ DisabilityAsian La PorteWhiteNWI Native Hawaiian/ Two or Hispanic Alaska Native Pacific Islander more races 50 150,000

40 120,000

90,000 30 Lake Porter

La Porte NWI 60,000 20

30,000 10

0 ’00 ’05 ’10 0 ’00 ’05 ’10

NWI Change in Age Groups by County, 2000-2010 Lake Porter La Porte

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0

-5%

-10%

-15% Senior (65+) Adult (45-64) Young Adult (25-44) College (18-24) School (5-17) Preschool (Under 4)

-15%

-10%

-5%

10%

5%

15%

0

20%

25%

30%

Senior (65+) Senior

NWI Change in Age Groups by County, 2000-2010 County, by Groups Age in Change NWI

’00

0

10

Lake

20

30

40

50

Median Age, 2000-2010 Age, Median

Porter La Porte La Porter

La Porte La

Lake

’05

Adult (45-64) Young Adult (25-44) College (18-24) College (25-44) Adult Young (45-64) Adult

Porter

10%

0%

15%

5%

NWI Households by Type, 2000-2010 20%

25%

NWI

2000 2010 30%

35%

with Children with ’10 35% 30% 25%

20% 2000-2010 Type, by Households NWI

15% Married 10%

5% 0% 2000 Married Married Single Living Balance

with Children without Parent Alone

30,000 Children Households

60,000

90,000

120,000 0

150,000

’00

with Disability with NWI Primary Language

Population Age 5+ 5+ Age Population

Spoken in Home, 2010 Children

2010

Married Married without

English only

Other

Households

Parent Parent

Single Single ’05 Population Age 5+ Lake Porter with Disability La Porte NWI MedianNWINWI Population, Population, Age, 2000-2010 2000-2010 2000-2010 and and Projection, Projection, 2015 2015 NWINWI Population Population by by Age Age Groups, Groups, 2010 2010 50 20002000 200520052010 2010 150,00020152015 LakeLake PorterPorter LaLa Porte Porte 900,000900,000 250,000250,000 NWI Households by Type, 2000-2010 40800,000800,000 120,000 NWI Households by Type, 2000-2010 200,000 2000 2010

700,000 200,000

La Porte La 700,000

2000 2010 35% Alone Lake

600,000 90,000 30% Living 35% 30600,000 150,000150,000 25% 30% Lake Porter 500,000500,000 20% 25% La Porte NWI 15% 60,000 100,000 20% 20400,000400,000 100,000 10% 15% 5% 10% 300,000 300,000 50,000 0% 5% 30,000 50,000 200,000 Married Married Single Living Balance 0% 10200,000 with Children without Parent Alone Married Married Single100,000100,000 Living Balance 00 Children Households 0 Senior Adult Young College School Preschool with Children without Parent Alone ’00 ’05 ’10Senior Adult Young College School Preschool

Porter Children Households0 00 (65+) (45-64) Adult (18-24) (5-17) (Under 4) Lake Porter La Porte NWI (65+) (45-64) Adult (18-24) (5-17) (Under 4)

’00 Lake’05 Porter’10 La Porte NWI (25-44)(25-44)

Balance

NWI Population Change ’10 Population Change NWI2000 Change2000 in20102010 Age Groups by County, 2000-2010 NWI Primary Language Spoken in Home, 2010 10001000Lake Porter La Porte NWI Primary Language Spoken in Home, 2010 30% 800800 NWI Households by Type, 2000-2010 NWI Households by25% Type, 2000-2010

School (5-17) Preschool (Under 4) (Under Preschool (5-17) School 2000 2010 2000600600 2010 NWI Households35% by Type, 2000-201035%20% 2000 201030% 30% 400400 25%15% 35% 25% 20% 20% English only 30% 10% 200 15% 15% 200 25% 10% English only 10% 5% 20% 5% 0 Other 5% People per Capita 0 15% 0% People per Capita 10% 0% 0 Other Married MarriedMarried Single Married LivingSingleBalance Living Balance 5% -200-200 0% with Children without-5%with ChildrenParentwithout AloneParent Alone Children Households Married Married SingleChildren LivingHouseholdsBalance -10%-400-400 with Children without Parent Alone Children Households-15% -600-600 Senior (65+) Adult (45-64) Young Adult (25-44) College (18-24) School (5-17) Preschool (Under 4) NaturalNatural NetNet PopulationPopulation ChangeChangeMigrationMigrationChangeChange NWI Primary Language NWI Primary Language Population Age 5+ Lake Porter NWINWI Migration Migration Patterns, Patterns, 2000-2010 2000-2010 NWINWI Population Population Spoken in Home, 2010 Spoken in Home, 2010 with Disability Population Age 5+ Lake Porter byby Race Race & & Ethnicity Ethnicity Median Age, 2000-2010 La Porte NWI 20002000 20052005 2010 2010 NWI Primary Language with Disability Median Age, 2000-2010 La Porte NWI Spoken in Home, 2010 50 150,000 2,5002,500 2%2%

50 12%12% Asian 150,000 Other Asian 17%17% 1% 1%

2,000 White 120,000 2,000 only English 40 White Other Races 40 120,000 Other Races 1,500 1,500 HispanicHispanic 90,000 English only English only 30 68% African-AmericanLake Porter 90,000 68% African-American 30 90.7% 1,000 La Porte NWI Lake Porter 1,000 English only Other Other 60,000 9.3% 20 La Porte NWI 60,000 20 500500 Other 30,000 10 30,000 00 10 0 ’00 ’05 ’10 0-500 0 -500’00 ’05 ’10 ’00 ’05 ’10 0 ForeignForeign DomesticDomestic NetNet Migration Migration ’00 ’05 ’10 ImmigrationImmigration ImmigrationImmigration

PopulationLake Age 5+Porter Lake Porter Language Primary NWI Population Age 5+ 2010 Home, in Spoken 9 with Disability NWI Change in Age Groups by County, 2000-2010 Median Age, 2000-2010MedianNWI Age, Race with2000-2010 & DisabilityEthnicity Percent Change,La Porte 2000-2010NWI La Porte NWI NWI Change in Age GroupsPopulation by NWICounty, RaceAge 2000-2010 5+ & EthnicityLake PercentPorter Change, 2000-2010 Lake Porter La Porte 50 with50 DisabilityLakeLake150,000PorterPorter La La150,000 Porte Porte NWINWI Median LakeAge, 2000-2010Porter La Porte La Porte NWI 30% 300%300% 50 30% 150,000 25% 40 40 120,000 120,000 250% 25% 250% 20% 40 120,000 20% 90,000 90,000 30 30 200%200% 15% Lake Porter Lake Porter 15% 10% 90,000 150%La Porte NWI 30 La Porte 150%NWI 60,000 60,000 10% Lake 20 Porter 20 5% La Porte NWI 100% 5% 60,000100% 0 20 30,000 30,000 10 0 10 50%50% -5% 30,000 0 0 10 -5% -10% 00 ’00 ’00’05 ’05’10 ’10 0 0 -10% ’00 ’05 ’00 0 ’10 ’05 ’10 -15% Senior (65+) Adult (45-64) Young Adult (25-44) College (18-24) School (5-17) Preschool (Under 4) -50%-50%’00 ’05 ’10 0 -15% African-AmericanAfrican-American American American Indian/ Indian/ AsianAsian WhiteWhite Native Native Hawaiian/ Hawaiian/ TwoTwo or or HispanicHispanic Senior (65+) Adult (45-64) Young Adult (25-44) College (18-24) School (5-17) Preschool (Under 4) ’00 ’05 ’10 AlaskaAlaska Native Native PacificPacific Islander Islander moremore races races NWI Change in AgeNWI Groups Change by in County, Age Groups 2000-2010 by County, 2000-2010 Lake PorterLake La PortePorter La Porte NWI Change in Age Groups by County, 2000-2010 30% 30% Lake Porter La Porte 25% 25% 30% 20% 20% 25% 15% 15% 20% 10% 10% 15% 5% 5% 10% 0 0 5% -5% -5% 0 -10% -10% -5% -15% -15% -10% Senior (65+) SeniorAdult (65+) (45-64)Adult Young (45-64) Adult (25-44) Young College Adult (25-44) (18-24) CollegeSchool (18-24) (5-17)School Preschool (5-17) (Under 4) Preschool (Under 4)

-15% Senior (65+) Adult (45-64) Young Adult (25-44) College (18-24) School (5-17) Preschool (Under 4) PEOPLE

WHERE WE STAND

Northwest Indiana is a human tapestry being woven as people are born, as they come to the region, as they move within the region or leave. We are not living in the world of 30, 50 or 100 years ago. Perceptions, needs and assets have changed, even though cities and towns maintain their distinctive character and traditions. Too often, the people of Northwest Indiana have defined themselves by their historic differences. Now, we need leadership to work toward a new cultural identity that aligns better with the realities of our dynamic population. Race, class and other factors may divide but they are not all-powerful. According to the Knight Foundation’s Soul of the Commu- nity, Gary Report 2010, communities whose residents have a strong sense of emotional vision for Northwest Indiana? How are jobs, occupations and education attachment tend to be more prosperous and How can we create equal opportunities for distributed among them? forward-looking. And that sense of attach- all in the region? How much do they interact in various ways? ment has less to do with demographics, the Given that the region's future workforce How do they perceive each other? study says, than with the perceptions of is likely to include a greater proportion of How do they see their future? residents that they live in a good place, as Latinos, how can we create a more welcoming measured by aesthetics, openness and social culture? offerings. How can we improve connections within CALL TO ACTION The Knight Foundation report found that and between communities in the region? cities and towns in Northwest Indiana lagged A common body of knowledge about the well behind their peers of the same size in demographics of Northwest Indiana would all the study's key drivers of community WHAT WE NEED be a powerful tool for addressing the region's attachment. The study rated emotional future challenges. It would be most useful connection in the Gary region, inclusive of TO KNOW if a collection of information were central- the three counties, at 2.80 out of a possible 5, ized, maintained online and open to all. The significantly worse than the 3.57 average for 26 The data now available give us only a bald Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning cities the foundation studied nationally. and sketchy understanding of the people of Council’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan is one The demographic indicators that tell us Northwest Indiana, and especially of the way place to begin. who lives here and under what conditions they relate to each other how they relate to The region needs leadership to address provide the background for considering each other, within an across the divisions of issues around race, immigration, aging and what needs to be done to improve the quality race, class, income, geography and language. other shifts in demographics, and it needs of their lives. As we seek to foster a more Among the questions that call for more strong champions for creating a more wel- connected community of people who work research and better measurement are: coming and inclusive region. together for the vital future of the region, we How do people of different ages, classes, One Region’s planned community will need to further explore: races, ethnic groups and primary languages conversations, funded through the Knight How can we make the region more inclu- perceive their communities, the larger region Foundation, can be the start of understanding sive as well as diverse? and their place within it? how Northwest Indiana leaders might foster How can we bring people from diverse What are the demographic make-up of the stronger bonds among residents, within and communities together around a common region’s cities and towns? between its cities and towns.

PEOPLE  LEARN MORE POPULATION TRENDS  U.S. Census Bureau, POPULATION CHANGE  www.quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/18000.html RACIAL AND ETHNIC DISTRIBUTION  Stats Indiana, www.stats.indiana.edu POPULATION BY AGE GROUP  Hoosiers by Numbers, www.hoosierdata.in.gov AGE BY COUNTY  RESIDENTS WITH DISABILITIES  HOUSEHOLD TYPE  LANGUAGES SPOKEN IN HOUSEHOLDS 

ISSUeS TReNDINg  IMPROVEMENT  STEADY  DECLINE

10 ECONOMY

employment and tax revenues. “WE ASPIRE TO BE A REGION The report suggested that the region's THAT IS THRIVING AND VALUES economy could be positioned for growth by fostering the transportation, distribution and ECONOMIC PROSPERITY FOR ALL.” logistics industry; overhauling Indiana’s tax structure; investing in telecommunications; Northwest Indiana's brawling industrial of Life Indicators for Progress” report was redeveloping brownfields; and better marketing. past has given way to a more uncertain future published in 2000, the economy was strong By the time the next report was published that will require greater diversification, inno- and the labor market was tight. Though in 2008, the old economy had given way to vation and entrepreneurship and a workforce workers in some sectors enjoyed good wages, the new. To move ahead, businesses needed trained for a wider variety of occupations. nearly half of Northwest Indiana families did to focus on innovation and workers needed to Stubborn disparities persist in income, educa- not have enough income to cover their basic learn new skills. Jobs that were being created tion and employment. needs. Urban core communities had high rates in the service sectors did not pay as much as Coming out of the recession, the economic of unemployment, twice that of the region as a the manufacturing jobs that had been lost. breakthrough for the region may rely heavily whole, and were losing jobs. Major changes in the tax structure were being upon, not just manufacturing and construc- The goal set forth in the report was “to contemplated and debated downstate. tion, but the growing sectors of logistics, obtain economic prosperity that is sustain- The transportation and warehousing sector healthcare and profession services. Major able, equitable, and competitive in the global had, in fact, grown in employment, providing innovations may sprout from local research economy.” It recommended that the region an opportunity to focus job training and and development units in local businesses, at pursue policies that would achieve balanced employment efforts. As established businesses universities’ centers and government affiliates. growth with a focus on urban revitalization. contracted, more people were self-employed. Area businesses and a highly qualified and When the next report was published in It had become even more important for career-ready workforce benefit from increase 2004, the structure of the regional economy workers to attain more and better education, productivity. was changing. Northwest Indiana’s ability to skills and credentials, and there was hope that adapt was being tested by globalization and education might equalize the continued lower business fluctuations. Manufacturing jobs earnings and higher unemployment of women A LOOK BACK were lost as the global steel industry consoli- and people of color. The income gap between dated through mergers and acquisitions. But the rich and poor, especially for Northwest When the “Northwest Indiana Quality the prosperous casino industry bolstered local Indiana's neediest households, grew.

11 150% Utilities

120%

90%

60% Mining Educational Services 30% Health Care & Social Services Professtional Services Finance & Insurance Accommodation & Food Service Real Estate Arts, Entertainment & Recreation Transportation & Warehousing Transportation Other Services Retail Trade Wholesale Trade Information Manufacturing Construction Forestry & Ag Administration Management of Companies 0%

Change in NWI Establishments between 2000-2010 -30%

NWI Educational Attainment NWI Annual Average Wages by Sectors 2006 2010 2000 2010 6% 5% 7% 4% $80,000 9% $70,000 11% 12% 13% $60,000 $50,000 6% $40,000 8% $30,000 $20,000 37% 22% $10,000 38% 0 22% Natural Const- Manu- Trade, Information Financial Professional Educational Leisure & Other Federal, Resources ruction facturing Trans- Activities & Business & Health Hospitality Services State & & Mining portation Services Services (Private Local & Utilities Industries) Government Less than 9th Grade 9th Grade to 12th Grade, No Diploma Some College, No Degree High School Graduate (including equivalent) Associate Degree Bachelor’s Degree Total Employment within UnemploymentGraduate or Professional Rate Degree NWI Establishments ECONOMY Lake Porter La Porte NWI 350,000 150% 12%

Utilities 11%Labor Force Size THE300,000 NUMBERS NOW 120% 10% Lake Porter La Porte NWI Over the last several years, of 25 percent. Manufacturing 9%400,000 the United250,000 States and the alone lost more than 5,000 jobs world have struggled through between 2006 and 2010 but 8% 90% 350,000 one of the worst recessions in average annual wages increased 7% modern200,000 history. Northwest 3 percent during the period to 300,000 Indiana is not immune. Yet an $59,898. 6% 60% increasingly diverseMining NWIbusiness Long-term trends nation- 250,000 150,000 5% sector helped keep theLake regional wide show jobs moving from

Educational Services 200,000 Number of Workers 4% economy relatively stablePorter during manufacturing to service 2000-2010.30% industries. Northwest Indiana’s 100,000 La Porte 3%150,000 While large companies haveHealth Care & Social Services service sector grew by 621 firms Number of Workers Professtional Services Finance & Insurance Accommodation & Food Service 2% Real Estate traditionally carried the region's over the period, an increaseArts, Entertainment & Recreation of

Transportation & Warehousing Transportation 100,000 Other Services Retail Trade Wholesale Trade Information Manufacturing Construction Forestry & Ag Administration economy,50,000 small businesses now 5 percent, and its total employ- Management of Companies 0% 1% play a greater role. In 2010, ment was nearly flat, with a net 50,000 Northwest Indiana contained loss of 162 jobs. Service sector 0 0 2000 2005 2010 16,217 businesses,Change 99in percentNWI Establishments average wages between increased 2000-2010 by 7 0 of-30% them with’00 250 or fewer’05 em- ’10percent from 2006-2010 to 2000 2005 2010 ployees. From 2000 to 2010, the $31,106. region held on to 281,769 jobs, a In 2010, small businesses decline of 6.7 percent. Job losses accounted for 68 percent of the NWI Per Capita Income wereNWI greatest Poverty in Rates Lake County region's jobs, compared to 66 and least in Porter County. percent in 2000. Meanwhile, 2000 2005 2010 NWI Porter Meanwhile,NWI Annual average Average annual Wages bypublic Sectors sector employment2006 2010 $50,000 wagesLake from 2006La increased Porte 8 contracted by nearly 3,000 jobs percent$80,000 to $37,806 in 2010. from 2006-2010, average wages 20%$70,000Unemployment in North- grew to $35,719, an increase of 7 $40,000 west$60,000 Indiana stood at 10.6 percent. percent16%$50,000 in 2010 and was highest A more diverse economy in La Porte County at 11.9 per- needs a more skilled workforce. $30,000 $40,000 cent. Though the 10.6 percent In 2010, nearly 28 percent of 12% unemployment$30,000 rate represents the regional population over age 37,696$20,000 people looking for jobs 25 has an associate's degree or $20,000 who$10,0008% could not find them, the higher, up from 23 percent in number of job seekers had 2000. However, the proportion 0 $10,000 tripled4% since Natural2000. Const- ofManu- high school graduatesTrade, hasInformation Financial Professional Educational Leisure & Other Federal, The greatestResources declines wereruction remainedfacturing largelyTrans- unchanged Activities & Business & Health Hospitality Services State & seen in business sectors that over the last decade at about 37 0 & Mining portation 0 Services Services (Private Local have traditionally been the percent. ’00 ’05 ’10 & Utilities Lake Porter La PorteIndustries) NWIGovernment base of the Northwest Indiana The average per capita in- economy. There were 15 percent come in the region in 2010 was fewer construction firms in 2010 $34,848, up 26 percent from thanTotal in 2000,Employment with 2,802 within fewer 2000. It was 12.7 percent less Unemployment Rate NWI Establishments workers. But for those construc- than the U.S. national average Lake Porter La Porte NWI tion 350,000workers who remained, of $39,937 but 2.5 percent more wages increased by 32 percent to than the Indiana statewide 12% $61,557, the greatest gain in any average at $33,981. However, the 11% sector.300,000 level of poverty in Northwest The manufacturing, whole- Indiana had increased to 14.9 10% sale and retail trade sectors in percent in 2010, compared to 9% the region250,000 lost 330 firms be- 15.3 percent for both the state tween 2000 and 2010, a decline and the nation. 8% 200,000 7% 6% NWI 150,000 5% Lake

Number of Workers 4% Porter 100,000 La Porte 3% 2% 50,000 1% 0 0 2000 2005 2010 ’00 ’05 ’10 12

NWI Per Capita Income NWI Poverty Rates 2000 2005 2010 NWI Porter $50,000 Lake La Porte

20% $40,000

16% $30,000

12% $20,000 8%

$10,000 4%

0 0 ’00 ’05 ’10 Lake Porter La Porte NWI 150% 150% Utilities Utilities 120% 120%

90% 90%

60% 60% Mining Mining Educational Services Educational Services 30% 30% Health Care & Social Services Health Care & Social Services Professtional Services Finance & Insurance Accommodation & Food Service Professtional Services Finance & Insurance Real Estate Arts, Entertainment & Recreation Accommodation & Food Service Transportation & Warehousing Transportation Real Estate Arts, Entertainment & Recreation Other Services Retail Trade Wholesale Trade Information Manufacturing Construction Forestry & Ag Transportation & Warehousing Transportation Administration Management of Companies Other Services Retail Trade Wholesale Trade Information Manufacturing Construction Forestry & Ag Administration 0% Management of Companies 0%

ChangeChange in in NWI NWI Establishments Establishments between between 2000-2010 2000-2010 -30% -30%

2006 2010 NWI AnnualAnnual Average Average Wages Wages by by Sectors Sectors 2006 2010 $80,000 $80,000 $70,000 $70,000 $60,000 $60,000 $50,000 $50,000 $40,000 $40,000 $30,000 $30,000 $20,000 $20,000 $10,000 $10,000 0 0 Natural Const- Manu- Trade, Information Financial Professional Educational Leisure & Other Federal, Natural Const- Manu- Trade, Information Financial Professional Educational Leisure & Other Federal, Resources ruction facturing Trans- Activities & Business & Health Hospitality Services State & Resources ruction facturing Trans- Activities & Business & Health Hospitality Services State & & Mining portation Services Services (Private Local & Mining portation Services Services (Private Local & Utilities Industries) Government & Utilities Industries) Government

150% Total EmploymentEmployment within within Unemployment Rate NWI Establishments Unemployment Rate NWI Establishments Lake Porter La Porte NWI Utilities Lake Porter La Porte NWI 350,000 350,000 12% 120% 12% 11% 300,000 11% 300,000 10% 90% 10% 9% 250,000 9% 250,000 8% 8% 60% Mining 200,000 7% 200,000 7% 6% Educational Services 6% NWI 30% 150,000 NWI 5% 150,000 5% Health Care & Social Services Lake Lake Professtional Services Number of Workers

Finance & Insurance 4% Accommodation & Food Service

Number of Workers 4% Real Estate Arts, Entertainment & Recreation Porter Transportation & Warehousing Transportation Porter Other Services Retail Trade Wholesale Trade Information Manufacturing Construction Forestry & Ag Administration Management of Companies 100,000 La Porte 3% 0% 100,000 La Porte 3% 2% 2% Change in NWI Establishments between 2000-2010 50,000 1% 50,000 1% -30% 0 0 0 2000 2005 2010 0 2000 2005 2010 ’00 ’05 ’10 150% ’00 ’05 ’10

NWI EducationalUtilities Attainment NWI120%2000 Annual Average Wages by Sectors 2010 2006 2010 NWI Per Capita Income NWI Poverty Rates NWI Per Capita Income 6% 5% 7% 4% NWI Poverty Rates 2000 2005 2010 $80,000 2000 2005 2010 9% NWI Porter NWI Porter $50,000 $70,000 11% 12% $50,000 90% 13% Lake La Porte $60,000 Lake La Porte $50,0006% 20% $40,000 20% $40,000 $40,000 8% 60% Mining $30,000 16% 16% 37% $30,000 $20,000 Educational Services $30,000 22% $10,000 12% 30% 38% 12% 0 Health Care & Social Services 22% $20,000 Professtional Services Finance & Insurance

Accommodation & Food Service $20,000 Real Estate Natural Const- Manu- Trade, Arts, Entertainment & Recreation Information Financial Professional Educational Leisure & Other Federal, Transportation & Warehousing Transportation 8% Other Services Retail Trade Wholesale Trade Information Manufacturing Construction Forestry & Ag Administration Resources ruction facturing Trans- Activities & Business Management of Companies & Health Hospitality8% Services State & 0% & Mining portation Services Services (Private Local $10,000 4% $10,000 & Utilities 4% Industries) Government LessChange than 9th Gradein NWI Establishments9th Grade to 12th between Grade, 2000-2010 No Diploma Some College, No Degree -30% 0 0 High School Graduate (including equivalent) Associate Degree Bachelor’s Degree 0 0 Lake Porter La Porte NWI ’00 ’05 ’10 Lake Porter La Porte NWI TotalGraduate Employment or Professional within Degree Unemployment Rate ’00 ’05 ’10 NWI Establishments Lake Porter La Porte NWI 350,000 12% NWI Annual Average Wages by Sectors 2006 2010 11% Labor300,000 Force Size $80,000Lake Porter La Porte NWI 10% $70,000 9% 250,000400,000 $60,000 8% $50,000350,000 200,000 7% $40,000300,000 $30,000 6% 250,000 NWI $20,000150,000 5% $10,000 Lake

Number of Workers 200,000 4% 0 Porter 100,000150,000 NaturalLa PorteConst- Manu- Trade, Information Financial3% Professional Educational Leisure & Other Federal,

Number of Workers Resources ruction facturing Trans- Activities2% & Business & Health Hospitality Services State & 100,000 & Mining portation Services Services (Private Local 50,000 & Utilities 1% Industries) Government 50,000 0 0 2000 2005 2010 0 ’00 ’05 ’10 13 Total Employment2000 within 2005 2010 Unemployment Rate NWI Establishments Lake Porter La Porte NWI 350,000 NWI12% Per Capita Income NWI Poverty Rates 11%2000 2005 2010 NWI300,000 Porter $50,00010% Lake La Porte 9% 250,000 20% $40,0008% 7% 16%200,000 $30,0006% NWI 12%150,000 5% Lake $20,000

Number of Workers 4% 8% Porter 100,000 La Porte 3% $10,000 4% 2% 50,000 1% 0 0 0 ’00 0 ’05 ’10 Lake2000 Porter2005 La Porte2010 NWI ’00 ’05 ’10

NWI Per Capita Income NWI Poverty Rates 2000 2005 2010 NWI Porter $50,000 Lake La Porte

20% $40,000

16% $30,000

12% $20,000 8%

$10,000 4%

0 0 ’00 ’05 ’10 Lake Porter La Porte NWI ECONOMY

WHERE WE STAND

Today, economic transformation is underway. Though needs still dwarf resources, cities and towns across the region are undertaking projects, large and small, that show their resilience even during a long, deep national recession. Significant private sector investments are being made, such as BP Whiting Refinery’s $3.8 billion mod- ernization project and United States Steel’s $220 million investment in its coke-making facilities. Large-scale public works projects, such as the Gary Chicago International Airport and Marquette Plan projects including Hammond's Wolf Lake Park, are creating construction-related jobs and paving the way for long-term business and employment growth. Other development projects are neighborhood specific, like new hous- ing or site specific, such as brownfield redevelopment. Each of these investments contributes in its own way to overall progress. But much work still needs to be done to fill the various “legacy gaps” that place women, people of color and the poor at a disadvantage in accessing capital, employment, education and higher wage income. These barriers and disparities affect economic development outcomes for the entire region and ultimately shape the pursuit of a higher quality of life. The economic indicators presented here can provide a baseline for looking ahead. But as a region which seeks to thrive, with a sustainable, competitive and just economy, we must ask hard questions. What should our economic priorities be? What are the best development strategies to achieve those priorities? How will economic development initia- tives address the historic economic gaps and barriers for women, people of color and the poor? How can we imagine working together to become a thriving community? progress in diversifying its economy. Yet un- East Chicago, Gary and Michigan City are Today, Northwest Indiana is making til the urban core communities of Hammond, successfully revitalized, it cannot claim to

ECONOMY  LEARN MORE BUSINESS BY INDUSTRY  CWI, www.innovativeforce.org EMPLOYMENT BY COUNTY  IBRC, www.stats.indiana.edu WAGES PAID BY EMPLOYERS  IEDC, www.iedc.in.gov LABOR FORCE  IDWD, www.hoosierdata.in.gov UNEMPLOYMENT  IDWD, www.nidataplus.com NIRPC, www.nirpc.org WORKFORCE EDUCATION  NWI Forum, www.nwiforum.org INCOME  NWI RDA, www.rda.in.gov POVERTY 

ISSUeS TReNDINg  IMPROVEMENT  STEADY  DECLINE

14 the connections within the region's economy between education, employment and income, including such factors as substance abuse and language barriers? CALL TO ACTION

The region needs what it has lacked in the past, a comprehensive, integrated economic development strategy that addresses priority investments and the disparities and posi- tions Northwest Indiana for future growth. With service enterprises and small busi- ness accounting for an increasing proportion of economic activity and jobs, Northwest Indiana should consider how existing assets can be leveraged to meet their needs and how small businesses can be tied into broader economic development efforts. The more entrepreneurial, innovative and productive business owners and workers can become, the stronger the region will be. The infrastructure assets are consider- able, including a location within the nation’s third largest metropolitan area at the hub of North America’s transportation network; major global manufacturing firms; prominent universities, as well as community colleges and vocational schools; and a national park that attracts 2 million visitors a year, as well as a popular state park and other natural and recreational areas. But making the most of these assets will require increased cooperation and coordination across political boundaries. Several leading institutions and organiza- tions, as well as major firms, already are undertaking strategies for economic change. Major players in regional economic planning include the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, the Northwest Indi- ana Forum, the Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Council, the Northwest Indiana Economic Development District, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, the Center of Workforce Innovations, and the six have achieved the objective identified in the that will tell us about the trajectory of local Universities and Colleges. 2000 report: a thriving community in which growth and employment? Compared to cost But these efforts are being undertaken economic prosperity and opportunity exist of living and GDP? separately. They need to be integrated and for all. Subsequent reports identified the What is the region’s equivalent to the focused to produce a single comprehensive major barriers to and real opportunities for gross domestic product? strategy that includes actions whose impact economic growth. How can the region become a more at- can be measured. A truly regional economic tractive place to invest? development strategy can only be considered How well are businesses and workers effective if it measurably improves the WHAT WE NEED connecting jobs and skills? quality of life for residents throughout the What barriers are preventing more stu- region. TO KNOW dents and workers, especially African Ameri- One Region now offers a platform to cans and Latinos, from earning degrees and launch regional and community-based There are many questions that, at this credentials that can equip them for jobs? initiatives for economic development. Each state of research, do not have answers. Better What actions would lessen the wage of the public, private and non-profit sectors, data would do much to inform conversation gap between rich and poor and improve and every business owner, student and and planning. economic prospects for people of color and worker has a role and responsibility in con- What additional information should be women? tributing to a more competitive, attractive, collected about businesses, such as revenues, What further research is needed about prosperous region for all.

15 ENVIRONMENT

question of the time was: “How can the region “WE ASPIRE TO BE A REGION THAT grow while also restoring and protecting our natural environment?” SUPPORTS STEWARDSHIP OF OUR At the time, air pollution in Northwest UNIQUE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Indiana greatly exceeded standards for both particulate matter and ground-level ozone, HELPING TO ASSURE THE HEALTH earning the region a federal label as a “non- attainment area.” Between 1994 and 1999, the AND WELL-BEING OF CURRENT AND report found, air quality in Northwest Indiana had not changed significantly. FUTURE GENERATIONS.” Watershed management was a major The Lake Michigan shoreline defines Report recognized a legacy of environmental concern, given the serious impairment of the Northwest Indiana. Once, the Indiana Dunes degradation in Northwest Indiana. A cen- region’s two river systems, the Little Calumet- were valued mainly as a site for ports, industry tury of industrial production and real estate Galien system and the Kankakee basin. The and sand mining. But in recent decades, development had consumed much of the report expressed particular concern about understanding has grown that the remaining area near the lakeshore and heavily affected meeting clean water standards, fish consump- natural areas in the Dunes and beyond are the quality of the region’s air, water and tion, contaminated sediments and loss of sacred treasures that the region holds in trust land. The stated goal that year was to re- wetlands. Aquatic invasive species, urban and for all Americans and for future generations. store, maintain, and improve environmental agricultural pesticide and fertilizer runoff and Meanwhile, the environmental costs of quality, equity and compliance, and prevent particulate pollution that settled from the air development and industrialization, including any future degradation. A key finding was were seen as key factors in the vulnerability of the health effects of pollution and the contri- that as federal standards became more the region's waters. bution to climate change, have been recog- stringent, Northwest Indiana would have Northwest Indiana’s population was nized. Project and issue-based partnerships to work harder, using more coordinated, producing 2 tons of solid waste annually per between business, government and non-profit regional approaches, to manage its natural person. That was 11 pounds a day, well above organizations are more evident. resources. the national average of 3 to 5 pounds. The Just as it is particularly blessed, Northwest The report saw that the greatest natural generation of hazardous waste had decreased Indiana is particularly challenged to achieve asset of the region is the Lake Michigan between 1989 and 1997. a cleaner, safer, richer environment and a ecosystem, a unique biosphere of ecological Development patterns and land use have sustainable balance between nature and the diversity created by the convergence of several an immense effect not only on open space, built environment. biological zones. The delicate habitats of rare but on air and water pollution and oil and plants and animals that are protected by the water consumption. The report looked at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and the effects of the sprawling land-use patterns in A LOOK BACK Indiana Dunes State Park are mixed in among the region. As more land was developed in the steel mills, power plants and residential com- Chicago area, the report predicted, natural The 2000 Quality of Life Indicators munities along the shore. The unanswered areas and habitats would be threatened.

16 Poor and minority populations would be Water quality remained a challenge. and Indiana’s shoreline were more secure, concentrated in older, urbanized areas. The Lakes and rivers were polluted from specific the report saw the region as making strides in development of outlying subdivisions would points such as combined sewer outflows, by protecting its natural assets. empty out older areas, leaving them with particulate pollution from the air, by septic Air quality continued to improve, though surplus capacity that would go to waste. systems, and by agricultural runoff, among federal standards for ozone and particulate Between 1982 and 1997, almost 70,000 other causes. Contaminated sediment lay matter still were not met. Though water acres of farmland in Northwest Indiana was in harbors and rivers. As wetlands were quality was better, many rivers, lakes and turned over to development. The population developed, their water-filtering capacity was Lake Michigan beaches still were polluted of the urban core became less dense while lost. Beaches often were closed because of and beach closures due to E. Coli continued. the outlying areas became more densely dangerous levels of E. Coli bacteria. Every Municipal storm sewers continued to overflow populated. More workers commuted by car, body of water in the region was impaired in into Lake Michigan and its tributaries. since public transportation did not extend into some way. Regulatory issues made it hard to tell whether the suburbs. The amount of solid waste produced in the shoreline industries were reducing their The 2004 report called on the region to be region continued to rise, although the amount discharges into the lake. a community in balance with its environment of hazardous waste produced in the region was At a time when concerns about climate through an ethic of stewardship, ensuring a down to 693,845 tons in 2002 compared to 1.3 change were increasing, the report raised the sustainable future for generations to come. It million tons in 1989. issue of adapting infrastructure to handle called for a comprehensive land-use strategy The report noted that as of 2000, most potential flooding from more severe storms to counter the effects of sprawl and manage of the region's population lived in urbanized likely to become common in a warmer and watersheds, collaboration within the region's areas, and the urbanized areas continued to more turbulent climate. Water conservation environmental community to enhance an spread. Nearly 28,000 acres of farmland were also was raised as an issue, though the rate of ethic of stewardship and a commitment to lost between 1997 and 2002. Of the area seen consumption in the region had decreased from cleaner air through greater use of alternative at risk for development, 22 percent was in 2002 to 2006. fuels. There was support for the creation of Lake County, 14 percent in Porter County and Solid waste sent to landfills increased the Marquette Greenway Plan to put land 12 percent in La Porte County. Open space between 2002 and 2006. The cleanup of along Lake Michigan back to recreational, made up about 2 percent of Lake County, 5 contaminated sites, known as brownfields, natural and productive use. The report also percent of Porter County and 3 percent of La was a new indicator of environmental quality; called for state and federal environmental Porte County. in 2007, about 50 sites in the region was agencies to speed up approval of permits for By the time the next report appeared in involved in four state remediation programs. industrial uses. 2008, Northwest Indiana had completed the Greenhouse gas emissions were another Data indicated that environmental quality planning process for the Marquette Greenway new concern. Vehicle miles travelled were in Northwest Indiana had improved over the Plan and key environmental and business steady from 2000 to 2006. Meanwhile, the previous three decades, though many problems leaders had participated in the designing the report noted that the region had 70 miles of remained. Air quality was better, but the region Great Lakes Compact, a multistate agreement recreational trails in 2008, up from just 15 was still designated as a non-attainment area addressing water quality and usage rights. in 1990. Nearly 58 more miles of trails were for particulate matter and ozone. With a sense that the future of Lake Michigan planned.

17 ENVIRONMENT THE NUMBERS NOW

Air quality in Northwest Sprawl has continued. Data times as many cleanup sites 1,770 miles in 2002 to 2,546 miles Indiana improved between from the U.S. Census show that as Porter County or La Porte in 2010. Of those stream miles, 57 2000 and 2010. The number of Northwest Indiana became more County. percent were found to be polluted days a year on which air quality densely populated over the de- While brownfields remedia- in 2002 and 54 percent in 2010. was described as “good” by the cade, from 489 people per square tion aims to restore degraded land The leading water quality prob- USEPA, increased by 27 days mile in 2000 to 509 in 2010, a 4 for people to use, ecological lems in the region's streams were or 13 percent. The number of percent increase. The density of restoration aims to bring back impaired biotic communities “moderate” air quality days fell 11 housing units also grew, from 186 natural ecosystems, wildlife and (imbalances in aquatic ecosys- percent, while days described as per square mile to 213 over the water flows. According to a 2006 tems, an indicator of pollution), “unhealthy for sensitive groups” decade. report, “The Restoration Revolu- E. Coli bacteria and warnings declined 70 percent. On average, The amount of solid waste tion in Northwest Indiana,” the against eating fish caught in of each year in the past decade, produced and discarded in the region had 166 ecological restora- waters polluted with PCBs. eight months were “good” air region grew 27 percent during the tion and natural conservation Of the 1,770 stream miles quality days, nearly four months decade, from 1.3 million tons in projects completed or underway. tested in 2002, E. Coli accounted were “moderate” and about two 2000 to 1.6 million tons in 2008. This inventory was a first for 11 percent of the stream weeks were “unhealthy.” On average, the region produced for the region and exemplified a impairments, impaired biotic Fine particles in the air af- 2.2 tons of solid waste per person major shift in how contaminated communities for 11 percent and fected air quality in the region an in 2010, up from 1.8 tons in 2000. sites and degraded properties PCB and mercury fish consump- average of 137 days each year over Northwest Indiana accounted were regarded and managed. tion advisories for 8 percent each. the past decade. They affected air for 12 percent of Indiana's solid Partnerships forged between Of the 2,546 miles tested in 2010, quality on 211 days on average each waste in 2000 and 14 percent in public, private and nonprofit impaired biotic communities ac- year in Lake County, 109 days in 2008. sectors played a key role in these counted for 27 percent of impair- Porter County and 89 days in La A 32 percent increase in the efforts. Of the 166 restoration and ments, E. Coli for 12 percent and Porte County. Larger particles amount of solid waste produced conservation sites, 59 percent PCB fish consumption advisories affected Porter County an average and discarded in Lake County ac- were in Lake County, 29 percent for 9 percent. of 41 days a year, compared to 12 counted for much of the increase. in Porter County and 12 percent Beach action days are days days in Lake County. In 2000, Lake County produced in La Porte County. This survey during the swimming season Ozone pollution impairs air 1.1 million tons of solid waste, or is currently being updated by the on which poor water quality quality and triggers ozone action 2.3 tons per person. In 2008, the Center for Regional Excellence at results in advisories or closures. days, when people are encour- county produced 1.4 million tons IU Northwest. Between 2000 and 2010, the aged to limit ozone-producing or 2.9 tons per person. Poor water quality affects not average percentage of beach activities such as driving while Brownfield redevelopment of only drinking water supplies but action days in Northwest Indiana people in fragile health are urged once-contaminated industrial the recreational uses and natural grew significantly. to stay indoors. The annual sites for other uses presents value of Lake Michigan and its In 2000, on average, the number of ozone days fell on a significant opportunity for tributaries. Combined sewer region's 33 monitored public average by a week, from 101 Northwest Indiana, where so overflows, point and non-point beaches had beach action days 1 days in 2000 to 94 days in 2010. much industry has come and source pollution and agricultural percent of the swimming season. Ozone was the greatest hazard gone. The total number of North- runoff may carry an overload of In 2010, on average, they had in La Porte County, where there west Indiana sites being cleaned nutrients and other substances beach action days 28 percent of were an average of 157 days up through state environmental that degrade rivers and streams. the time. Increased pollution, affected by ozone. Porter County programs rose 21 percent, from The total stream mileage weather events, and better water averaged 111 ozone days and Lake 1,413 cases in 2005 to 1,743 cases tested for pollution in the region quality testing likely contributed County averaged 64. in 2010. Lake County had seven increased by 44 percent from to this dramatic increase.

Percent of Beach Days Under Beach Action, NWI 30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10

18 Land Restoration, Environmental Remediation Number of Sites, 2006 Active Cleanup Sites Closed Cleanup Sites Lake Porter La Porte 1,000

12%

59.3% 800 28.7%

600

Waste Tons Disposed, estimate 2000 2008 Number of Sites 400 Lake

Porter

200 La Porte

NWI 600K 400K 100K 800K 700K 500K 300K 200K 0 0 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10

Total Stream Mileage and Total Impaired Stream Mileage Air Quality Index Impaired Stream Mileage Total Stream Mileage Good Moderate Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

3,000 300

2,500 250

2,000 200 Miles Days 1,500 150

1,000 100

500 50

0 0 ’02 ’04 ’06 ’08 ’10 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10

19 ENVIRONMENT

understanding of their environmental WHERE WE STAND responsibilities. Yet we still have a long way to go. Optimiz- Northwest Indiana can be cautiously ing the region's environmental assets cannot optimistic about environmental progress. be fully realized because of a wide range Although the region is heavily burdened by the of issues, ranging from PCB and mercury residual effects of its industrial past, there is residues that make it unsafe to eat fish caught some evidence of environmental improvement in our streams and lakes, to beach closures in recent years. because of harmful levels of bacteria, to failed For example, we are making progress on septic systems that pollute wells and com- air quality, though the region is not in federal bined sewer overflows that dump untreated compliance for ozone, which is a matter of sewage in Lake Michigan and its tributaries debate. Although Northwest Indiana partici- after rainstorms. pates in the overall air quality of the greater These problems, and the greater uncer- Chicago area, there is no doubt that sources tainty that comes with a changing climate, within the region, including industry, power will require large investments in pollution plants and automobiles, contribute heavily to control, site remediation, modernizing air pollution and therefore to water pollution. infrastructure, and rethinking strategies. But The region's inability to consistently funding for major capital projects is scarce, meet federal air quality standards affects its particularly with federal and municipal business climate as well as the health and well budgets strapped. being of its residents. So, though the data Newer planning and engineering show that air quality is improving somewhat, practices present cost effective alternatives more needs to be done to understand and to traditional approaches to capital projects, mitigate air pollution. however. Many of the green infrastructure We are more appreciative our rivers, and ecosystem services projects can be streams and beaches, especially for recre- implemented and maintained, research shows, ational uses such as swimming, paddling at lower costs and with greater environmental and fishing. The data in this report about and public benefits. But innovation will water quality are ambiguous, because they require imagination, creativity and changes in span a period in which the amount of testing funding formulas and capital project planning, greatly increased. But more testing has, at a particularly on the matter of combined sewer minimum, led to a greater awareness of the overflows. extent of water pollution, which is the first The region continues its unchecked sprawl, step toward solving the problem. with all the traffic, emissions, and resource We are cleaning up the contamination in problems it brings. And given population more brownfield sites so that these underuti- projections, that sprawl can only get worse, lized lands can be once again put to productive unless there is a concerted effort to change WHAT WE NEED use. We also have seen a remarkable increase patterns of development, regionalize transit, in the amount of natural area restoration and and encourage more efficient land use. North- TO KNOW conservation, a sign of a shift in attitudes west Indiana has been slow to adopt a regional toward the region's natural heritage. At the energy agenda, despite several successful local The environmental indicator baseline same time, several local colleges and universi- initiatives. There is no regional mass transit needs refinement and expansion to usefully ties have begun to offer courses or majors in system, nor a regional approach to recycling. track progress. A holistic view of the environ- sustainability, conservation, clean energy and In general, efforts to address environmen- ment would provide greater perspective on restoration, another sign of this shift in values. tal problems suffered from the same lack of how environmental quality is improving We have found a role for business in the cooperation and coordination that plagues the over time. Here is a sample of the factors and framework of sustainability. Governments, region in so many areas. Although a cultural the kinds of questions that could be asked. universities, nonprofits, community members, shift toward sustainability is happening, the Further questions are found in this report’s and businesses are coming to a different framework is not evident. appendices.

ENVIRONMENT  LEARN MORE AIR QUALITY INDEX  Greenways and Blueways, www.greenwaysblueways.com/kml- SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL  library.aspx ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION  IDEM, www.in.gov/idem/nps/3180.htm IFA, www.in.gov/ifa/brownfields/ LAND RESTORATION  NIRPC, www.nirpc.org/environment/restoration. WATER QUALITY  htm#RestorationList BEACH CLOSURES  The Openlands Project, www.openlands.org/ USDA, www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/ ISSUeS TReNDINg  IMPROVEMENT  STEADY  DECLINE technical/nra/nri

20 ENERGY How does the energy efficiency of North- west Indiana homes, businesses, schools and governments compare to efficiency else- where? What strategies can reduce energy use and therefore greenhouse gas emissions?

BIODIVERSITY How many acres are managed as natural areas or are under restoration? How is the number changing? How we can measure the quality and value of ecosystems in the national and state parks, as well as nature preserves and land trust properties? What factors inside and outside the natural areas affect that quality, and how can governments, nonprofits and other play- ers work to improve it? CALL TO ACTION

The environment is a perfect illustration of the cross-cutting issues and the intercon- nectedness of the indicators themselves. It is impossible to think clearly about the present and future environmental quality in the region without also thinking about trans- portation, land use, population distribution, public health, education, workforce develop- ment, government and recreation. It also is impossible to talk about working toward a sustainable future by examining the indicators independently, and without making sure it is environmentally sustainable. Environmental issues in the region have never AIR point-source discharges? How do we measure been framed in a broad way that incorporates How can we usefully measure green- the impact of non-point-source pollution and all the factors. Now is the time to do so. house gas emissions and other environmen- what strategies can reduce it? One Region should consider the creation tal costs from automobile use in Northwest of a Sustainability Roundtable that includes Indiana? multi-sector representatives and that will work How can air modeling and public health LAND to integrate the environment into the work data inform decision makers and the public How can we better grasp the relationships of the various action groups. This roundtable on the health impacts of air pollution at the between land use and environmental quality? could work closely with the Northwestern region and community levels? What strategies can lead to more efficient Indiana Regional Planning Commission and its How can we better understand the reasons land use and development with less environ- 2040 Comprehensive Plan implementation. for Northwest Indiana's poor air quality and mental impact? A combined sewer overflow taskforce track progress toward cleaner air? How can we measure changes in building should be considered to evaluate the barriers and development practices and their contri- to separation of water and sewer systems and bution to environmental improvement? to develop a cohesive regional strategy for WATER How many acres of dedicated open space remedying CSOs. How can we measure the threat to ground are there in the region? Per person? In each of Environmental metrics should be broad- water and wells, from septic systems, pipe- the counties? How can we track the preser- ened and more detailed, to include other lines, runoff and other sources? vation of open space? factors such as biodiversity and energy, and What are the total projected costs of How can Northwest Indiana improve contain data connected to efforts beyond upgrading water and sewer infrastructure the rate of cleanup of brownfield sites? And regulatory measures. to remedy combined sewer overflows in the how can communities’ best prepare for the Sustainability provides a solid framework region? What strategies and tools, beyond optimum reuse of those sites? for building a more resilient future. Education regulatory measures, could be formed to What is the level of farmland preserva- is the first step in that process. The people accomplish this infrastructure rebuilding? tion in the region? How is coordinated and of the region need information about the How can we consistently measure where supported? How many acres are being lost existence of the region's unique ecosystems, water quality is improving or slipping in annually? experience firsthand the value of them, and streams, rivers and lakes? How can we What are the regional trends in food scar- learn of the stewardship ethic for creating a consistently measure the effects and trends of city, local foods and community gardening? future that is safer, cleaner and greener.

21 TRANSPORTATION

impact of that dependence. The popula- “WE ASPIRE TO BE A REGION THAT IS tion shift from the urban core to suburban development was creating sprawl. People INTERCONNECTED ENABLING PEOPLE had to drive more often and farther. In the 1990s, the 10.9 percent growth in car and AND GOODS TO MOVE FREELY.” truck ownership was three times as high Transportation has shaped Northwest economy and the well-being of its people as the population growth of 2.9 percent. Indiana, from the days when Native Ameri- depend on it. There were approximately 570,000 vehicles can trading trails led along the dune ridges involved in 2.4 million daily trips covering to the time of massive mills that unload iron 19.9 million miles a day over 5,500 miles of ore from Lake Michigan ships and send steel A LOOK BACK local roadways. by rail and truck throughout the world. For The additional traffic and congestion were a region strung along three counties that In the 2000 Quality of Life Indicators for contributing to air quality problems and land sits on the edge of a major metropolitan Progress report, the transportation discus- use issues. While total vehicle miles traveled area, how goods and people will move is a sion revolved around the region’s dependence was on the rise, there was not enough public vital question. The health of the region's on automobiles and the environmental transportation to meet the potential demand.

22 TRANSPORTATION

Only 31.2 percent of the estimated potential transit was not an effective alternative was its Authority, funded in the short term through demand for public transit was being met by fragmentation into separate bus systems. the Regional Development Authority, was the existing system – a problem that we will The creation of a regional transportation a sign of progress. In the Regional Bus see continues today. authority to serve the urban core, beginning Authority’s strategic plan, it was estimated The report’s authors saw a manifest need with Lake County, and the expansion of as of 2007 that an additional 2.3 million trips for a unified regional effort to provide more commuter rail service to outlying areas was annually were needed to serve the unmet public transit to meet the needs of Northwest the call to action. They asked the region to demand in Northwest Indiana. Indiana without compromising the environ- commit to the creation of a public transpor- The South Shore Line passenger rail ment or contributing to sprawl. tation system that fully met the needs of all service provided an important link to jobs, The 2004 report focused less on cars and communities in the region by 2010. recreation and culture in downtown Chicago, more on the potential of commuter rail and But in 2008, Northwest Indiana had yet to with ridership that increased 17.6 percent bus transit to mitigate congestion and sprawl. fully develop a regional public transportation from 2000 to 2007. Conversely, bus ridership Cars remained the primary mode of trans- system. Federal funding supported a number in the region fell 33 percent during the same portation in the region. More people were of bus systems, with some channeled through period as funding and revenues were reduced commuting daily into Illinois and between the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning and services cut despite an overwhelming Indiana counties. One reason that public Commission. The newly created Regional Bus need.

23 TRANSPORTATION

THE NUMBERS NOW Mean Travel Time to Work (Minutes) 2000 2005 2010 More recent data show that Northwest Indiana residents 35 the recession has had a serious still get around mostly by car impact on public transportation. today, but their driving patterns During 2000-2010, ridership on are changing. Though people in the South Shore Line to down- the region were traveling fewer 30 town Chicago fell 3 percent to 3.7 vehicle miles to work in 2010 million riders. More recent years than in 2000, the trips were show a steeper rate of decline as longer, in part, from conges- a weaker economy led to fewer tion. 2.8 percent of people were 25 workers commuting into the city working from home in 2010 for work. than in 2000, and there were Bus transit ridership declined nearly 3,200 fewer workers from 3.0 million riders in 2000 from other counties and states 20 to 1.7 million riders in 2010. For coming into Northwest Indiana a brief period, an infusion of to work. Regionally, the com- federal transportation stimulus mute to work averaged 25.2 15 dollars and regional development minutes in 2010. grants supported an expansion Data included in this report of public transit routes and for the first time show that many services in Northwest Indiana's of the Northwest Indiana's 10 urban core and to downtown public transit systems are more Chicago that contributed to a 7 costly and therefore less inef- percent increase in ridership to ficient operationally compared to 1.7 million from 2009 to 2010. their peers statewide. The urban 5 But despite the significant short- fixed route systems in Ham- term investments, regional bus mond, East Chicago and Gary, transit collapsed in 2012 for lack cost more to operate, on average 0 of a commitment to permanent, $2.05 per passenger trip, and long-term funding. generage 6 cents less on fares. Lake Porter La Porte NWI Chicago Indiana

Transportation Means to Work, 2010 Drove Alone Carpooled Public Transit Worked At Home Other 100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0 Lake Porter La Porte NWI Chicago Indiana

24 Workers Commuting Pattern, 2010 NWI Annual Average Vehicle Miles Traveled 250,000

Persons who live and work in county 200,000 Persons who live in county, but work outside of county 2000 150,000 Persons who live in another county or state, but work in county

100,000 2001

50,000

0 2002 Lake Porter La Porte

Transit Ridership Bus Rail 5M 2003

3.75M

2.5M 2004 1.25M

0 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10

2005

NWI Transit Systems and Statewide peers Comparison, 2010

2006

2007 System Service Area Population Ridership Total Miles Vehicle Total Operating Expense per Passenger Trip Operating Expense Mile Vehicle Per Total Locally Derived Income per Operating Expense Fare Recovery Ratio Large Fixed Route Peer $4.17 $5.31 $0.52 16% Gary 102,746 910,170 1,036,603 $7.41 $6.50 $0.44 12% 2008 Small Fixed Route Peer $8.63 $4.93 $0.37 9% East Chicago 32,414 244,936 200,326 $6.11 $7.48 $0.37 0% Hammond 83,000 205,985 571,449 $14.05 $5.06 $0.42 5%

Michigan 32,900 170,367 304,164 $7.06 $3.96 $0.23 9% 2009 City Valparaiso 27,428 104,261 402,479 $15.22 $3.94 $0.35 25% Urban Demand Response Peer $15.18 $2.79 $0.41 16%

La Porte 21,621 31,969 112,645 $16.76 $4.76 $0.48 17% 2010 NIRPC 320,187 112,899 920,678 $19.31 $2.37 $0.49 12% No Peer System NICTD 3,714,356 3,706,042 $10.24 $10.27 $0.56 46% 0 21K 22K 23K 24K 25K

25 TRANSPORTATION

Indiana Regional Planning Commission’s WHERE WE STAND WHAT WE NEED 2040 Comprehensive Plan for Transporta- tion and at the Center of Neighborhood Though public transit has been seen as TO KNOW Technology’s Housing + Transportation a regional need, many of the transit gains Affordability Index. These sources among of the past decade have been lost. The two So far, the indicators’ reports have not others should be considered by One Region primary factors are the fragmentation of the delved deeply enough into transportation moving forward. bus systems and the lack of a dedicated source problems or expanded their analysis to of local funds to match federal and state re- include the movement of goods, as well sources. Splintered transit systems are far less as people, through the region. Those CALL TO ACTION useful to most residents than an integrated transportation indicators focused on worker system would be. Bus routes that stop at the commuting patterns, vehicle usage and Northwest Indiana must grapple with city line provide little incentive to riders to public transit ridership. But these sets of major issues if it is to become a place where take the bus or to use it to take the train. data offer only a limited perspective into the people can easily get where they want to Resistance to consolidation remains a bar- full range of transportation issues and assets go, where the poor and disabled are not rier to providing Northwest Indiana residents that affect not just economic activity but in isolated, where driving is not the only with the mobility that would contribute to a public health, the environment and housing. alternative, where employees can readily better quality of life and help communities Future Quality of Life Indicators reports get to jobs and businesses have a wide pool cope with sprawl and traffic. Alternative land should explore a much wider range of data, of mobile workers, where goods can move use planning could foster more walkable, less looking comprehensively at automobiles, efficiently, where patterns of development car-dependent neighborhood designs that trucks, railroads, airports, ports, trails and are not only driven by automobile access, encourage the use of public transit. bicycles as well as public transportation, where environmental impacts from vehicles Public transit in the region has not ap- and at the needs of businesses, visitors and are reduced and where both residents and proached its potential to reduce congestion, the people of all parts of the region, not only visitors can easily enjoy the region's natural pollution and sprawl, and its deficiencies leave the urban core. Solid indicators are needed wonders. the most vulnerable populations in the region to predict and track the economic, land-use Factionalism and failures to cooperate with scant access to jobs and to essential and environmental impacts of different and integrate planning remain major barriers services such as health care that most of us modes of transportation. to connectivity, productivity and coopera- take for granted. The lack of good data hampers good tion on transportation, as on many issues. Northwest Indiana’s centrality in the decision making. To convince policymakers But if One Region can provide leadership national transportation network is the region's that well-integrated and well-funded public to gather information and bring parties second-greatest strength, after its proximity transit is an infrastructure imperative, we together, there are substantial assets to tap to Lake Michigan. Its major infrastructure need the support of far more research. We in addressing transportation problems. includes railroads, highways, airports, ports need hard data on the needs of potential rid- The disconnected, uncoordinated, and waterways and trails, as well as commuter ers, how greater use of transit might reduce underfunded, and often redundant bus rail and buses. road congestion and smooth the movement systems in the region also tend to operate Conversations are now taking place about of goods, exactly how it could contribute to very inefficiently and at high cost. A regional how Northwest Indiana's transportation reducing sprawl and pollution and how an transportation agency is needed to develop a infrastructure can be optimized for economic integrated transit system could contribute more robust regional bus system. growth, livability and recreation. It is essential to an expanding economy as the population The region needs to consider a fully to find ways to relieve congestion in the increases and the types of jobs available in integrated, regional action plan for its trans- national distribution system of highways, the region continue to shift. portation infrastructure, inclusive of public railroads and waterways that passes goods In considering transportation, One transportation, rail, freight, ports, roadways, through Northwest Indiana and the Chicago Region also needs to analyze the workforce toll ways, waterways, trails, pedestrians and area, and to develop a stronger transportation potential and needs not only of existing cyclists as well as roads and highways. industry and more jobs. industries and of transportation hubs such The NIRPC 2040 Plan is a good place The region's failure to address all of as the expanded Gary-Chicago International to start. But transportation planning must its transportation issues has left sprawl Airport, but also of the small business not simply be based on federal funding unabated despite the rising environmental, and home-based businesses that have an formulas. Funding mechanisms must public and personal costs of depending on the increasing share of the region's economy. be found based on full understanding of automobile. Considerable transportation data and transportation and a build-out that spans metrics can be found in the Northwest decades. Such a plan must be fully transpar- ent, cost-effective and accountable process that folds in economic, ecological and com- munity priorities. The sad state of public transportation TRANSPORTATION  MORE must be openly and specifically addressed. DAILY VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED  INDOT, www. Leadership must find a solution, with COMMUTING PATTERN  in.gov/indot permanent funding, that provides mobility  /2436.htm and connectivity between cities and towns, TRANSPORTATION MEANS TO WORK across counties and into Illinois. That TRAVEL TIME  NIRPC, nirpc.org Stats Indiana, new solution must require and measure PUBLIC TRANSIT RIDERSHIP  www.stats.indi- efficiency, cost and quality of service, ana.edu/dms4/ with metrics that hold operators and their funders accountable. ISSUeS TReNDINg  IMPROVEMENT  STEADY  DECLINE commuting.asp

26 EDUCATION

accepted that factors such as poverty, lack “WE ASPIRE TO BE A REGION THAT of access to quality day care and illiteracy PROVIDES EXCELLENT LIFE-LONG among caregivers make it harder for students to succeed academically. Data from the 2004 EDUCATION FOR ALL TO EXPAND report showed that many children in Northwest Indiana’s urban core faced those obstacles. OPPORTUNITY AND CREATE A HIGHLY The report noted that the educational system itself can hamper children's success QUALIFIED WORKFORCE.” through inefficiency and lack of support for students. Per-pupil spending did not strongly Access to education is a foundation of a fair years of age or older in 1990, 13.7 percent in correlate with student performance. Of the society, and educational attainment is key to the region had a bachelor's degree or higher, region's 29 school districts, 16 spent thousands Northwest Indiana's progress. Education cre- compared to 15.6 percent statewide and 20.3 more per pupil than the statewide average of ates a world of opportunity for individuals. But percent nationally. $8,676. Of the five districts with the highest it also contributes to communities by fostering Only in Porter County did student per-pupil cost, four – all in the urban core, an engaged and informed citizenry and a quali- achievement in every school district exceed with high rates of indicators for poverty – had fied and adaptable workforce for a vital and statewide average scores on the ISTEP and SAT the poorest academic performance. This find- competitive economy. The region's shift toward standardized tests. Students in the urban core, ing poses a problem because many residents high-skilled manufacturing and service jobs Hammond, East Chicago and Gary, scored and policymakers do not understand why such means its residents now need not only a high lower than the rest of the region and state. a low correlation is consistently found to exist. general level of education, including analytical In 2004, the report focused on making the The 2008 report again called for invest- and communications skills, but also access to region a learning community that could achieve ment in high-quality learning opportunities. specialized training. higher levels of academic performance and Overall, the region continued to become better Northwest Indiana has some of the commit to lifelong learning. It was argued that educated: 9 of 10 people had at least a high best-performing school districts in the state; new opportunities could be afforded through school diploma and 20.3 percent of adults had a however, Northwest Indiana also has several improving early childhood and K-12 education bachelor’s degree or higher. low performing school districts. This disparity and removing barriers to student success. Two Yet educational success was not evenly needs to be addressed so that every young strategies proposed were the integration of distributed. In 2008, 61 percent of the region's person can achieve a high-quality education performance standards into schools for pro- students in grades 3 to 10 passed the ISTEP and reach for the opportunities that education moting excellence in teaching and learning and test. The highest number of student failures on provides. better support programs to counter the poverty ISTEP came in Gary and Hammond, although effects that depress academic achievement. this report did not compare local results to the Educational outcomes in the region were statewide average. Under the requirements A LOOK BACK improving, but disparities remained. In 2000, of the No Child Left Behind law, 25 of the 17.6 percent of the region's adult population 29 school corporations met yearly progress In 2000, the Quality of Life Indicators had a bachelor’s degree or higher, still below requirements in the 2007-2008 academic year. report defined the development of human the state average of 19.4 percent that year. Ac- Those that struggled were in the urban core capital through educational excellence as a cording to the report, a majority of the schools communities. critical element of sustainability for the region. in the region were graduating students at a rate Per-pupil costs in the region's school The goal set forth was to provide a regional above the state average of 91.2 percent for the districts were at or slightly above the state system that fosters educational excellence 2001-2002 academic year. But in 2001-2002 average during 2000 t0 2006. Schools still based on world-class standards. Communities five districts – Portage, East Chicago, Griffith, faced poverty, as the demand for free and and organizations were urged to place greater Gary and Michigan City – fell below the state reduced lunches grew steadily in every county. emphasis on education, especially in the K-12 graduation rate average. Of the 29 school As the region's population grew more diverse, public school system. The report saw a particu- districts in the region, 11 met or exceed the SAT more schools faced the challenge of educating lar need for improvement in the School Cities statewide average score of 1,004. On the ISTEP students with limited English proficiency. of Hammond, East Chicago and Gary. standardized tests, 63.4 percent of students It was recommended that early childhood The 2000 report found that 93.3 percent of passed statewide by meeting English and education programs in the region be increased, Northwest Indiana students graduated from math standards. Of the 29 Northwest Indiana in hopes of improving long-term educational high school, compared to 88 percent on average districts, 17 met or exceeded that proportion of outcomes. One step was expanding under- statewide. But only 61 percent of local students students passing the ISTEP exams. graduate degree offerings in this field at the went on to a four-year college. For those 25 Based on extensive research, it is widely local universities and colleges.

27 EDUCATION

THE NUMBERS NOW Graduation Rates, 2010 School City of E.C. 4,229 in 2008. Suspensions in Northwest Indiana is making 4 Year Graduation Rates River Forest Community Sch Corp. some progress on education, but 2006 2010 Porter County remained steady major challenges remain. Indica- at 4,093 in 2008. Gary Community School Corp. tions are that more students live Lake The number of expulsions School City of Hammond in poverty, which is a risk factor decreased 5 percent in the region Lake Station Comm. Schools for educational failure. The between 2000 and 2008. In La Porter Lake Ridge Schools student population is changing Porte County, the number of and schools need to adapt to expulsions fell 36 percent to 129. Michigan City Area Schools teach students with more diverse La Porte In Lake County, expulsions fell Tri-Creek School Corporation needs. 11 percent to 805. However, in State of Indiana Measures of educational Porter County the number of NWI Whiting School City outcomes include attain- expulsions increased 69 percent, ment levels, graduation rates, from 154 in 2000 to 260 in 2008. Lake Central School Corp standardized exam scores and IN. The rate of students qualify- LaPorte Comm. School Corp pass rates and costs per student. ing for free or reduced lunch, a Porter Township School Corp In the Economy chapter, the 0 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% key indicator of poverty in the region's 2010 educational attain- student population, steadily Valparaiso Community Schools ment level for people over the planned to attend a two-or four- increased between 2000 and School City of Hobart age of 25 is reported as 37 percent year college, 9 percent planned 2010. Statewide, 45 percent South Central Com School Corp. of children received a free or with a high school degree, 22 on vocational and technical Portage Township Schools percent with some college but no training and 2 percent expected reduced lunch in 2010, up from degree, 8 percent with an associ- to enlist in the military. the rate of 28 percent in 2000. Griffith Public Schools ate’s degree, 13 percent with a Eighth-grade students were In Northwest Indiana, Porter Merrillville Community School bachelor’s degree and 7 percent more likely to pass the ISTEP County schools fed 31 percent School Town of Highland with graduate or professional standardized tests in both math of children a free or reduced M S D of New Durham Township degree. Despite slight increases and language arts in 2009 than lunch in 2010, up from the rate in higher education attainment, in 2000, especially in Porter and of 15 percent in 2000. In La Duneland School Corporation progress is slow. La Porte counties, where passing Porte County, the rate rose to 52 M S D Boone Township The average high school rates exceeded the statewide percent from 27 percent. In Lake Hanover Community School Corp. graduation rate in the region was average score of 62 percent. But County, 52 percent of students East Porter County School Corp. 84.8 percent in 2010, slightly the 10th-graders of 2009 were received a free or reduced lunch higher than the statewide average less likely to pass ISTEP in both in 2010, up from a rate of 36 Crown Point Comm. School Corp. of 84.5. This was an increase math and language arts in 2009 percent in 2000. New Prairie United School Corp. from 76.7 percent in both the than those of 2000. Statewide, Research shows that children School Town of Munster region and the state in 2006. 57 percent of 10th graders passed who receive early childhood Union Township School Corp. Both Lake and La Porte counties in 2009, compared to 63 percent education such as quality day lagged behind the statewide in 2000. care do better in school over the 0 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% average in 2010, while Porter The cost of educating a child long term. The monthly average County’s performance continued in the region continued to rise. number of children on a waiting to exceed both its county peers Per-pupil annual educational ex- list for child care in the region and the statewide average. Dis- penditures in the region rose 38 rose 58 percent between 2000 parities were clear within coun- percent to $11,264 between 2000 and 2010, from 791 to 1,251, Number of Children on ties as well as between them. and 2008. In Lake County,Per the Pupil Educationalabout 2.5 percent of the popula- Childcare Waiting List At the district level, high cost per student rose 49 percent tion of children 4 and under. Expenditures Lake Porter La Porte school graduation rates across to $11,762. In La Porte County, Statewide, the average monthly the region ranged from a low of it rose 42 percent to $11,289. In waiting list increased by 233 2000 52.0 percent to 95.2 percent in Porter County, per-pupil cost percent over the same period. 2001 2010. Lake County had some of grew 24 percent to $10,740. Overall growth in student the highest-performing districts, National education research enrollment is being driven largely 2002 such as Union Township and has shown that rates of suspen- by increases in the number of Munster, where more than sion and expulsion are related Hispanic and, to a smaller extent, 2003 90 percent of students gradu- to poor student performance. multiracial students. Total 2004 ated. But it also had seven out of Regionally, total suspensions and kindergarten through grade 12 eight of the lowest-performing expulsions increased 7 percent enrollment in the region grew 3 2005 schools, with graduation rates from 2000 to 2008, from 47,899 percent to 141,307 in 2009. Of 2006 below the state average to 51,449. that total, Hispanic students Across the region, more high The number of suspensions represented 14 percent, and 2007 school graduates were likely to increased 8 percent overall in the whites at 53 percent and blacks 2008 pursue post-secondary educa- region between 2000 and 2008. at 23 percent. The proportions tion and training. As of 2008, the The number for Lake County of multiracial students, Asian 2009 last year for which county-level increased 15 percent to 41,933 in and American Indian students 2010 data are available, nearly 78 2008. Suspensions in La Porte remained small but growing in percent of high school graduates County declined 31 percent to size. 0 300 600 900 1,200 1,500

28

Number of Expulsions Number of Expulsions Per Pupil Educational Post High School Graduation Intentions Expenditures 80% 1,500 $14,000 70% 60% 50% 4 Year College Vocational/Technical $12,000 40% 1,200 30% 2 Year College Military 20% $10,000 10% 0 900 ’00’00 ’01 ’01 ’02 ’02 ’03 ’04’04 ’05 ’05 ’06 ’06 ’07 ’07 ’08 ’08 $8,000 Lake Porter Passing ISTEP, Both Math and Language Arts in 8th Grade 600 Lake $6,000 La Porte Indiana Lake Porter La Porte Porter NWI La Porte Indiana 80% NWI $4,000 70% 60% 300 50% $2,000 40% 30% ’00 ’01 ’02 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 20% ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 10% 0 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09

Percent of Students Qualifying for Free or Reduced Lunch Passing ISTEP, Both Math and Language Arts in 10th Grade 60% 80% 70% 50% 60% 40% 50% 30% 40% 30% 20% 20% 10% La Porte Porter Lake Indiana 10% 0 0 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09

Total Enrollment For All Grades by Race and Ethnicity, 2000-2009 551% Lake Porter La Porte NWI Balance of Indiana 400%

350%

300%

250%

200%

150%

100%

50%

0 -50% Asian African American Hispanic American Indian White Multi-race

29 EDUCATION

WHERE WE STAND WHAT WE NEED Northwest Indiana does not yet have TO KNOW the educational system it needs to provide opportunity for all and to prepare a skilled There is no shortage of data about workforce for meeting business needs. There education and youth. What is needed is a has been slight progress, but not in all areas. clear and informed choice of which data High school test scores have slipped are relevant to the issues facing Northwest and graduation rates have barely budged. Indiana, and a commitment of resources to Achievement is far from evenly distributed. crunch the numbers as they apply to local In the urban core, where needs are greatest counties, municipalities, school districts and and children face the most challenges from individual schools. More information must poverty other barriers, per-pupil costs are be made accessible and at a scale that will be high but educational outcomes remain useful in conversations toward moving school disappointing. A child’s chances of succeed- districts, families and communities ahead. ing in school depend greatly on where he Institutions that could help in that lives, which school he attends, parent-family process include the Indiana Department of support and expectations, background Education for a wide range of educational knowledge and readiness for learning. performance data, the Indiana Youth The population of students is changing, Institute for youth statistical information and with a rapid growth in Hispanic students. Lumina Foundation for educational models Schools throughout the region must find and initiatives. One Region’s educational ways to adapt to a school population with a roundtable should consider partnering with different cultural background and different such organizations to decide which data challenges, including, perhaps, less profi- should be collected and how best to coordi- ciency in English. nate information-sharing among institutions There are more than 1,000 children each in Northwest Indiana. month waiting for spots in day care, but we The indicators cited in this and previous do not know the context of this situation, Quality of Life Indicators reports provide and if it is worsening. We do not know a snapshot of some aspects of primary and how many children are cared for by family secondary education and the factors that hold members or what the quality of that care students back. But there are significant gaps. students and schools in the entire educa- might be. For example, we have no data on how well tional pipeline, from early childhood through Several exciting and innovative programs the educational system prepares students graduate school and occupational training are underway in the region but there is no for jobs. Do Northwest Indiana schools, both and development. Here are just some of inventory of the full range of education and K through 12 and post-secondary, prepare the questions that ought to be answered. education-related programs and the impact student for the available employment? Do Further questions are found in this report’s upon student performance and academic local graduates get hired? Can employers find appendices. achievement. Programs that link education workers with the education and skills they How can Northwest Indiana utilize to workforce and economic development need? How does the education level of the more sophisticated research analysis based need to be included in that analysis. workforce affect the region's ability to attract on regression analysis to study cause and Much remains to be learned about the investment and jobs? How can we better effect between a given measure and known state of education and how it life-long learn- spotlight innovative programs occurring in variables? For example, given a measure ing influence other quality of life factors. the region such as activities in Hobart, Crown of student background such as free and Point, and Merrillville and at Banneker reduced lunch status, and the application Elementary in Gary? of regression analysis, what would be the The educational indicators should be predicted level of student achievement for chosen that track performance by both various levels of free and reduced lunches at

EDUCATION  LEARN MORE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATES  Indiana Department of Education, compass.doe.in.gov/dashboard/ POST-HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION INTENTIONS  overview.aspx I-STEP PASSING RATES  Indiana Commission on Higher Education, www.in.gov/che/2340.htm EDUCATIONAL COSTS  Indiana Youth Institute, datacenter.kidscount.org/data/bystate/ EXPULSIONS AND SUSPENSIONS  Default.aspx?state=IN U.S. Census Bureau, quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/18000.html FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH  Center of Workforce Innovations, www.innovativeworkforce.com/ CHILDCARE WAITING LIST  research.html STUDENT DIVERSITY  WorkOne Northwest Indiana, www. nwi.gotoworkone.com/home/ index.asp?page=1 ISSUeS TReNDINg  IMPROVEMENT  STEADY  DECLINE

30 upon student learning. These institutions need to be identified and formally partnered with schools. There are research-based models, programs and methods for improving educa- tional performance that Northwest Indiana could access or emulate, if the political will can be found to identify them and develop support for them. Several programs and local initiatives have been undertaken in the region, but their real results and impact have not been studied. If such programs can be demonstrated to have a real impact, they need to be supported and replicated. One Region needs to be a fearless cham- pion for educational change that redresses inequities across the region, streamlines inefficiencies, adapts to new realities and bases its plans on facts, not stereotypes. The educational roundtable and the newly launched READY program may be the right place to begin. An educated workforce is essential for the region’s economy. We need to make sure that the education system in the region is aligned with opportunities that will be available and with the needs of the region’s employers. Today’s children will compete for jobs not just with their neighbors but with workers around the world. We owe them an education that prepares them for that challenge. An educated citizenry is essential to tackle a grade level, school or school district, if that How can those programs better align with the then increasingly complex problems that quality of teaching and the quality of school needs of employers? will face the region and the world. In today's was averaged? Using this scenario how many What are the enrollment figures, retention world and tomorrows, children who cannot schools or school corporations would be rates, and graduation rates in the schools understand science and history will not be performing as expected, beyond expectations beyond high school? Does data support the able to make informed decisions as voters, or below expectations? need for a comprehensive regional university? parents and neighbors. Children who cannot Is there a way to provide positive What are the impacts of high schools and read and write cannot compete. reinforcement for those schools’ student universities offering curricula so high school Every child’s future is valuable but so too performance? And when student background students receive college credit? are the workers. There is no higher priority as measured by percent of free and reduced How can the task of measuring quality of in Northwest Indiana than making sure its lunch is accounted for? life be integrated into curricula and research children and labor force are prepared for Is there a way to study those schools and programs at the universities and colleges? every opportunity and every challenge to school districts whose student achieve- come. ment is beyond that which is expected to READY is the regional education and determine what processes and practices CALL TO ACTION employer alliance for the development of have been deployed to enable them to exceed youth which was organized and invested in expectations? We have to raise the bar on education by business, K-12 education, post-secondary To what extent do our Northwest Indiana in Northwest Indiana. One Region has the education, elected officials, civic and com- youth possess the number of “developmental potential to provide a forum where the com- munity leaders and economic and workforce assets” that the Search Institute has identi- plex issues of education – including touchy development professionals. The goal of fied as critical for future success critical for background factors such as poverty, race, READY is to increase the number of students deciding not to engage in at-risk behaviors? ethnicity, class, language, money, substance in the region going to post-secondary educa- What are our schools, school corpora- abuse and local politics – can be openly tion without the need for remediation, to tions, and communities doing to assist discussed and real strategy for change can be accelerate college credit attainment of high Northwest Indiana youth to develop the hammered out. schools students, to fully prepare students for “assets” that have been researched by youth Schools by themselves cannot totally careers, and to ensure that our region’s talent organizations to be critically important for overcome the detrimental impact on student pool has the skills that align directly to the enabling our youth to exceed, to flourish? learning that lack of parental support, needs of employers in the region. What are the performance outcomes and substance abuse, family dysfunction and The vision is for NWI, under the Ready trends between public, private and charter negative peer influences create. However, to Work/Ready to Hire Plan, to have a talent schools? additional institutions must be identified pool by 2025 where 60% of the labor force What are the performance outcomes of to assist schools and therefore decrease the has a post high school credential aligned with career and technical education in the region? detrimental impact that these variables have employers’ needs.

31 HEALTH

“WE ASPIRE TO BE A REGION THAT throughout the region, but the supportive resources and partnerships to form it. PROMOTES GOOD HEALTH AND SAFE The report noted the lack of regionally specific health data. A 2000 study by the ENVIRONMENTS WHILE PROVIDING U.S. Conference of Mayors had found that midsize American cities and rural towns THE BEST MEDICAL CARE FOR ALL.” experienced nearly the same rate of drug, Northwest Indiana has some sparkling alcohol and tobacco use as urban centers. new hospitals with modern equipment. But A LOOK BACK But because there were no Northwest it also has pockets where many residents Indiana-specific data, the authors high- lack access to health care, especially the In 2000, the Quality of Life Indicators lighted health statistics of comparable small kind of ongoing care that can prevent or Report examined some of the fundamental metropolitan regions. manage illness rather than treating it in a metrics of health. The key findings were The call to action that year was for a hospital. Poverty, unemployment, lack of that Northwest Indiana suffered from higher regional epidemiological study that would insurance, racial and ethnic segregation and rates of infectious disease, cancer, and focus on health problems, while identifying lack of education all are barriers to both cancer-related deaths and substance abuse resources that could lead to better health health care and health education. More than the rest of the state, but otherwise was outcomes. Committed partnerships were a often than not, the poor use emergency and comparable overall. Health problems were potential remedy for the lack of a central- urgent care centers as their primary health worst in Lake County, with its large popula- ized, local data for tracking the incidents of care provider, which is costly and does little tion and concentration of poverty. For ex- chronic and acute health conditions. to prevent illness or manage health. ample, it had more low-birth-weight babies In the 2004 report, it was still a chal- But one of the region's most severe and a lower rate of childhood immunizations lenge to get good health data on the entire gaps, ever since the first Quality of Life than the statewide averages. Northwest Indiana region. Indicators report, has been a lack of good, The goal stated in the report was to The report noted that the Indiana geographically specific data about health provide an effective and affordable system Department of Health had designated Gary, needs and health delivery in the region. In of health care to all Northwest Indiana Hammond, East Chicago and Lake Station order to address the region's disparities and residents. Many expected this system to be and a segment of Porter County as “medi- inefficiencies, we need to know more about inclusive of infrastructure, access, nutrition, cally underserved communities,” in need of them. and physical development. These areas more primary care physicians and dentists. were not only lacking in strategic planning These communities began to address the

32 problem and later found it to be an access household conditions were also identified as than the national overall, but lower rates of issue. Noteworthy was the finding that a factors in poor health. The report suggested sexually transmitted diseases and a higher number of physicians chose not to extend that the region emulate the federal Healthy rate of condom use. healthcare to the uninsured, Medicaid, or People 2010 initiative. Children in the region were more likely underinsured populations. While the nation The 2008 Quality of Life Indicators to be victims of violent crime, including was experiencing shortages in the areas of Report drew on local data from a 2005 murder, and accidental deaths than in the primary care and specialty physicians, some epidemiological study funded by the three nation overall. Northwest Indiana residents of the shortages were attributable to low United Way organizations. The Epidemio- over the age of 65 years were less likely to or no pay situations from those of limited logical Report on the Health Concerns of receive a flu vaccine than in the nation over- financial means. Not serving this population Northwest Indiana, conducted by Profes- all. But they were also less likely to die from led to more costly urgent care. sional Research Consultants, found that the pneumonia or influenza. African-Americans The report stated drug and alcohol abuse people of the region were less likely to be and Hispanics living near or at the poverty remained a major health problem, and active and more likely to be obese than the line had the worst access to health care. moreover, that the Justice Department clas- nation as a whole, leading to higher rates Other data in the 2008 report showed sified Northwest Indiana as “a high intensity of heart disease and diabetes and deaths that in 2006, death rates in Northwest drug trafficking area.” It appeared, however, from those diseases. People in the region Indiana were improving but still were higher that Northwest Indiana had sufficient also were less likely to have healthy diets than national averages. Heart disease, mental health and long-term residential consisting of fruits and vegetables. cancer, lower respiratory diseases, diabetes care services. Northwest Indiana residents were more and kidney disease were the top killers. The The leading cause of death in Northwest likely to be smokers, a major factor in health infant death rate in Northwest Indiana was Indiana was heart disease, followed by problems, both for smokers and for those higher than for the state as a whole, and was cancer. Rates of infant and teen deaths exposed to secondhand smoke. Chronic higher for African Americans than other were declining. The reported stated that lower respiratory disease death rates were ethnic groups. in 2000, the death rate among whites in higher in Northwest Indiana than in the The call to action was higher coordina- Indiana was 915 per 100,000, while that nation. tion among healthcare institutions and for African-Americans was 1,152. A 1999 Binge drinking, drunk driving and providers to address a range of health issues, report had found that death rates among cirrhosis of the liver occurred at a higher with an emphasis on prevention programs. people segregated by race and ethnicity were rate in Northwest Indiana than in the U.S. They called for a regional health care group higher than for those who lived in less seg- overall. Northwest Indiana had higher to carry out policies consistent with the regated neighborhoods. Poverty and other incidences of teenage births and HIV deaths goals of the Healthy People 2010 initiative.

33 HEALTH

Health Factors, THE NUMBERS NOW Low Birth Weight

Data collection is a continuing rates, Porter County ranked 2010 and 2012. La Porte County 2010 2012 challenge for the region. There 16th of the 92 counties, while is experiencing a higher propor- remains a severe lack of consis- La Porte was 61st and Lake was tion of uninsured persons at 17 percent in 2012. Both Lake and tent, accessible data on health 84th. On other health factors, Lake and health care in Northwest including healthy behaviors, La Porte County were able to Indiana at a scale that is geo- clinical care, socioeconomic sta- reduce the number of prevent- graphically and socially specific tus and physical environment, able hospital stays during this enough to be useful. Although Lake County ranked last and time, but Porter County’s rate a wealth of health data resides La Porte County ranked 77th. grew to 92 per 1,000 Medicare with federal, state, nonprofit and Porter County, however, ranked enrollees. private sources, it is difficult for 13th. Although Northwest Children and elderly persons Porter the public to analyze and use. Indiana overall was comparable represent vulnerable popula- Consistent updates are not to Indiana as a whole, both the tions. Northwest Indiana’s aver- available for most of the indica- region and the state did worse age poverty rate for children was tor data that were included in than the nation in every category 15 percent from 2010 to 2012. the previous reports. Therefore, of measurement. Lake and La Porte County this report starts fresh, with Northwest Indiana experi- reached 25 percent of its children La Porte data for 2010, 2011 and 2012 ences higher incidences of living in poverty and at 14 from the County Rankings and premature death. In 2010, the percent in 2012, Porter County is Roadmaps program underwrit- region averaged 8,291. LowVehicle birth crashnot immune.death rate ten by the Robert Wood Johnson weight babies were 8.1 percent Regionally, 20 percent of Foundation and the University of of births, and highest in Lake adults on average lacked social Wisconsin’s Population Health County at 9.3 percent in 2010 and emotional support. La

Institute. and 9.7 percent in 2012. Porte County adults were most IN. According to the County 27 percent of adults in the affected, with 20 percent of Rankings, the Northwest Indiana region smoke on average over the those surveyed lacking adequate region tended to be less healthy three year period. 17 percent of support. than the rest of Indiana between adults were excessive drinkers, Low income people have

2010 and 2012. By a number of and with the highest proportion a harder time accessing good Benchmark measures, Lake and La Porte at 20 percent in La Porte County foods from nearby grocery counties were among the least during 2012. stores. Fast food restaurants are healthy counties in Indiana. The region’s uninsured very accessible in the region, On health outcomes in 2010, averaged 15 percent of the popu- half of all restaurants are fast including death and disease lation under 65 years between food establishments. 0 2% 4% 6% 8% 10%

Trends in health Rankings of NWI Counties Compared to 92 Indiana Counties Health Outcomes Health Factors Mortality Morbidity Health Behaviors Clinical Care Social & Economic Factors Environment Physical Smoking Diet and Exercise Alcohol Use Unprotected Sex Access to Care Quality of Care Education Employment Income Family and Social Support Community Safety Air Quality Built Environment Lake ‘10 84 92 86 76 92 68 91 91 72 92 45 87 32 77 60 48 86 91 92 91 31 Lake ‘11 84 92 85 75 90 82 92 48 56 92 44 89 65 84 57 46 84 89 92 83 10 Lake ‘12 84 82 80 77 79 71 80 80 59 80 44 82 37 85 60 53 75 88 86 83 69 Porter ‘10 16 13 16 22 25 38 10 67 52 28 53 4 52 33 6 12 25 45 37 83 27 Porter ‘11 18 19 15 20 48 56 10 25 27 77 56 7 53 59 8 25 10 40 28 59 20 Porter ‘12 18 14 18 20 21 37 8 64 42 18 57 5 15 71 6 16 8 32 72 59 71 La Porte ‘10 61 77 69 52 72 40 77 79 39 65 78 79 48 41 70 48 73 73 85 75 63 La Porte ‘11 63 65 69 56 62 41 74 46 61 22 75 79 46 42 69 61 61 82 86 37 53 La Porte ‘12 65 70 72 59 66 41 73 66 64 34 80 71 56 30 56 75 71 74 47 37 76

34 Lake Porter La Porte IN Benchmark Lake Porter La Porte IN Benchmark

Clinical Care, Uninsured Social & Economic Factors: 2010 Physical Environment, Fast Food, 2012 2010 2012 Children in Poverty 2012 Limited Access to Health Foods 20% 30% Fast Food Restaurants 60%

15% 50% 20% 40% 10% 30% 10% 5% 20%

10% 0 0 0 Lake Porter La Porte IN Benchmark Lake Porter La Porte IN Benchmark Lake Porter La Porte IN Benchmark

Health Outcomes, Health Behaviors, Adult Smoking Premature Death 2010 2012 2010 2012 30%

25% Lake

20%

15%

10% Porter

5%

0 Lake Porter La Porte IN Benchmark La Porte

Health Behaviors, Excessive Drinking 2010 2012 20% IN 15%

10% Benchmark

5%

0 2K 4K 6K 8K 10K 0 Number of People Lake Porter La Porte IN Benchmark

35 HEALTH

Demands on the health care system in WHERE WE STAND the region can only increase. The aging population will consume more services. Without good data, it is difficult to focus Impoverished families need greater primary efforts in the region to promote good health care access within their neighborhoods. The and lifestyles, redress disparities in access effects of increasing obesity, including diabe- to health care and direct investment in new tes, are growing nationwide. The health care medical facilities and health care capabilities. system is challenged to find the resources to Though the 2005 epidemiological data could treat the consequences of obesity but also have been analyzed in more specific ways, to tackle the causes. The region needs not only region-wide statistics were presented only new health facilities, but strategies for in the 2008 Quality of Life Indicators report. prevention that include changing underlying And the benefits gained from the 2005 behaviors that contribute to health problems epidemiological study have nearly been lost and early interventions that minimize those because those statistics have not been up- effects. dated. The result is that in 2012 it is difficult According to other research, drug and to paint a comprehensive picture of the state alcohol abuse is consistently higher in com- of health in the region. munities in which zoning codes fail to restrict The County Rankings' database helps, the number of businesses selling liquor in a but county-level rankings are not specific given community. Noticeably, communities enough for the best guidance. How do access of high poverty, low economic development, to care and health conditions, outcomes are flooded with package liquor stores and and attitudes compare among cities, among bars. neighborhoods, between urban, suburban Drug trafficking is found to be at its peak and rural areas, between racial and ethnic when there are low neighborhood connec- groups in the region? How do environmental tions, abandon buildings, lack of infrastruc- conditions such as air and water pollution ture maintenance, and high unemployment. and contamination, as well as sprawling These issues are systemic to the symptoms land use and dependence on automobiles, they produce, heart disease, poor nutrition, affect health in Northwest Indiana? We don't sexually transmitted viruses, low birth rate know. We can guess at regional effects and and violence. disparities and their causes, but we do not Even with Northwest Indiana having have hard data on which to base policy and major resources, roads, rail, lakefront, infra- action. structure, strategic development to resolve The recent focus in Northwest Indiana more than pockets of care across the region health care has been modernizing its medical have neither been effective nor efficient. infrastructure. Several new and expanded Clearly, the region needs to do more to pro- hospitals, clinics and offices have been built mote health and well-being of its residents or are in development. Yet, despite the re- and the environment in which they live. gion's dense population and its concentration under One Region. Examples of existing of major industry and highways where vehicle coalitions around quality of care and health accidents are common, it has no trauma WHAT WE NEED disparities include the following. center. The Patient Safety Council formed by Patients with life-threatening injuries, TO KNOW hospitals in conjunction with Indiana Hospi- when seconds count, must often be airlifted tal Association, is where nurses, physicians, to Chicago or Indianapolis. As the issue of Northwest Indiana needs to develop and administrators, and quality and risk managers designated trauma centers has evolved, one support ongoing research and information- come together as a regional improvement major problem exists at all levels, the col- sharing on the region's specific needs and planning council focused on a range of health lected data. In some cases it is not that the priorities. Issue and project based approaches issues with an emphasis on prevention pro- data is not being collected, but whether the may be an effective way to bring people grams. In regional collaboration, they have data is comparable for measurement. together in formalizing the health care agenda successfully implemented several quality

HEALTH  LEARN MORE HEALTH RANKINGS SNAPSHOT  County Rankings and Roadmaps, www.countyhealthrankings. HEALTH OUTCOMES  org/#app/indiana/2012/rankings/outcomes/overall HEALTH FACTORS: HEALTH BEHAVIORS  Indiana Department of Health, www.in.gov/isdh/19096.htm Indiana Department of Health, Sunny Start Program, www.in.gov/ HEALTH FACTORS: CLINICAL CARE  isdh/21190.htm HEALTH FACTORS: SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.hhs.gov/ HEALTH FACTORS: PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT  diseases/index.html Center for Disease Control, apps.nccd.cdc.gov/brfss-smart/index. ISSUeS TReNDINg  IMPROVEMENT  STEADY  DECLINE asp

36 and alcohol use affect employment, accident rates, workplaces and schools? How can the supply of needed drugs be assured? How can better understanding of the high rates of teenage pregnancy, unprotected sexual intercourse leading to transmitted diseases and greater condom use be obtained? What are the significant mental health issues in Northwest Indiana? How do they vary between localities and segments of the population? Is the model of the federal Healthy People 2010 program — now Healthy People 2020 – useful, or is there a better model for changing behaviors and health care outcomes in the region? CALL TO ACTION

One Region provides a venue for leading a regional strategy on healthcare through its Healthcare Coalition. The major participant draw of this group is the presence of the CEO’s of all hospitals in Northwest Indiana and its relationship with Indiana State Rep- resentative Charlie Brown. This action group can focus on shaping policies and aligning of healthcare community in the region. An update to the 2005 epidemiological study of health in Northwest Indiana is warranted. Partnership opportunity between area hospitals, social services and the local universities may assure an alignment of regional health concerns and resources in the collection of ongoing health statistics and in assessing community needs, on such issues as chronic disease. assurance measures, including its first project Link in Porter and La Porte Counties provide The Patient Protection and Affordable to synchronize patient wristband colors for an array of patient services and educational Care Act supports the development of com- health conditions to improve patient care and awareness. munity assessments. As of 2013 this mandate medical staff treatments. Among the gaps in our knowledge of the is established for all hospitals. Northwest The Northwest Indiana Health Disparities health of Northwest Indiana are these: Indiana hospitals are working together with Initiative represents six counties and a variety How many Northwest Indiana residents Purdue University Calumet on strategies to of providers. The members, establish major have medical insurance or lack it? What are effectively survey these communities. With areas of concern in the communities, identify the barriers to having medical insurance, the deadlines, differing for the hospitals, organizations and resources, and build capac- and how will they be affected by the federal there is a sense of urgency in getting this ity to implement and educate all in impacting Affordable Care Act? What are the healthcare module of healthcare reform in place. change. patterns of each group? Through the Patient Protection and Af- The Lake County Minority Health Coali- How does the cost of medical care change fordable Care Act, patient care and healthcare tion is focused on areas of health concerns for residents' health behavior, such as delaying management are to be formed and channeled the most vulnerable populations of all races seeking treatment or not filling prescriptions? through healthcare networks. The establish- and ethnic groups within the county and Where might existing or new partnership ment of such a network in Northwest Indiana regionally, however, there is an emphasis on opportunities obtain and expand health data? would not only fulfill those obligations but African Americans, and Latinos. The Coali- How should Northwest Indiana integrate the health care industry could gain efficien- tion is actively supporting various initiatives hospital facilities and environmental health cies. Schools, corporations, community based to support data, and education on chronic information into health indicator data? and faith based organizations along with disease. What are the health and health care social service agencies will be essential in the Federally Qualified Health Centers have disparities among racial and ethnic groups in making of a healthcare network. federally appropriated funds for primary the region and between localities? The Northwest Indiana Health Disparities care in serving underserved communities. What are trends in pre-natal care, unwed Initiative seeks to create a public health There are such centers in Northwest Indiana. mothers and low birth weight babies? institute to develop institutional capacity to Community Health Net, Health Link, What are the rates of substance abuse address data, research, need assessment, and NorthShore, East Chicago Health, and Health among children and adults, and how do drug grant funding opportunities.

37 PUBLIC SAFETY

“WE ASPIRE TO BE A REGION WHERE saw a clear need for greater regional coopera- tion and integration between law enforcement PEOPLE AND PROPERTY ARE PROTECTED agencies. The primary indicators were major crime data and death rates from murder, AND SECURE, AND PUBLIC SAFETY suicide and accidents. Arrests of adults and juveniles for crimes AGENCIES HAVE THE TRUST AND in the three-county region were up 33.2 CONFIDENCE OF THE COMMUNITY.” percent between 1990 and 1997, from 23,726 to 31,598. Arrests of adults for violent crimes In healthy communities, people have rose 37.8 percent over the same period, from enough confidence in their safety to put down A LOOK BACK 838 to 1990 to 1,115 1997. Arrests for property roots, to enjoy streets, parks and playgrounds, crimes by adults increased 28.6 percent, from to raise families and buy homes. Businesses In 2000, at a time when violent crime 3,594 to 4,621. Juvenile arrests were also up have the confidence to invest and expand. was rising in the region, the Quality of Life 24 percent, from 6,474 to 8,027. Arrests for Visitors feel secure and welcome exploring Indicators Report focused heavily on the violent crimes by juveniles rose 45 percent beaches and bike trails or stopping at restau- urban core. It established a goal of bringing and those for property crimes by juveniles rants. In Northwest Indiana, some places meet state-of-the-art law enforcement procedures grew by 16 percent. Porter County experi- this description, but many do not. and technology to Northwest Indiana. It also enced the largest increases in the number

38 of arrests for all kinds of crime during this agencies. Crime still was increasing in Lake was determined to be somewhat safer in period, partially attributable to the growing County in 2004, but it was increasing faster 2005 than in 2000. Major crime rates were population size. The homicide rate in Lake La Porte County, which had higher crime decreasing, with two notable exceptions: Lake County of 19.6 per 100,000 people was nearly rates for rape, burglary and larceny. County’s murder rate of 17.6 per 1000,000 three times the state’s rate of 7.2 per 100,000. Juvenile delinquency, defined as crime by people in 2005 remained three times as high The authors of the report saw a need to people under the age of 18, continued to rise. as the nation's. And rape offenses in the focus on addressing Lake County’s murder “Institutional and professional boundaries” region were increasing, with a 2005 rate of rate, the growing juvenile delinquency prob- between schools, police, courts and other 25 per 100,000 people. The region’s young lem and increasing crime in Porter County. agencies were identified as barriers to ad- people appeared a little safer from crime: The In the 2004 report, the public safety dressing factors that gave rise to youth crime number of cases of neglect and abuse were conversation focused on the potential of and the associated costs. down by 32 percent from 1,719 in 2000 to community-based policing and innovations The stated goal of the 2004 report was for 1,164 in 2005. The number of cases of child in the way crime reports and other data could all communities to adopt and fully implement sexual abuse was down 27 percent from 293 be gathered and shared broadly between comprehensive data collection and policing to 213. law enforcement agencies and with the strategies (COMPSTAT) by 2010. Meanwhile, juvenile delinquency rose by public to make communities safer, as was The 2008 report introduced a new issue 40 percent from 2000 to 2005. Expulsions being attempted in New York, Chicago and for further exploration: How people's percep- and suspensions as well as substance abuse other cities. This would require much more tion of safety influences their behavior. Based were seen as factors contributing to criminal cooperation and collaboration between local on crime arrest data, Northwest Indiana behavior by people under 18.

39 PUBLIC SAFETY

VIOLENT CRIME: Murder per 100,000 per Capita THE NUMBERS NOW NWI Lake Porter La Porte The region overall was rose 35 percent, from 605 to 25 relatively less violent in 2010 815 burglaries per 100,000 than in 2000. Most of the major people, between 2000 and 2010. crime arrest rates had declined Larceny increased 8 percent 20 over the 10-year period. from 2,199 to 2,026 thefts per The murder rate in the 100,000 people. However, three-county region fell by 20 vehicle theft declined 28 percent 15 percent from 13 to 11 murders from 488 to 353 per 100,000 per 100,000 people. The Lake people. Juvenile delinquency County murder rate remained cases fell by 2 percent in the 10 the highest in the region, at same period, from 2,739 to 16 murders per 100,000, but 2,689 cases. had fallen from 19 in 2000. Children appeared more safe 5 The robbery rate in the region from adults in 2010 compared fell 18 percent, from 144 to 118 to 2000. The number of child robberies per 100,000 people. neglect cases substantiated by The aggravated assault rate fell Child Protective Services in the 0 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 12 percent from 186 to 164 per region fell 8 percent, from 1,710 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 100,000 people. Unfortunately, cases in 2000 to 1,579 cases the rate of rapes increased by in 2010. Physical abuse cases 4 percent, from 22 to 23 rapes dropped 45 percent from 457 VIOLENT CRIME: Robbery per 100,000 per Capita per 100,000, during the same to 250 confirmed cases. Sexual period. abuse of people under age 18 NWI Lake Porter La Porte Thefts of personal property also declined by 25 percent from 250 rose over the decade. Burglary 293 to 216 cases.

200

Juvenile Delinquency, Number of Case Filings 150 NWI Lake Porter La Porte 4,000 3,500 3,000 100 2,500 2,000 1,500 50 1,000 500 0 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 0 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10

VIOLENT CRIME: Rape per 100,000 per Capita VIOLENT CRIME: Aggravated Assault per 100,000 per Capita NWI Lake Porter La Porte NWI Lake Porter La Porte 45 400 40 350 35 300 30 250 25 200 20 150 15

10 100

5 50

0 0 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10

40 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10

PROPERTY CRIME: Burglary per 100,000 per Capita Child Neglect: Substantiated Cases NWI Lake Porter La Porte NWI Lake Porter La Porte 1,200 2,000

1,000 1,500 800

600 1,000

400 500 200

0 0 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10

PROPERTY CRIME: Larceny Theft per 100,000 per Capita Child Physical Abuse: Substantiated Cases NWI Lake Porter La Porte NWI Lake Porter La Porte 3,500 500

3,000 400 2,500

2,000 300

1,500 200

1,000 100 500 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 0 0 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10

PROPERTY CRIME: Vehicle Theft per 100,000 per Capita Child Sexual Abuse: Substantiated Cases NWI Lake Porter La Porte NWI Lake Porter La Porte 800 350

700 300

600 250 500 200 400 150 300 100 200

100 50

0 0 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10

41 PUBLIC SAFETY

part of the public safety picture. The safety WHERE WE STAND of the region's people also is affected by fire; natural disasters such as tornadoes, automo- In general, the broad data that have been bile accidents, grade crossing train accidents included in Quality of Life Indicators reports and derailments; hazardous materials leaks; provide only a sketchy knowledge of crime drownings on the region's beaches; and other in the region and little understanding of its dangers. causes and effects. Much work remains to be There has been no coordinated study of done for the people of Northwest Indiana to the sources of danger to Northwest Indiana both be safe and feel safe from crime. residents, but if the region reflects national The urban core of the region may have trends, heart attacks and accidents, particu- fewer violent crimes, but it still is more violent larly vehicle accidents and accidents in the and unsafe than its residents have a right to home, are more common causes of death and expect. Though Community Oriented Policing injury than crime. programs have been established in Gary and Though the three counties of Northwest in other places and have helped focus police Indiana have nearly 12 percent of Indiana's attention in some problem areas, the strategy's population, the region has no trauma center. overall effectiveness in reducing crime in the The nearest of the state's eight trauma centers region has not been studied or proven. are in South Bend and Fort Wayne. Trauma is Cooperation and collaboration between the primary cause of death of people under public safety agencies remains an unrealized age 45 and trauma patients are known to be goal. There is no unified 911 system in Lake at least 25 percent more likely to survive if County despite both Porter and La Porte taken to a trauma center than an emergency counties having successfully implemented room, so the availability of trauma care is a centralized, countywide 911 systems. There significant public safety issue. is a Northwest Indiana Major Crimes Task Such factors as ambulance and fire crew Force, but local police agencies may choose response times as well as police response not to call on its expertise. Police training, times can have a major effect on the safety of equipment, tactics and preparedness are not residents, and they vary considerably. uniform throughout the region; local govern- The lack of coordination and cooperation ments vary widely in the resources they afford that is characteristic of the region affects not to police departments. Intelligence about only crime-fighting but also the response to gangs, drugs and other sources of crime is not other emergencies such as major storms and widely shared. hazardous materials situations, in an area with There has been no coordinated effort in many industrial areas and heavily used freight the region to study and take action on the root train lines. causes of youth crime, including such factors Grade crossings on railroad lines are a as family structure, lack of recreational oppor- significant hazard and the scene of numerous tunities, truancy, suspensions and expulsions tragedies. Coordinated study and action might from school, drugs and gangs. Programs for help prevent injury and losses. youth that might reduce juvenile crimes and In general, it seems that One Region for ex-offenders that might reduce recidivism needs to take a much broader view of public WHAT WE NEED are ill-coordinated and underfunded. safety, including not only crime and programs Though it is crucial that people and required to prevent crime in the first place, but TO KNOW property are protected from crime, it is only all dangers that the region's residents face. An informed consideration of the public safety needs of Northwest Indiana would explore crime far beyond the bare crime rate data collected in previous Quality of Life PUBLIC SAFETY  LEARN Indicators reports. But it would also explore MURDER  MORE many other dangers to the public, how the ROBBERY ARRESTS  region's agencies handle them and what can be done to better respond to or prevent RAPE  Federal Bureau of Investigation, injury, death and property damage. AGGRAVATED ASSAULT  www.fbi.gov Among the many questions that could BURGLARY  Indiana Youth usefully be considered are: LARCENY THEFT  Institute, www. VEHICLE THEFT  iyi.org jUVENILE DELINQUENCY  Annie E. Casey CRIME AND POLICING Foundation, How does crime differ between localities? CHILD NEGLECT  www.aecf.org What is the sociological and demographic CHILD PHYSICAL ABUSE  background of crime in the region? CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE  What do we know about gangs in the region? Drugs? How can information about gangs and drugs be productively shared? ISSUeS TReNDINg  IMPROVEMENT  STEADY  DECLINE

42 death rates for traumas related to travel time to trauma centers? How many traffic accidents and home accidents are there in the region? How many involve injury or death? What factors con- tribute to accidents and what measures might be taken to mitigate deaths and injuries? CALL TO ACTION

The region needs to take a cooperative, regional approach to public safety; to understand more about crime and all the dangers to the residents of Northwest Indiana; and to freely share that knowledge. Only with a shared knowledge of all the factors that endanger people and property can law enforcement, emergency responders, government, schools, social service agencies, business and residents cooperate on holistic approaches to make the region safer. Data – both current crime data and ana- lytic data on crime and other hazards – need to be regularly collected over the long term in a consistent form so that comparisons are easy and progress can be tracked and extended. The region is greatly hampered by fac- tionalism between agencies and jurisdictions and in some cities and towns mistrust exists between police and the community. The complex hazards of today's world demand an open-minded approach that is not hampered by historic barriers and boundaries and can lead toward greater integration and cooperation. A strong regional institution that has the confidence of law enforcement as well as the public could be a force for greater coordina- What is the background of the increase in reduce crime or community perceptions of tion, training, efficiency and accountability. rapes in the region? safety and how could these be emulated? A regional approach also would have great What can be done to reduce recidivism of benefits in fire and emergency response and ex-offenders returning to the community? disaster preparedness, and in making the case How can crime data and other intelligence YOUTH for better trauma care. be usefully collected, analyzed and shared for What is the role of schools in youth crime, The region should be open to emulating more efficient policing, better community including truancy, suspensions and expul- crime and accident prevention programs involvement and a deeper understanding of sions, and what is the effect of youth crime and strategies that have been successful the occurrence and causes of crime? on education in the region? elsewhere, including those that operate Where are the gaps and strengths in How does youth crime correlate with edu- beyond conventional policing, such as early operations, training and equipment among cation, dropout rates, attendance, income, intervention for youth offenders or when police in the region, and how might better drug use and family structure? violence is brewing. Jurisdictions should take coordination and combined effort improve Why have crimes against children shown a hard look at different approaches to drug law enforcement? a decrease in the last few years? enforcement. The grade crossings research undertaken FIRE, AMBULANCE by the Center for Innovation through Visual- PERCEPTION ization and Simulation at Purdue University How do both the actual incidence of AND FIRST RESPONSE Calumet and its partners should be formal- various crimes and residents' perceptions What are response times of fire crews ized into a transportation strategy. of crime affect feelings of connectedness and ambulances in various localities? How All efforts on public safety, whether by and well-being as well as such metrics as are those response times related to budget law enforcement, government, schools, property values? and to different methods of organization and churches or philanthropy, should be well How are perceptions of police conduct staffing? coordinated and designed with accountabil- related to arrest rates and crime prevention? How do trauma death rates in Northwest ity measures built in so their real utilization What programs have been shown to Indiana compare to other areas? How are and effectiveness can be assessed.

43 HOUSING

in the region's urban core. “WE ASPIRE TO BE A REGION According to the report, housing starts, WHERE EVERYONE HAS A HOME or building permits, grew 26 percent in the region overall, from 2,637 permits issued IN A SAFE, INCLUSIVE AND in 1990 to 3,920 in 1999. Incorporated areas issued 52 percent of building permits, FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD.” while 48 percent were for unincorporated areas, an indication that much of the new For decades, owning a home has been took place during the 2000s, coupled with job investment was occurring in outlying areas. the bedrock of the American dream. Many losses from the ensuing national recession, In Lake County, of the 1,907 permits issued, families were drawn to Northwest Indiana in has brought a cascade of foreclosures reveal- 73 percent were in incorporated areas and search of good factory jobs that would enable ing the vulnerabilities of not only individual 27 percent were not. In Porter County, of them to buy a home, the biggest investment homeowners but the communities in which the 1,622 permits issued, 36 percent were in most middle-class people ever make. Over they reside. incorporated areas and 64 percent were not. time, more affluent homeowners seeking In La Porte County, of the 391 permits issued, newer homes drove the development of rural 16 percent were for incorporated areas and 84 areas into suburban subdivisions. A LOOK BACK were for unincorporated areas. Overall, the region's population may be The report cited a 1999 study by the Indi- more diverse today, but its neighborhoods are When the 2000 Quality of Life Indicators ana Housing Finance Authority that defined not. The invisible boundaries between ethnic Report was published in 2000, affordable factors that place people at risk of being un- and racial groups not only make life more housing was viewed as the main challenge for able to afford decent housing. The study found difficult for both homeowners and renters housing. Demand was high for larger homes in that of 92 counties in Indiana, Lake County seeking a better life, but can hamstring the new, outlying subdivisions, while the housing had the most residents at risk. Porter County region in adapting to ongoing demographic market collapsed in older neighborhoods ranked fifth and La Porte County ranked 25th. changes and creating more sustainable pat- where there was little or no new housing Based on this analysis, the authors found that terns of residence and development. investment. Residents of the urban core were in Northwest Indiana, where about one-third In Northwest Indiana, the recent real estate left trapped in deteriorating neighborhoods, of residents could not afford fair market rents, turmoil only exacerbates weaknesses created with depressed home values that denied them a majority of the population likely did not have by historically segregated housing patterns. the opportunity to move outward into new access to good-quality affordable housing. The national boom and bust in real estate that homes. The effect was to concentrate poverty The goal stated in the report was to provide

44 a regional system of quality affordable housing group homes, the 12.7 percent of the popula- percent to 3,556 new multi-unit and single- for all Northwest Indiana residents. tion over 65, the 17.4 percent with disabilities unit buildings. Median home values in 2006 Four years later, the 2004 Quality of Life and the 8 percent who do not own cars. It were $122,100 in La Porte County, $131,300 in Indicators Report included statistics that urged planners and developers to consider Lake County and $148,500 in Porter County, confirmed that housing investment and op- how changes in the population, such as a all exceeding the state median of $120,700. portunity were moving from both the urban growing proportion of older people, will affect It was noted that median home values were core and from rural areas of Northwest Indi- housing needs. $69,100 in Gary and $96,700 in Hammond. ana to new suburban areas, while households The report urged the region to aspire to be The rate of home ownership, the proportion that struggled to afford housing remained a community of viable and open neighbor- of households in the region that owned their concentrated in Lake County. hoods filled with affordable good homes. Since homes, was 73.1 percent in 2006, compared About two-thirds of Northwest Indiana's most new development was taking place in to 74.2 percent statewide and 68.8 percent population owned homes while one-third sprawling outlying communities and new nationally. were renters. homes tended to be more expensive than the In 2006, 31.3 percent of Northwest Indiana The median home value in 2000 was older housing stock, the authors suggested homeowners had mortgage payments that $97,500 in Lake County, $93,500 in La Porte that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Plan- exceeded 30 percent of their income, the County and $127,000 in Porter County. ning Commission convene a regional dialogue conventional threshold for unaffordability. Lake and La Porte County had the oldest on affordable housing issues, including ordi- Among renters, 17.7 percent had rent pay- housing stock, with a median age of 40 years, nances that might require zoning changes and ments that exceeded 30 percent of their compared to a median age of 34 statewide. In set-asides. They recognized, however, that income. Porter County, the median age of homes was finding the political will to take action toward More than 1 in 10 homes in Northwest 26 years. Median rents were $495 in La Porte equalizing housing disparities in Northwest Indiana were vacant in 2006. In the region County, $544 in Lake County and $625 in Indiana would be a formidable task. overall, 31, 277 homes, or 10.7 percent, were Porter County. In the 2008 Quality of Life Indicators vacant. In Gary, 24.6 percent of homes were Housing vacancy for all reasons in 2000 report, suburban sprawl took the stage along vacant, and in Hammond the rate was 10 was highest in La Porte County, where 9.1 with housing affordability. New concerns percent. percent of dwellings were unoccupied. The emerged about the lack of housing close to Reflecting the ongoing real estate crisis, vacancy rate in Lake County was 6.4 percent workplaces, energy efficiency, homelessness the report noted that foreclosure rates were up and in Porter County it was 4.9 percent. and healthy living environments. 176 percent in Lake County and 195 percent in The 2004 report also noted demographic Between 2000 and 2006, the report found, Porter County during the first quarter of 2008, factors such as the 15,668 people living in housing starts in the region had increased 2 compared to the same period in 2007.

45 HOUSING THE NUMBERS NOW

The effects of the nationwide homeowners are spending a was 28.3 in 2010, up from 16.3 percent in 2000. housing collapse and the ensu- greater portion of their income in 2000. In La Porte County, the An increasing number of ing recession are clearly felt in on housing. figure was 26.5 percent in 2010, dwelling units are vacant, in a Northwest Indiana. Both home- The average median home up from 16.8 percent in 2000. weak housing market in which owners and renters are having a value in Northwest Indiana Rents, too, are harder to abandoned or unkempt property harder time paying for housing, overall was $145,167 in 2010, afford. The average median rent can damage property values and and there are more vacant homes. an increase of 40 percent from for the region's 73,138 renters’ breed crime. Of the available But long term disparities in the average value of $103,867 in units in 2010 was $739, up housing stock in Northwest housing opportunity remain, as 2000. The rate of increase slowed from $555 in 2000, a 33 percent Indiana, 9.6 percent were vacant do the environmental and other in the second half of the decade. increase. In Lake County, the in 2010, compared to 7.3 percent costs associated with sprawling The median home value in Lake 2010 median rent of $747 was up in 2000. development. County rose 47 percent between 37 percent over the 10 years. In Between 2000 and 2010, the Housing starts peaked 2000 and 2010, to $141,400. Porter County, the 2010 median vacancy rate rose from 6.9 to 9.9 between 2001 and 2005 and then Porter County’s median rose 37 rent of $803 had increased 28 percent in Lake County, from 5.1 began a sharp decline. Overall, percent to $168,300. La Porte percent since 2000. And in La percent to 6.3 percent in Porter the annual number of housing County’s median rose 36 percent Porte County, the 2010 median County and from 10 percent to starts in the region fell from to $125,800. rent of $667 was up 35 percent 12.6 percent in La Porte County. 3,475 in 2000 to 1,297 in 2010, a Mortgage payments have since 2000. Though data are not readily decline of 63 percent. become more burdensome, More than half of renters in available to show change in There were 818 housing with more than a quarter of the Northwest Indiana are paying foreclosures, the Federal Reserve starts in Lake County in 2010, a region's homeowners paying more than 30 percent of their Bank of Chicago reports that in decline of 58 percent from 2000 more than 30 percent of their household income for housing. 2010, 5.15 percent of homes in and 73 percent from the peak in household income for housing. In The proportion of renters Lake County were in foreclosure. 2003. Porter County had only 251 2010, 28.6 percent of homeown- meeting that standard of unaf- In Porter County the rate was 3.75 housing starts in 2010, down 77 ers in Northwest Indiana, or fordability rose to 54.8 percent percent and in La Porte County it percent from the number in 2000 41,670 households out of 209,343 in 2010 from 33.8 percent in ranged from 3.76 to 4.46 percent. and 81 percent from the peak in units, had crossed that threshold, 2000. In Lake County, the Data from the Federal Reserve 2003. In La Porte County, there compared to 17.4 percent in proportion was 54.7 percent of of New York show that in the were 228 starts in 2000, down 2000. renters, up from 36.1 percent in third quarter of 2010, the propor- 48 percent from 2000 and 60 In Lake County, 31.1 percent 2000. In Porter County, it had tion of mortgages that were at percent from the county's peak of homeowners were at that increased to 52.5 percent in 2010 least 90 days delinquent was in 2005. threshold of unaffordability, up from 32.6 in 2000. In La Porte 5.1 percent in Lake County, 3.7 Average home values continue from 19.2 percent in 2000. In County, the proportion was 57.2 percent in Porter County and 3.1 to rise in the region, but more Porter County, the proportion percent in 2010, up from 32.7 percent in La Porte County.

Median Value Homeowner Affordability 2000 2010 2000 2010

$200,000 35%

30%

$150,000 25%

20% $100,000 15%

10% $50,000

5%

0 0 Lake Porter La Porte NWI Lake Porter La Porte NWI

46 MedianMedian Gross Gross Rent Rent Renter Affordability Vacant Homes 2000 2010 2000 2010 2000 2010

$900 60% aePre aPreNWI La Porte Porter Lake

$800 50% $700

$600 40%

$500 30% $400

$300 20%

$200 10% $100

0 0 Lake Porter La Porte NWI Lake Porter La Porte NWI 0% 5% 10% 15% 20%25% 30%

Housing Starts NWI Lake Porter La Porte 5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

47 HOUSING

will be elderly, often with disabilities. More WHERE WE STAND people will live alone without children or in single-parent households. Increasingly, Quality of life means that people have immigrants will bring different ways of living, good homes in safe, stable, inclusive neigh- such as multigenerational extended families borhoods, whether these homes are owned or sharing homes. The growing proportion of rented. For many in Northwest Indiana, such Hispanics may not live as tightly segregated a life may be getting out of reach. as blacks and whites. Knowledge-based em- Northwest Indiana still struggles, like ployers will need highly educated and skilled much of the nation, to show strong signs of employees who seek more amenities where real estate market recovery. Fewer homes are they live. The financial, environmental and being built in the region and employment is personal costs of long automobile commutes depressed in the construction trades. A far will continue to rise. Northwest Indiana must greater proportion of both homeowners and find ways to offer a wider mix of affordable renters are having a harder time paying for housing options at various income levels for housing, which has substantial implications a more diverse population with more diverse for the rest of the region's economy. needs and wants. It is unclear to what extent vacant homes Adapting to these new realities, and are contributing to increased risks and costs others such as the need for energy efficiency, in communities. But Northwestern Indiana offers different opportunities for the future. Regional Planning Commission’s 2040 Com- Creative thinking among public officials, prehensive Plan, Housing section, reported planners, architects and builders may lead to that in the cities of Hammond, East Chicago different patterns of housing development and Gary, Michigan City and La Porte, that create closer communities with more between 2 and 15 percent of homes had been amenities that are less dependent on cars, abandoned for three years or more. where it is easier to walk or use public transit Home values may still be growing slowly and to know your neighbors, where disabled overall, but homeowners who cannot sell or older people are not isolated or endan- their homes, cannot move to change jobs, gered, where a variety of housing options or to realize their gains, create a drag on the allow families and individuals to remain in economy. the area at different stages of their lives. Segregation in housing by income, eth- A strong housing stock strengthens the nicity and race remains a reality. According tax base so that governments can afford to to US Census figures applied to a segregation provide high-quality services. Strong prop- index, nearly 9 in 10 whites in Northwest erty values encourage private investment and Indiana would have to move to make whites support cultural amenities. and blacks evenly distributed across all Homeownership can create a sense of neighborhoods, making the region among the attachment and reinforce community bonds, most segregated in the nation. The effects but only if it is genuinely affordable for WHAT WE NEED of communities divided by race, ethnicity families. It is understood from the lessons of and income show up in patterns of school the housing boom that many homeowners TO KNOW achievement and crime, among other factors. did not have a realistic understanding of Beyond the immediate crisis, underlying what they could afford and what they could There are substantial gaps in the hous- shifts in demographics and other factors will afford to risk. Better financial education ing indicators. The Northwestern Indiana alter the longterm needs and demand for and disclosures are essential if tomorrow's Regional Planning Commission can serve as a housing in the region. Last century's focus on home market is to be truly sound. But more data resource for land use planning and map- leaving the urban core behind and developing careful lending will mean that many people ping at the block level, and the Metropolitan sprawling, disconnected subdivisions of will remain renters, and renting makes more Planning Council may provide information single-family homes will not meet future sense for many people in any case. So any on successful housing programs taking needs. housing policy must make sure that there are place in the Chicago area and elsewhere. A greater proportion of the population safe, affordable options for renters, too. Philanthropic organizations, like the Porter

HOUSING  LEARN MORE MEDIAN HOME VALUE  US Census, factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/ MEDIAN GROSS RENT  productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_SF1_QTH1&prodType=table HOMEOWNER AFFORDABILITY  Stats Indiana, www.stats.indiana.edu/topic/housing.asp US Department of Housing and Urban Development, portal.hud.gov/ RENTER AFFORDABILITY  hudportal/HUD?src=/states/indiana HOUSING VACANCY  Center for Neighborhood Technology, htaindex.cnt.org/ HOUSING STARTS  Indiana Economic Digest, www.indianaeconomicdigest.net/main.asp ?SectionID=31&subsectionID=217&articleID=30924 ISSUeS TReNDINg  IMPROVEMENT  STEADY  DECLINE

48 County Community Foundation, and housing policing and demolition? non-profit organizations, are addressing other Who is homeless in the region, and why? CALL TO ACTION concerns such as homelessness and Veterans What is the energy efficiency of the hous- assistance. ing stock in Northwest Indiana, according Northwest Indiana needs to build the A comprehensive listing of housing to different housing types? How can that cities and towns of the future. The right stakeholders, along with a development of efficiency be improved? way to recover from today's housing a regional housing strategy, would prove How can we measure the utilization and problems is not to return to the same type beneficial in addressing particular topics and effectiveness of housing assistance and finan- of housing development approach prevalent answering such questions as: cial literacy programs? in the region before 2005, but to plan for a What is the geographic distribution of What tools and incentives could encourage real estate market that will not only create residents by race and ethnicity, age, income the inclusion of affordable dwellings in future construction jobs and attract investment in and disability? development? the near term but make Northwest Indiana a Why do people live in racial and ethnic What is demand and supply of transi- place where a changing array of people will clusters and divisions? tional housing, residential substance abuse want to live, work and stay. How are these distributions projected programs, halfway houses, abuse shelters, Northwest Indiana needs a regional to change, and what factors influence their assistive living facilities and other therapeutic strategy on housing, and as an extension of changes? housing? the NIRPC 2040 Comprehensive Plan’s land What are the housing patterns of residents What is the extent of environmental and use frameworks. Among the factors to be by race and ethnicity, age, income and dis- health issues related to housing, such as lead considered in planning for the right kinds of ability? Where are the disparities? paint contamination and tainted wells? How housing in the right places are demograph- How is population decline affecting the are these problems distributed geographically ics, economy, recreational amenities, safety, costs and delivery of public services? and by housing type? education, conservation and affordability. What is the relationship between housing Where are the opportunities for transit- Perhaps a housing roundtable or task sprawl and affordability? oriented development or the development of force should be considered. Of particular What is the true effect of housing vacancy “green neighborhoods”? interest should be property abandonment, and abandonment on communities, in terms Where are historic preservation ordinances and one program model for the region to of property values, reinvestment, loss of tax in effect, and what do they say? What is their consider is the City of Indianapolis’ Aban- base and cost of government services such as potential effect on future development? doned Housing Initiative.

49 CULTURE

According to a survey conducted by the “WE ASPIRE TO BE A REGION WHERE Indiana Arts Commission cited in the report, 43 percent of the arts organizations in the re- RESIDENTS EXPERIENCE VIBRANCY, gion were performing groups, 19 percent were APPRECIATE THE ARTS, ENjOY LIFE AND gallery and exhibit space and approximately 11 percent each were arts centers, library and GIVE BACK TO GOOD CAUSES.” secondary school activities. The most popular programming was music, opera or musical Residents of Northwest Indiana have spur economic activity, create jobs and leave a theater, arts education, photography and other opportunities to enrich their lives with the legacy well into the future. visual arts. arts and cultural events, through recreational Nearly 75 percent of the arts organizations sports, leisure activities, and entertainment – had been established for 10 years or more or to enjoy nature and the outdoors. Though A LOOK BACK and one-third owned their own facilities. visitors contribute substantially to the region's Of the region's art organizations, 45 percent economy, there is much work to be done to The 2000 report described an arts had annual budgets under $20,000 and 35 gain visibility and broader support for the community in Northwest Indiana that was percent had budgets exceeding $500,000. artistic, cultural and natural amenities of the robust and growing, with local organizations Forty percent of the arts organizations had region. representing the visual and performing arts audiences of less than 1,000 annually and 40 Philanthropy, in this report, is being tied and offering arts education programs. The percent had more than 5,000. The goal for the into this chapter as a way to broaden the local arts scene was bolstered by its proxim- arts was to build the highest quality and fullest dimension of what it means to be a vibrant ity to Chicago’s world-class institutions. involvement in the visual and performing arts community. The impact of charitable giv- The report also identified financial need as a vital component of a high quality of life in ing not only supports the arts and cultural to support facilities, staffing and outreach Northwest Indiana. organizations, but those investment dollars activities. Considering recreation separately, the

50 report pointed to the Lake Michigan shoreline support improvements in regional tourism and The 2008 report added an aspect of arts as the region's greatest asset for recreation residents' quality of life. and culture, an aspiration to be a creative and tourism. It also noted the entertainment In 2004, arts and recreation were community that values innovation and a sense offered by casino gambling. combined into a single vision of a region that of play. It argued that creativity and collabora- Northwest Indiana had 728 outdoor rec- appreciated the arts and celebrated life as tion could give the region an “arts advantage” reational sites, with 526 in Lake County, 128 part of the full experience of balanced living. that would contribute toward economic in Porter County and 74 in La Porte County. The authors lamented that the region was vitality and quality of life. Key findings Natural areas and parks attracted millions of better known among Chicagoans for unsavory included an increase to 260 arts nonprofits in visitors; the Indiana Dunes National Lake- advertisements on prominent billboards along the region by 2008, up 2 percent from 2004. shore alone had more than 2 million visitors its highways than for its artistic, cultural and Annual revenues of arts-related nonprofits a year. natural assets. The call to action was to for- were unchanged at approximately $17.3 mil- Casinos generated the most tax revenue mulate a cultural plan for Northwest Indiana, lion. Funding of arts and culture through the and annual admissions. In 1996, over 21 rebrand the region and continue funding the Indiana Arts Commission had declined from million people visited the four casinos in the arts and physical education in public schools. $278,519 in 2004 to $209, 333 in 2008 with an region and between 1996 and 1999. $686.8 The report cited the Lake Area United average award of $7,754. million was raised in gaming tax revenue. Way “State of Giving Report,” which found Collaboration and partnerships were seen The goal the report stated for recreation that there were 105 nonprofit organizations as strategies for strengthening the arts and and tourism was to ensure that Northwest in Lake County alone focused on arts, culture cultural movement in the region. Arts districts Indiana residents and visitors had appropri- and humanities. Regionally, cultural activities were seen as a possible conduit, although no ate access to the highest quality regional included art centers, symphony, theater, specific strategies were outlined for creating parks and amenities within the capacity of music, festivals and public lectures. Outdoor them. In the report, arts education was the region. The call to action was that the recreational amenities were said to have a associated with higher-level thinking and region should consider allocating a portion significant economic impact, although specific creative output that could bolster educational of the proceeds from the casino gambling to dollars were not presented. performance particularly in the sciences.

51 CULTURE THE NUMBERS NOW

Funding to Northwest Indiana years came from nearby Illinois, recreation that improve the qual- There were 3,626 registered through the Indiana Arts Com- Indiana, Michigan and Ohio, but ity of our lives depend heavily nonprofit organizations in mission grew 12 percent between the region also saw visitors from on philanthropy, a vital force in Northwest Indiana in 2010, 2001 and 2010, from $142,647 Minnesota, New Jersey, Texas, lively metropolitan areas such as making up 9 percent of Indiana’s to $187,679. The number of Florida, and Canada. Chicago. Philanthropy in North- nonprofit sector. The number grants awarded in the region The top attractions were west Indiana is not insignificant; of nonprofits was up 18 percent also increased from 21 in 2001 each of the four casinos, the region's residents gave more from 3,074 in 2000. Of the to 32 in 2010, while the average downtown Chicago, the Indiana than $230.2 million in personal 3,626 registered nonprofits, grant amount fell 12 percent from Dunes National Lakeshore, the income to charity annually as of 2,154 filed the federal tax form $6,793 to $5,865. Indiana Dunes State Park, the 2008. But overall, they are less 990 in 2010, compared to 1,150 According to South Shore Lighthouse Place Outlets and generous than average. that filed in 2000, a rise of 87 Arts’ new metrics, its 31 grant Westfield shopping malls, the The average annual total percent. recipients served 1.6 million Albanese Confectionary, local charitable donation in the region, Both total revenues and total people in fiscal year 2012. Of that restaurants, sports events and including donations to churches, assets of nonprofit organizations number, 73,358 people directly other attractions such as Deep was $1,940, or about 3.6 percent in Northwest Indiana grew from participated in 1,925 activities. River Water Park, Zao Island, and of the region's median income of 2000 to 2010. Total revenues The organization served 11,707 Washington Park Zoo. $53,785. That is lower than both reached $2.6 billion in 2010, artists, including 1,911 under the According to data from 2009 the state average of 4.5 percent an increase of 74 percent from age of 18 years and 539 who were and 2010, Northwest Indiana’s and the national average of 4.7 $1.5 billion in 2000. Total assets disabled. Arts activities were tourism and travel industry percent. climbed to $4.4 billion in 2010, supported by contributions of provided 8,049 jobs and $141.0 Lake County residents gave up 50 percent from $2.9 million time from 5,442 volunteers. million in wages on average per at the highest rate, about 4.1 in 2000. The Indiana Arts Commission year. Taxes generated through percent of their median income, That growth lagged the 80 found that in 2009, Northwest income and sales taxes connected while Porter County residents percent increase in nonprofit Indiana had 1,001 arts-related to tourism and travel averaged gave 3.6 percent and La Porte revenue statewide but beat the businesses and 5,248 workers $300.5 million per year. County residents gave 3.2 42 percent statewide increase employed in connection with Visitors spent nearly $834.7 percent. in assets managed. The greatest the arts. By 2012 that figure had million on average in the region Human services, health and concentration of nonprofit increased to 1,503 businesses per year, 37 percent on attrac- education were the focus of more assets was in Lake County, with and 11,432 workers, according to tions, 23 percent on food and nonprofit activity in the region $2.8 billion, followed by Porter the Americans for the Arts’ 2012 beverages, 21 percent on shop- than the arts, the environment, County with $1 billion and La study of creative industries in ping, 8 percent on transporta- international affairs or civil Porte with $637.2 million. Indiana. In the three counties, tion, 7 percent on lodging and 4 rights. There were 3.76 human In 2011, the median amount about 3 percent of businesses are percent on souvenirs. services organizations per of assets held by Northwest related to the arts. The tourism industry is 10,000 people on average in Indiana nonprofits was $144,298. Northwest Indiana's recre- largest in Lake County, where the region. But human services Though 61 percent of nonprofits ational amenities, including the visitors spent $1.62 billion in organizations received private claimed no assets at all, 7 percent major casinos, attract millions 2010. La Porte County had $572.3 contributions and government were valued $1 million or more, of tourists each year. Visitors million in tourism revenue in funding of $154.33 per 10,000 13 percent at between $100,000 stayed an average of 2.2 days and 2010, while Porter County had people. Health activities received and $1 million and 18 percent at typically traveled in a party of $311.5 million in tourism revenue $92.67 on average, while the arts less than $100,000. Lake County 3.7 people, according to figures in 2009 (2010 data was not received$6.33 in funding per had 1,954 nonprofits, Porter from 2009 and 2010. A majority available). 10,000 people and environmen- County had 678 and La Porte of visitors surveyed in those Arts and other forms of tal organizations got $12. County had 559.

economic Impact of Tourism and Travel Industry: Economic Impact of Tourism and Travel Industry expenditures by Sector per person, per Day Lake, 2010 Porter, 2009 La Porte, 2010 NWI average $1.6B lake porter la porte NWI (2010) (2009) (2010) Ave $1.4B $1.2B Lodging $116.76 $92.62 $106.20 $105.19 $1B Attractions $24.84 $39.00 $57.21 $40.35 $800M $600M Visits to Friends & Relatives $53.83 $52.61 $67.14 $57.86 $400M Pass Through $33.03 $16.08 $29.80 $26.30 $200M Campgrounds NA $23.09 $51.15 $37.12 0 Wages Expenditures Taxes

52 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10

Registered Nonprofits Total Nonprofit Revenue Nonprofit public Charities Activities, Filing Form 990 Reported on Form 990 per 10,000 people, 2010 1,500 $2B Lake Lake Arts lake porter la porte NWI Av. 1,200 Porter Number of Organizations 0.66 0.68 1.39 0.91 $1.5B La Porte Contributions & Govt. Grants $10.00 $2.00 $7.00 $6.33 900 Total Revenue $23.00 $6.00 $17.00 $15.33 $1B Total Expenses $24.00 $7.00 $13.00 $14.67 600 Porter Total Assets $31.00 $11.00 $27.00 $23.00 $500M education 300 La Porte Number of Organizations 1.40 1.57 0.93 1.30

0 0 Contributions & Govt. Grants $79.00 $ 89.00 $1.00 $56.33 ’00 ’02 ’04 ’06 ’08 ’10 ’00 ’02 ’04 ’06 ’08 ’10 Total Revenue $183.00 $941.00 $2.00 $375.33 Total Expenses $166.00 $989.00 $2.00 $385.67 Total Assets $313.00 $3,385.00 $3.00 $1,233.67 Number of Nonprofit Organizations by Gross Receipts, 2011 environment 350 Number of Organizations 0.31 0.48 - 0.26 300 Lake Porter La Porte Contributions & Govt. Grants $5.00 $31.00 - $12.00 250 Total Revenue $7.00 $36.00 - $14.33 Total Expenses $4.00 $16.00 - $6.67 200 Total Assets $9.00 $78.00 - $29.00 150 health

100 $500,000-999,999 Number of Organizations 1.05 1.09 1.39 1.18 50 Contributions & Govt. Grants $150.00 $91.00 $37.00 $92.67 $100M-499,999,999 $50M-99,999,999 $25M-49,999,999 $100,000-249,999 $50,000-99,999 $1-49,999 $250,000-499,999 0 $1M-24,999,999 Total Revenue $2,748.00 $483.00 $8,837.00 $4,022.67 Total Expenses $2,642.00 $464.00 $8,477.00 $3,861.00 Total Assets $2,428.00 $329.00 $10,514.00 $4,423.67 human Services Number of Nonprofit Organizations by Total Assets, 2011 Number of Organizations 3.53 4.97 2.78 3.76 400 Contributions & Govt. Grants $105.00 $273.00 $85.00 $154.33 350 Lake Porter La Porte Total Revenue $254.00 $503.00 $360.00 $372.33 300 Total Expenses $251.00 $509.00 $372.00 $377.33 250 Total Assets $292.00 $738.00 $426.00 $485.33 200

$50,000-99,999 International

150 $250,000-499,999 Number of Organizations 0.10 0.20 - 0.10 100 $500,000-999,999 Contributions & Govt. Grants $30.00 $51.00 - $27.00 50 $100M-499,999,999 $50M-99,999,999

$25M-49,999,999 $1-49,999 Total Revenue $30.00 $51.00 - $27.00 $100,000-249,999 Wages Expenditures$1M-24,999,999 0 Total Expenses $30.00 $47.00 - $25.67 Total Assets $1.00 $58.00 - $19.67 Civil Rights Block Grant Award Median Contributions Number of Organizations 0.04 0.14 - 0.06 to Region 1 of Charitable Giving, 2008 Contributions & Govt. Grants - $1.00 - $0.33 $200K $3,000 Total Revenue - $1.00 - $0.33 U.S. $2,500 IN. $160K Total Expenses - $1.00 - $0.33 Lake Porter Total Assets - $1.00 - $0.33 NWI $2,000 $120K

La Porte Other $1,500 Number of Organizations 1.44 1.77 0.46 1.22 $80K Contributions & Govt. Grants $128.00 $48.00 - $58.67 $1,000 Total Revenue $279.00 $77.00 $5.00 $120.33 $40K $500 Total Expenses $264.00 $75.00 $3.00 $114.00 0 Total Assets $1,044.00 $366.00 $74.00 $494.67 0 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10

53 CULTURE

number of nonprofits and the asset base ap- WHERE WE STAND pears relatively solid, considering the current investment conditions, the nonprofit com- Though phenomenal arts, recreation munity’s effectiveness, financial health and and leisure, and natural experiences exist in collective impact are not fully understood. Northwest Indiana and branding messages Creating support for the arts and for na- are improving, a vibrant and modern cultural ture must begin with residents of Northwest identity has not fully materialized to reposi- Indiana taking advantage of the resources tion Northwest Indiana in the marketplace. and opportunities that are already available Many assets lack high visibility, unifying in their back yard. But there is much more to cultural brand strategy, broad marketing discover and to do before Northwest Indiana reach, and deep philanthropic support that can be perceived as a region of cultural, would enhance the region's image with visi- recreational and natural richness. tors, investors and potential home buyers or attract more creative industries and jobs that provide related goods and services. WHAT WE NEED The arts in Northwest Indiana rely heavily on federal and state funding. Charitable TO KNOW giving in Northwest Indiana is low, and the arts are not a high priority for donors. Among the topics on which more infor- As with many aspects of life in Northwest mation is needed are these: Indiana, the arts tend to be standalone and What are the trends in arts education would benefit from deeper integration with in the K-12 schools and at our universities economic development, community develop- and colleges? Are the arts gaining or losing ment and public education efforts. ground? The tourism and travel industry is large How do Northwest Indiana residents and growing, affecting all sectors of the engage in the arts both locally and in Chicago economy. Casino gaming plays a major role region? Conversely, how are Northwest in the level of tourism and related spending Indiana institutions positioned to attract in the region. Of greater impact may be the patrons from Chicago or its suburbs? What reliance of public sector investment using types of arts-related programs and activities casino revenues to support local economic are needed? development and municipal projects as other What is the economic impact of the arts sources of funds grow scarce. on the economy of Northwest Indiana? The Lake Michigan shoreline is the region's What are the types of occupations and jobs defining characteristic and the fact that much in demand? Which cities and towns are of that shoreline is protected by national and leveraging the arts as part of an economic state parks is among its greatest assets. Yet it development and quality of life strategy? is not clear that these natural assets are appre- How are individual artists supported ciated in the region, visible beyond the region and promoted? How does art advocacy Northwest Indiana residents? What are the or fully supported and marketed to the extent support both artists and arts and cultural local patterns of use? that they could be. Many residents of Chicago, organizations? What is the economic impact of the Indi- the nation's third-largest city an hour away, If funding is a major barrier to growing the ana Dunes National Lakeshore, the Indiana do not know that the national park exists. arts, what alternative mechanisms should be Dunes State Park and other Lake Michigan Within the region, the effects of the shoreline, considered to retain and expand arts educa- city parks and beaches? as a recreational amenity for residents, as an tion, arts programs and public art? How are the county parks and recreation attraction to visitors, as an economic engine, How many visitors attend our major systems used and by whom? To what extent are not clearly known. natural areas and recreational venues, both do the various jurisdictions that hold natural In every healthy region, philanthropy private and public? Where do they come areas cooperate to attract and serve visitors? is an important factor in the quality of life. from, how long do they stay and how much Would the region benefit from forming a Although there has been an increase in the do they spend? How does this compare to regional park district system?

CULTURE  LEARN MORE INDIANA ARTS COMMISSION FUNDING  Indiana Arts Commission, www.in.gov/arts/index.htm ECONOMIC IMPACT OF TOURISM, TRAVEL INDUSTRY  Indiana Dunes Tourism, www.indianadunes.com/ CHARITABLE GIVING  LaPorte County Tourism, www.michigancitylaporte.com/ CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES  Legacy Foundation, www.legacyfdn.org/ National Center for Charitable Statistics, www.nccs.urban.org/ REVENUES AND ASSETS OF NONPROFITS  Porter County Community Foundation, www.portercounty REGISTERED NONPROFITS  foundation.org South Shore Arts Association, www.southshoreartsonline.org/ ISSUeS TReNDINg  IMPROVEMENT  STEADY  DECLINE South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, www.southshorecva.com/

54 The Marquette Plan, a lakefront redevelop- ment strategy, will be updated with a cultural framework and assets mapping in the coming year. Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission and the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority received state funding from the Lake Michigan Coastal Program. This addition to the plan presents an opportunity to convene stakeholders and would highlight opportunities for historic preservation and cultural celebration. Another opportunity is the creation of cultural districts either independently or as part of the Indiana Statewide Cultural Dis- trict program. Although there is no funding offered by the state, this special designation elevates marketing and promotions of local arts and artists. Additionally, artists, with little income, seek places where studio space is cheap. The consumers of art, who tend to have money to spend, follow them. Communities should consider the reuse of old industrial and com- mercial buildings for artists’ lofts and studios as one tactic for neighborhood revitalization. Open space and recreational opportuni- ties in nature also are important in that per- ception. Though the region is exceptionally blessed with natural areas readily accessible to residents and visitors, and more tourism focus is placed on them, neither residents nor visitors full take advantage of these natural amenities. The region needs a comprehensive strategy to both promote and protect the shoreline, for the sake of residents, visitors and the natural areas themselves. A 2011 report by the National Parks Conservation Association on the Indiana Dunes National How do the major attractions and recre- by exposure to the arts. The presence of the Lakeshore outlines a series of recommenda- ational amenities in Northwest Indiana com- arts in a community also is powerful in the tions to preserve and enhance the impact of pare to other venues in the Midwest region? perception of its quality of life, not only the park, including a leadership role for the What is the economic impact of the by residents but by visitors, investors and National Lakeshore in integrating the park nonprofit sector on Northwest Indiana’s potential home buyers. More needs to be more deeply into economic and community economy? What major needs are being done to integrate the arts into every aspect of development arenas. This can serve as a served and which are being neglected? What quality of life. starting place for a serious, thoughtful effort are the major challenges faced? How can As part of looking at past success, to make the Dunes central to the identity and charitable giving make an impact? What Northwest Indiana should consider updating image of Northwest Indiana. metrics should be developed to measure the the community assessment survey and the Entertainment venues, amateur sports nonprofit community’s collective impact? regional cultural plan of South Shore Arts. and leisure activities continue to attract resi- Why does charitable giving in Northwest Reinstituting the annual Arts Summit, with a dents and visitors to the area. More commu- Indiana lag state and national averages? broader purpose, could foster greater collab- nities are examining how such facilities can How are the grant-making priorities of oration and coordination among the various bring more athletes and sports enthusiasts to community and private foundations and stakeholders as well as expand interests. Due town for tournaments. A regional approach economic development and community to funding cuts, these strategic documents to developing a sports and recreation-based development priorities aligned to leverage are outdated and regional convenings have tourism could bolster Northwest Indiana’s more funds and produce greater impact? diminished. Yet a collaborative framework potential market niche. is already in place through its Regional Arts Another worthwhile effort was the 2003 Council. State of Giving Report published by the CALL TO ACTION One Region and South Shore Arts, using Lake Area United Way, which looked at the the Regional Arts Council, could initiate an nonprofit community of Lake County. One The arts can powerfully enrich the quality action group to examine the role of the arts Region, in partnership with the three United of life in a community. Whether as artists or and develop a regional arts & cultural strategy Ways and three community foundations audience, the lives of all people, especially for further connecting the arts to community should assess the value of carrying out a children, can be broadened and heightened and economic development and education. similar project on a regional scale.

55 GOVERNMENT

transit, air quality, watershed management “WE ASPIRE TO BE A REGION SERVED and coordination of human services. BY EFFICIENT, EFFECTIVE, TRANSPARENT The report saw Northwest Indiana as a complex governmental mosaic, characterized AND ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNMENTS by divisions into many local units of govern- ment, each with limited geography and func- THAT VALUE THE INVOLVEMENT OF tions but often with redundant programs and overlapping services. Northwest Indiana had ENGAGED AND CARING CITIzENS.” 78.8 percent more local governments than the average of metropolitan areas in the nation. Northwest Indiana is a patchwork of local revenue. The reality is that units of govern- The number of agencies made it difficult to governments, often overlapping, that share ment can no longer afford to go it alone. coordinate activities to solve regional prob- many problems. They also share a history of lems that crossed jurisdictional boundaries, as division, suspicion, conflicting interests and well as increasing the cost of government and sometimes hostility that makes cooperation A LOOK BACK property tax burden. The report saw a need for on major issues difficult, as well as a legacy of a system of governance that could effectively public corruption that undermines citizens' In the 2000 Northwest Indiana Quality deal with regional problems while protecting trust in government. of Life Indicators Report, the goal was “to the integrity of local units of government. In today's tough economic climate, many produce a system of regional governance Under a previous system of tax assessment of the region's governments are struggling that protects the integrity of local units of and collection, average property tax rates in to deliver essential public services and plan government while providing regional policies 2000 were 17.39 percent of assessed valua- for the future as tax revenues fall, budgets and initiatives to reduce revenue disparities, tion in Lake County; 9.51 percent in Porter contract, populations decline and tax bases increase efficiencies, and focus the region’s County; and 9.16 percent in La Porte County, shrink. Other communities are more stable or resources on solving regional priorities.” The compared to the Indiana statewide average even growing, but they still must plan how to report saw a need for regional organizations of 8.4 percent. Schools received almost 44 deliver more efficient and effective govern- to coordinate planning on priorities including cents of every tax dollar, with 32 cents going to ment to an increasing population with limited economic development, land use, public municipalities, 21 cents to county government

56 and 3 cents to townships. reinvest in community. The report saw voter tax revenue. Given that tax caps were expected The number of people registered to vote turnout and charitable giving as two indica- to reduce tax revenues, the report saw a increased by 10.8 percent between 1990 and tors of civic engagement, although it did not need for greater efficiencies in government. 1998, although the report did not provide drill down on philanthropy in the region. But Northwest Indiana was seen as slow to numbers or proportions of registered voters. The property tax burden was an ongoing implement the recommendations of the 2007 The number of voters who turned out to vote concern, with widespread dissatisfaction and Kernan-Shepard Report on streamlining local in 1998 was 14.7 percent higher than in 1990, disagreement over how the tax burden was government. although the report did not provide turnout allocated and how taxes were spent. The fact that both voter turnout and percentages. The report's authors urged all units of local nonprofit revenue in the region lagged behind The report's authors saw that local govern- government in Northwest Indiana to commit statewide averages was seen as evidence that ments provide a sense of community and themselves to a broad range of public engage- Northwest Indiana was not yet a caring and political identification that can be effective ment strategies that collectively held promise engaged community. Voter turnout in the for day-to-day delivery of services and offer both to restore the public’s confidence in the region had lagged state turnout over the past opportunities for participatory democracy and public sector and to expand its capacity to five general elections. In philanthropy, the enriching civic life. But to build a better com- serve. It urged strategies for consolidating re- number of nonprofits in the region remained munity and foster a higher quality of life, the dundant functions through intergovernmental steady between 2004 and 2008, while rev- report saw a need for regional structures and agreements and other forms of collaboration. enues per capita grew slightly. leadership to solve problems that cross juris- It also called for local governments to develop The average gross property tax rate in 2006 dictional boundaries and are beyond the reach and adopt robust ethics guidelines. And it was 4.5 percent of assessed valuation in Lake of individual units of government. The greatest called for the creation of a council of govern- County, 2.53 in Porter County and 2.8 percent challenge facing leadership in Northwest ments at the Northwestern Indiana Regional in La Porte County. Total spending by all local Indiana, the report said, was to find the will to Planning Commission and support of the units of government in 2006 was $1.4 billion agree on regional policies and the fortitude to then, newly-established Local Government in Lake County, $367 million in Porter County abide by these policies once they are set. Academy. and $249 million in La Porte County. At the The 2004 report stated the ideal com- In the 2008 report, the two greatest issues time of the 2008 report, a major restructuring munity of engaged and caring citizens’ vote, were seen as the extent of public corruption of the tax system was under debate but had understand the value of public goods and and the impact of new laws capping property not yet been implemented.

57 GOVERNMENT THE NUMBERS NOW Certified Net Assessed Valuation 2000 2010 Recent major changes in it affected some communities $25B the property tax system, the much more than others. $20B source of most local govern- Governmental expenditures $15B ment revenue, have had a per capita fell 36 percent on major effect on governments' average in the region, from $10B budgets and operations. But $1,793 in 2000 to $1,148 in $5B with governments still adapting 2010. Lake County spending 0 to the changes, the full impact fell 75 percent to $512 per capita 2000Lake 2002 2004Porter 2006La 2008 Porte 2010 is not yet revealed in the overall in 2010. Porter County’s was trends. $412 per capita. Only La Porte The new structure of County grew, by 62 percent to property tax controls are driven $2,505. These changes, though, Certified Net Assessed Valuation from market-based property are partially due to changes in $50B assessments, unlike the old the way the State of Indiana system. It caps the total prop- reports this data. erty tax to be paid at 1 percent Voter registration in the of assessed valuation for region was mixed from 2000 $37.5B residential property, 2 percent to 2010. The number of voters for commercial and agricultural registered for general elec- property and 3 percent for tions in the region remained $25B industrial property. relatively steady at an average From 2000 to 2010, the of 508,677 registrants during total net assessed valuation of the decade – on average about $12.5B property (adjusted for 2001 tax 331,621 in Lake County, 97,408 formula changes) in Northwest in Porter County and 79,659 in Indiana increased 87 percent or La Porte County. 0 $15.7 billion, from $18.0 billion General election turnout ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 to $33.7 billion. In 2010, Lake averaged about 48 percent in County’s net assessed valua- general elections during the tion was $20.0 billion, Porter decade, usually within two County at $8.6 billion and La or three percentage points of Primary Election, Registered Voters Porte County at $5.1 billion. state and national turnout NWI Lake Porter La Porte Total budget appropriations, percentages. As in the state and 600,000 the sum of spending by all local the nation, turnout spiked in units of government in North- presidential election years, with 500,000 west Indiana, rose 50 percent or a peak of 68 percent – higher $717 million, from $1.4 billion than the statewide and national 400,000 in 2000 to $2.1 billion in 2010. turnout — in the general elec- Total budget appropriations tion of 2008. 300,000 increased in each of the three In primary elections, voter 200,000 counties over the 10- year turnout in Northwest Indiana period. But beginning in 2007, averaged 18 percent during 100,000 the tax cap law started to slow the decade, with a spike to 47 government spending, although percent in 2008. 0 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010

General Election, Registered Voters NWI Lake Porter La Porte 600,000

500,000

400,000

300,000

200,000

100,000

0 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010

58 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10

Total Budget Appropriations Expenditures per Capita for NWI 2 Year College 4 Year College Military $2,500 $2B $2,000 $1.75B $1.5B $1,500 $1.25B $1B $1,000 $750M $500M $500 $250M 0’00 ’01 ’02 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 0 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10

General Election, Voter Turnout Lake Porter La Porte NWI Indiana U.S. 80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 Presidential Presidential Presidential Election Election Election

Primary Election, Voter Turnout Lake Porter La Porte NWI Indiana 55% 50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010

59 GOVERNMENT

municipalities? within their new and usually smaller means. WHERE WE STAND How much government revenue comes To improve the quality of life in Northwest from sales taxes, casinos and other non- Indiana, government agencies must work Northwest Indiana still is a long way from property tax sources? together, across jurisdictions and with the efficient, effective government. In 2007, the Does an overreliance on some sources of public and non-profit sectors, in new and Kernan-Shepard Report identified ways for revenue, such as property taxes and casino innovative ways to make their operations more local government to become more efficient revenue, inhibit our ability to creatively efficient, to provide the services their commu- and described tools that could assist govern- finance other public works or incentivize nities need, to attract investments that could ment agencies in consolidating resources private development? strengthen the local economy and to leverage and streamlining operations. But no action Are there other revenue sources, such resources for projects and programs that no plan was created and no local metrics were as a county income tax, that ought to be single unit of government could undertake devised to track whether there was any impact considered? alone. on government organization, spending or How can we measure what individual One Region might lead in creating an services. In 2012, there is little evidence of governments actually do and how efficiently action plan under the Committee for Better progress in the area of government reform in they do it? Government for streamlining local govern- Northwest Indiana. How much revenue do governments spend ment, based on the recommendations of the Local governments are still struggling per capita and on what? 2007 Kernan-Shepard Report to adapt to the new reality of tax caps that How do the services that Northwest In return, citizens must take a more active limit their revenue. The current recession, Indiana governments provide compare to each role in government, engaging in constructive which has further cut budgets and increased other and to peer communities across the state dialogue and community action to ensure demands for human services, is an added and nation? What measures can meaningfully that more voices are heard in shaping the challenge, as are accumulated pension obliga- compare the extent of services provided? region and that all levels of government are tions for employees. These strained circum- How are employee pension obligations transparent and accountable for the decisions stances make it all the more urgent for local affecting local government budgets now and they make, the services they provide and the governments to streamline their operations, in the future? money they spend. seek opportunities to combine services and How can we measure the impact of public A more engaged citizenry could raise the eliminate redundancies, cooperate on com- corruption and ethical failings in government standard of official conduct by using their mon issues or to combine buying power and and their cost to taxpayers? How can we track votes to express their intolerance for those innovate to deliver essential public services progress in reducing corruption? who profit from public office and abuse the from smaller budgets. How does public corruption affect citizens' law for private gain. All local governments Public corruption remains a persistent confidence in government and willingness to should adopt strict ethics policies and reality and a risk to public revenue, leading participate in government? demand that they be followed. Training to all too many scandals and prosecutions of What is the full range of financial impacts might help establish a new understanding elected and appointed officials. Several strides of the property tax caps on local units of of government ethics, perhaps through the are being made, through regional initiatives, government, on property values, on home assistance of the Shared Ethics Advisory to address ethical standards and practices in buying and on private-sector investment? Commission. local government. The future outcomes of How can the region increase voter registra- Government should be transparent and which should reinforce the value of serving to tion and turnout? accountable. Local governments should make uphold the public trust. What measures could track transparency public information readily available in a timely in government? Could these measures include manner, including tax, spending and budget how fast local governments respond to FOIA data, agency or department performance and WHAT WE NEED requests, or how much of their budget and return on investment in programs and sub- other information is online? sidies. One Region might lead in developing TO KNOW How do we create stronger community tools and standards for how statistical data is bonds that foster community engagement presented and by setting up and maintaining a The confusion surrounding the recent shift in democratic processes? What factors centralized, public data source. in the property tax system is responsible for inhibit participation in government and local That information should help citizens only some of the gaps in what we know about democracy? in all of Northwest Indiana understand and government and how it operates in Northwest judge how their governments function, Indiana. Among the questions that beg to be reduce mistrust of government and encourage answered are: CALL TO ACTION participation and encourage caring citizens to How are public dollars being spent by become more engaged in solving the problems individual units of government and in various Governments must get real about living that face all local governments.

GOVERNMENT  LEARN MORE ASSESSED VALUATION  Indiana Department of Local Government Finance, www.in.gov/ dlgf/8379.htm BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS  Indiana Board of Tax Review, www.in.gov/ibtr/ EXPENDITURES PER CAPITA  Indiana Secretary of State, www.in.gov/sos/elections/2393.htm REGISTERED VOTERS  Purdue University, www.agecon.purdue.edu/crd/localgov/data.htm VOTER TURNOUT  Stats Indiana, www.stats.indiana.edu/topic/taxes.asp#property The United States Elections Project, elections.gmu.edu/voter_ ISSUeS TReNDINg  IMPROVEMENT  STEADY  DECLINE turnout.htm

60 FINAL ANALYSIS

The Quality of Life Indicators Report has quality of life indicator process has not met Region provides a window of opportunity to helped Northwest Indiana leadership make the objective. create a new baseline and a new process for substantial progress toward addressing the Though the reports have often made the careful collection and tracking of data challenges facing the region. The convenings acute observations about the state of the that will really indicate the quality of life in around the report brought people together region, their data and analysis have been too Northwest Indiana. representatives of business, government and inconsistent to create real accountability or nonprofits who had never worked coopera- provide a fully informed basis for action. tively before and who now began to talk and The reports did not count the same ONE REGION NEEDS TO: find common ground on serious issues. The things. Different questions were asked each A. Settle on a core set of indicator metrics process opened up conversations on race time. Approaches varied. New topics and that will be tracked through the coming and other difficult topics. It gave businesses indicators were introduced in each report decades. These indicators must describe and environmentalists, governments and to reflect the interests of its researchers and the most important aspects of life in the community activists a forum where they stakeholders, while other indicators were region, answer the most essential questions develop relationships, discover what they simply dropped rather than updated. Some and span the whole range of interconnected agree on, and work on their disagreements. of the new data were useful and some were challenges the region must address. They The results of which helped define priorities irrelevant. The underlying data sets often must be defined to ask the same question of for the region and create a consensus that were not provided, making it difficult or the same data source in the same way every those priorities need to be tackled regionally, impossible to backtrack and try to produce time. across jurisdictions and other barriers. comparable statistics today. There was little B. Publish all these indicator metrics in The fostering of regional thinking and follow-through from one report to the next, a usable way so they remain accessible to action about common problems can be seen making it impossible to tell whether condi- every citizen and policymaker in the region in the establishment of the Northwest In- tions were improving or not. at any time. diana Regional Development Authority and Those data force an uncomfortable C. Provide a central source where the its efforts to bolster public transportation; in conclusion: The variability of approaches underlying data sets, or links to the underly- major environmental restoration and cleanup in previous reports has masked the fact that ing data sets, are always readily available. projects being undertaken with support from overall, there has not been much change. That provides transparency, but also will industry; in the Local Government Efficiency There has been incremental improvement allow the underlying data to be crunched in Study and the establishment of the Local in a few areas such as in crime rates, edu- new ways in response to new ideas, develop- Government Academy, the Shared Ethics cational attainment, and water quality and ments and challenges. Advisory Commission, and the Northwest there are a few bright spots such as wages, D. Track the core indicators in the same Indiana Race Relations Council, in the charitable giving, air quality and recreation. way consistently, regardless of politics, Northwest Indiana Epidemiological Study There have been a number of highly pub- changes in the membership of the research and public-private partnership to address licized initiatives that had limited local or committee or other forces. environmental remediation and restoration. short-term success. But overall, there has Of course, new questions will come up. The three Quality of Life Indicators been little systemic change, and the region New technology and new data will become reports since 2000 have sparked important has made little progress on tackling its major available. New challenges will arise and will conversations and helped to focus attention challenges since 2000. call for additional data. Future reports must on needs, such as public transportation and address changing circumstances and must children and families, which had not previ- include new data that is relevant. But they ously been seen as regional priorities. HOW TO GET must not drop or alter the core indicators, or The 2000 report established the under- the usefulness of tracking indicators across standing that there were things we needed BETTER DATA time will again be lost. to know about ourselves and our region to Future initiatives should be clearly linked improve our quality of life. But the reports Real progress requires real accountability. to overall strategies for progress and should since then have not fulfilled the initial prem- The region needs a functional and intel- be clearly linked to metrics that can measure ise: to quantify and track specific indicators lectually honest knowledge base to guide their impact. Over time, the core indicators of conditions in the region so that progress future strategy and to make it possible to should be able to pick up evidence that the or lack of it can be judged. In that way, the judge what works. The formation of One strategy is working or failing.

61 FINAL ANALYSIS

Northwest Indiana: so that metrics from all Historically, Northwest Indiana was a EVERYTHING IS disciplines are available and understandable region where differences were more important by policymakers and decision makers from all than common problems, where people lived CONNECTED disciplines and that planning is not done in behind self-imposed barriers of race and class. statistical silos. There cannot be any excuse Governments regarded each other with mutual The analysis of data for this report pointed for transportation planners not to know suspicion and everyone resented interference up another key insight: how interconnected all about air quality, for education policymakers from outsiders. Viewpoints were narrow and the factors of quality of life are. not to know what employers need or for the planning was short-term. In the 20th Century, The 2004 report raised the concept of general public not to know more about their the region stagnated and fell behind. Now it is sustainability, which rested on the intercon- government. struggling to catch up. nectedness of the economy, the environment This report analyzes data mainly at the re- One Region can develop into a leading civic and the well-being of people. The other seven gional and county level. It would be more useful organization for changing resistant attitudes quality of life themes — education, health, to have more finely diced data, at the level of and dissolve the barriers and fragmentation housing, government, transportation, arts municipalities, school districts and ideally even that are such obstacles to progress. Yet though and culture, and public safety – all grew out zip codes. It is not possible to produce a printed progress is being made, the lack of connections of the connections between those first three. report with that level of specificity, but there is and integration have resulted in little to no Those connections are everywhere apparent in plenty of room on the internet. community attachment, as reported in the today's data. The purpose of more localized data is not to Knight Foundation’s “Soul of the Community” For example, it is impossible to usefully lay blame or to allow policymakers to dismiss study of the Gary region. discuss the state of environmental quality problems as someone else's burden. There is Increasingly, people concerned with public in the region without considering data no “La Porte County ozone problem” or “Gary policy and generally, a better future, in North- presented under the other themes. Polluted public transportation problem.” All problems west Indiana share an understanding that we air is a public health issue. Development are regional, but local understanding is needed are all in this together. We are responsible for patterns can encourage or discourage long to solve them. our collective future. The future we create commutes that contribute to greenhouse gas One Region's potential to be a force for must be efficient and sustainable, with re- emissions. Brownfields remediation requires real change lies not only in providing a forum sources and burdens that are distributed equi- a trained workforce. Polluted water affects the for discussion and regional leadership, but in tably and a role for everyone in governance. economy's tourism sector. providing a functional common knowledge This report is an attempt to provide a basic To plan for better health care means base from which an informed and engaged set of data about the region to help guide considering how hard it is for patients to get to citizenry emerges. discussions and policymaking, and a general the doctor in areas where public transportation framework for One Region to develop a Quality is unavailable or dysfunctional. To plan for of Life Indicators process that will provide housing development means considering the KNOWLEDGE consistent, accessible high-quality data over aging of the population and how the composi- the long term. It is a challenge to One Region to tion of households is changing. To plan for new FOR THE FUTURE improve on the previous process. industries means considering whether they Each bit of data in this report is a dot. If will have an educated workforce. To plan for Northwest Indiana is resilient. It is the enough dots combine, we see a picture. If we deploying police means considering popula- genetic makeup of our region to survive and get the right dots, the picture will come into tion density. adapt to changing conditions. The most sharper focus. As the picture improves and This is another reason for One Region to important adaptation we are making is toward new visions form, our communities can come work to create a central repository of data on cooperation for our mutual benefit. to see themselves as one region.

VISION FOR The FUTURe

“I ENVISION IN THE FUTURE FEELING A STRONG AND GROWING AFFINITY AND SENSE OF SHARED DESTINY BETWEEN AND AMONG THE COMMUNITIES WITHIN THE REGION. I SEE TANGIBLE EVIDENCE THAT EFFECTIVE AND EMPOWERED REGIONAL LEADERSHIP IS FACILITATING A RESURGENCE OF NORTHWEST INDIANA AS A VIBRANT ECONOMIC REGION THAT AFFORDS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR AN UNEQUALED QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL OF ITS RESIDENTS.” - leIgh MORRIS, ChAIRMAN, NORThWeST INDIANA RegIONAl DeelOpMeNT AUThORITy

62 APPENDICES: METHODOLOGY

The 2012 Quality of Life Indicators Report data and methodologies, and supply analytical VISION FOR The FUTURe follows a decade of measuring progress across tools. key domains that impact daily life in North- The data collection preference was to west Indiana. This report is the fourth edition utilize user-friendly data sources so that upon “THE PROGRESSIVE in a series of indicators reports issued in 2000, the report’s publication, the general public 2004 and 2008 by the Northwest Indiana could easily navigate those sources them- REVITALIzATION OF THE CITY Quality of Life Council. That organization selves. If the data source’s process required recently merged into One Region, which is statistical software for data interpretation or OF GARY IS THE LEADING responsible for the release of the 2012 Indica- was heavily paper-based, that source was not tors Report. considered readily accessible for the general INDICATOR OF IMPROVED The purpose of the study is to examine public in this analysis. This research approach the extent to which the quality of life in Lake, sought to assure that more data and informa- ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND Porter and La Porte counties has improved tion could be accessed by Northwest Indiana during the period from 2000 to 2010, and to citizens concerned about quality of life and ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY establish a baseline of data common among the future of the region. the three previous reports. This two-fold In creating the baseline indicators, a com- OF LIFE THROUGHOUT objective addresses concerns of past practices parison of 2000, 2004 and 2008 reports was and seeks to assure a more reliable, replicable conducted and frequency of dataset counted. A MORE ENGAGED AND and relevant research going forward. Under A committee reviewed and approved that One Region, the Indicators Report will be a baseline. Modifications to the baseline may PROSPEROUS NORTHWEST communication tool from which community have occurred upon committee request or the conversations can transform into real action. researcher’s identification based on available INDIANA REGION.” This research project set forth to answer data. the reflective questions: “Where have we Data were pulled for years 2000 through - WIllIAM lOWe, been? And, how are we doing today with 2010. If the full ten year series was not respect to quality of life?” in order, as a com- available, then at a minimum 2000 or the ChANCellOR, INDIANA munity, to ask “where do we want to go as a earliest year and 2010 were collected and region?” analyzed. Data were presented graphically UNIVeRSITy NORThWeST The 2012 Indicators Report presents base- and narratively, with limited use of publishing line statistics reported most consistently in data tables. Uniformity among chapters was the prior three reports. The context around the desired. data derives from the asset base of Northwest It is important to note that this report Indiana, the inherent attributes that make does not detail all of the footnotes or data and analysis on the ten domains. this region strong, unique, and competitive, dictionaries associated with each source. Acknowledgements to the visionary and from the interdependence between these Data concerns, including data discontinuity, founders of the Northwest Indiana Quality of assets and the major challenges to achieving variances and changes in methodologies and Life Council, Lee Botts and Dr. Mark Reshkin, sustainable growth and prosperity for all. reporting, can be further researched at that and its first primary investigators, Jerry Long Therefore this report does not capture all primary source level. Depending on the level of the Heartland Institute in conjunction with of the good things happening in the region, of change, the results of the trending the data Dr. Daniel Lowery. Each of whom pioneered nor does it attempt to hide from tough issues, may be affected. the concept of sustainability as a framework nor is it perfect. The lack of data and the Averages are not weighted in this report for Northwest Indiana. These forerunners saw difficulty in obtaining information is a major so it should be noted that Lake County tends beyond the region’s fractious past and carried concern for ongoing refinement and develop- to represent a larger proportion of Northwest a message of interdependence and hope. They ment of the key indicators. Indiana statistics, and that comparisons with found a way to bring together academics, The sustainability of the region depends Indiana are not adjusted to exclude the three nonprofits, businesses, government agencies upon the ability of Northwest Indiana to counties in those figures. and media from across the region around be more deliberate in critiquing current Due to project constraints, this report sustainable development issues and to find conditions, maximizing limited resources and was prepared using quantitative data analysis common ground in the region. leveraging opportunities today and for the and limited qualitative analysis ascertained Dr. Reshkin recently wrote, “Lee Botts benefit of future generations. The findings through the project committee and board of came here 60 years ago and me 48 years of this report should inform and engage One directors input. ago when the sky was red from open hearth Region to produce collective impact, measur- The dashboard rating system of arrows furnaces smelting red colored iron ore miner- able a decade from now. and blocks were selected based on the level als. Perhaps that is why we both feel good The method for data collection was to of change that occurred between 2000 and about today - but of course with reservations.” utilize credible, publicly available statistics, 2010. If a dataset showed improvement, an up That legacy, and this research, follows in their either posted online or requested through an arrow was given. If there was little change to footsteps. agency, from sources used in prior reports or the positive or negative, a block was assigned. The 2012 Quality of Life Indicators Report researched in the process of preparing this If the data showed a worsening of conditions, was produced by Tina Rongers, President, report. Most of the data sets are governmental a down arrow was marked. Then, the ratings Karnerblue Era, LLC, primary investigator, sources at the federal, state, regional and local were tallied and the greatest frequency was in collaboration with Beth Botts, Beth Botts levels. A lesser number of the data sets are selected for the overall indicator. Consulting, writing and editing; Beth Dybala, third party entities, often times non-profit For these reasons, the data presented in Dybala Consulting, data collection; and, organizations or affiliated with a major univer- this Indicators Report serve as a guidepost to Nick Zivanovic, Zivanovic Photography, data sity, that may use both public and proprietary quality of life, not as the sole source of data collection.

63 FURTHER QUESTIONS DATA RESOURCES

innovative educational approaches that PEOPLE ENVIRONMENT could be brought to the region? How are schools educating Northwest Foundation for Child Development, fcd-us. org/our-work/child-well-being-index-cwi Are government agencies’ resources Indiana’s special needs students? What adequate to monitor and regulate environ- major gaps or challenges do these students Indiana Department of Workforce Development, Hoosiers by the Numbers, www.hoosierdata.in.gov mental practices and impacts in the region? and their families face? How can those agencies be more adaptive Why are students doing better on stan- Indiana Map, inmap.indiana.edu/viewer.htm and responsive as technology changes and dardized tests in 8th grade but more poorly Metro Pulse, www.metropulsechicago.org/# new challenges emerge? What role can green in 10th grade? National Fatherhood Initiative, www.fatherhood.org/ infrastructure play in improving the environ- What will Northwest Indiana busi- Stats Indiana, www.stats.indiana.edu ment and the economy? nesses need from their employees when U.S. Census Bureau, Quickfacts, quickfacts. How can we measure the opportunity cost today’s kindergarteners graduate from high census.gov/qfd/index.html associated with environmental degradation in school? How can we be sure that we prepare U.S. Census, American Community Northwest Indiana? students for the opportunities that will be Survey, www.census.gov/acs/www/ How can we define metrics to track envi- available? CensusScope, www.censusscope.org/ ronmental justice by measuring disparities Of the data available through the Indiana us/m2960/chart_dissimilarity.html in the impact of environmental degradation Department of Education, which indicators U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in the region? How can we change policies to would best characterize the state of educa- Environmental Justice, www.epa.gov/ compliance/environmentaljustice/index.html redress those disparities? tion and workforce readiness in Northwest How is research at the local universities Indiana? and colleges being integrated into planning Of the data available through the Indiana ECONOMY and development? What resources are avail- Youth Institute, which indicators would best Building Indiana, www. able to engage faculty and students? How characterize the state of youth and families buildingindiananews.com/index.php well do the course offerings align with the in Northwest Indiana? Center for Small Business and the Environment, challenges the region will face? www.aboutcsbe.org/index.html How can we measure and understand the Center for Business and Economic Research, attitudes of Northwest Indiana residents PUBLIC SAFETY Ball State University, www.asset.cberdata.org/ and businesses about the environment, the Center of Workforce Innovations, region’s natural areas and actions that would How many hazardous materials accidents www.innovativeforce.org improve sustainability? take place in the region? Chicago Metropolis 2020, www. How much do businesses and govern- What are the response plans for hazard- chicagometropolis2020.org/ ments consider sustainability in their opera- ous materials accidents, as well as for Indiana Business Research Center, Stats tions? How does their reporting reflect their tornadoes and other natural disasters? Who Indiana, www.stats.indiana.edu actions? has jurisdiction? How do the incidence of Indiana Business Research Center, How do communities and individuals in accidents as well as planning and actual InContext, incontext.indiana.edu/ Northwest Indiana handle solid waste? How response to both hazardous materials acci- Indiana Economic Development many communities have recycling programs dents and natural disasters compare to other Corporation, www.iedc.in.gov and how effective are they? peer regions? Indiana Department of Workforce Development, What are the lawn and garden care How many railroad grade crossing Hoosiers by the Numbers, www.hoosierdata.in.gov practices of Northwest Indiana residents accidents occur in the region? How many Indiana Department of Workforce Development, and how do they effect the environment, people are injured or killed in grade crossing Northern Indiana DataPlus, www.nidataplus.com both in terms of pesticide and fertilizer accidents and why? What is the cost to Indiana Institute on Working Families, runoff power tool emissions, and in terms railroads and industry? What equipment, www.incap.org/iiwfRandP.html of invasive plant species that affect natural public education or other measures might Indiana University Northwest, School of areas? reduce the incidence of these accidents or Business and Economics, Northwest Indiana How many walking, biking and water trail their effects? Coincident Indicator, www.nwitimes.com/ business/special-section/index/ miles are there in the region and how much How many traffic accidents are there Initiative for a Competitive Inner City, www.icic.org/ are those trails actually used? in the region? How many involve injury or death? How are traffic patterns, road designs, Northwest Indiana Forum, www.nwiforum.org speed limits and other factors related to rates Northwest Indiana Regional Development EDUCATION of injury and death? What measures might Authority, www.rda.in.gov be taken to reduce these dangers? Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, www.nirpc.org What is the percentage of Northwest What is the rate of home accidents in the Indiana graduates who enroll in a four year region? How are these accidents related to Ports of Indiana, www.portsofindiana. com/default.cfm college and who then graduate with a high- factors such as demographics and housing quality degree or credential? type? What programs of education, building How do local early childhood programs, codes, and other measures have been found ENVIRONMENT including quality day care, improve student to be effective in reducing home accidents American Farmland Trust, www.farmland. performance? What are the dominant family and how could these be emulated? org/resources/reports/default.asp structures and early childhood conditions in How many drownings are there in the Chicago Wilderness, www.chicagowilderness.org/ Northwest Indiana? What are the barriers regions? How does this incidence compare to Delta Institute, www.delta-institute.org/ to accessing and sustaining early childhood other beach and resort regions? What can be Farmland Information Center, www. programs in the region? done to reduce the incidence of drowning, farmlandinfo.org/indiana/ How well do Northwest Indiana children especially along the Lake Michigan beaches? Indiana Department of Environmental understand basic scientific concepts? Can greater interagency cooperation or Management, Nonpoint Source Pollution, How can science be best taught? Are there better public education play a role? www.in.gov/idem/nps/2647.htm

64 FURTHER QUESTIONS DATA RESOURCES

Indiana Department of Environmental Management, WorkOne Northwest Indiana, www.nwi. tableservices/jsf/pages/productview. Solid Waste, www.in.gov/idem/5070.htm#reports gotoworkone.com/home/index.asp?page=1 xhtml?pid=DEC_10_SF1_QTH1&prodType=table Indiana Department of Environmental Management, U.S. Census Bureau, quickfacts.census. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Beach Guard, extranet.idem.in.gov/beachguard/ gov/qfd/states/18000.html portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/states/indiana SearchResults.aspx?instatepark=False&countyid=1 www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DMD/ &beachtype=All&numadvisoryclosure=1&advisory Abandoned/Pages/home.aspx closurefrom=1/1/2000%2012:00:00%20AM&advi HEALTH soryclosureto=12/31/2009%2012:00:00%20AM Center for Disease Control, apps.nccd. Indiana Department of Environmental cdc.gov/brfss-smart/index.asp CULTURE Management, Virtual File Cabinet, vfc.idem. Foundation for Child Development, fcd-us. Center for Business and Economic Research, Ball in.gov/Pages/Member/Search.aspx org/our-work/child-well-being-index-cwi State University, www.asset.cberdata.org/ Indiana Finance Authority, Indiana Brownfields Healthy City, www.healthycity.org Indiana Arts Commission, www.in.gov/arts/2361.htm Program, www.in.gov/ifa/brownfields/ Health Indicators Warehouse, healthindicators.gov/ Indiana Arts Council, indianaartscouncil.org/ Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, Environmental Restoration, www.nirpc.org/ Indiana Department of Health, www. Indiana Business Research Center, Stats Indiana, environment/restoration.htm#RestorationList in.gov/isdh/19096.htm www.stats.indiana.edu/topic/nonprofits.asp Smart Growth America, www.smartgrowthamerica. Indiana Department of Health, www. Indiana Coalition for the Arts, www.inartscoalition.org/ org/research/measuring-sprawl-and-its-impact/ state.in.us/isdh/19578.htm Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, The Openlands Project, www.openlands.org/ Indiana Department of Health, Sunny Start www.nps.gov/indu/index.htm Program, www.in.gov/isdh/21190.htm The Openlands and Northwestern Indiana Regional Indiana Dunes Tourism, www.indianadunes.com/ Planning Commission, Greenways and Blueways, Indiana Youth Institute and The Annie E. Casey Indiana University, Indiana Nonprofits, www. www.greenwaysblueways.com/kml-library.aspx Foundation, Data Center Kids Count, datacenter. indiana.edu/~nonprof/index.php kidscount.org/data/bystate/Default.aspx?state=IN U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, AirNow, www. Lake County Parks, www. airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_stated University of Wisconsin, Population Health lakecountyparks.com/index.html Institute, The County Rankings and Roadmaps, LaPorte County Parks, www. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, www.countyhealthrankings.org/#app/ laportecountyparks.org/aboutus.html Beacon, watersgeo.epa.gov/beacon2/ indiana/2012/rankings/outcomes/overall LaPorte County Tourism, www.michigancitylaporte.com/ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ICIS, www. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, epa.gov/compliance/data/systems/icis/ www.hhs.gov/diseases/index.html Legacy Foundation, www.legacyfdn.org/ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ECHO, www.epa- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa. National Center for Charitable echo.gov/echo/dashboard/dashboard_all.php?state=IN gov/compliance/environmentaljustice/index.html Statistics, www.nccs.urban.org/ U.S. Department of Agriculture, www.nrcs.usda.gov/ National Council of Nonprofits, www. wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/technical/nra/nri councilofnonprofits.org/ PUBLIC SAFETY National Parks Conservation Association, TRANSPORTATION Chicago Police Department, gis.chicagopolice.org/ Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, www.npca. Every Block Chicago, chicago.everyblock.com/crime/ org/about-us/regional-offices/midwest/ American Public Transportation Association, Porter County Community Foundation, www.apta.com/Pages/default.aspx Federal Bureau of Investigation, Uniform Crime Reports, www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr www.portercountyfoundation.org Center for Neighborhood Technology, Housing + Porter County Parks, www.indianadunes. Transportation Affordability Index, htaindex.cnt.org/ Indiana Youth Institute and The Annie E. Casey Foundation, Data Center Kids Count, datacenter. com/parks-and-recreation/ Center for Transit-Oriented Development, kidscount.org/data/bystate/Default.aspx?state=IN South Shore Arts, www.southshoreartsonline. ctod.org/index.php org/welcome.htm Indiana Business Research Center, Stats Indiana, South Shore Convention and Visitors www.stats.indiana.edu/dms4/commuting.asp HOUSING Authority, www.southshorecva.com/ Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Brown University, www.s4.brown.edu/ The Chronicle of Philanthropy, philanthropy. Public Transit Reports, www.in.gov/indot/2826.htm us2010/Data/Report/report2.pdf com/section/Facts-Figures/235/ Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Center for Neighborhood Technology, Housing + The Michigan Cultural Project, www. Commission, Transportation, www.nirpc. Transportation Affordability Index, htaindex.cnt.org/ miculturaldata.org/home.aspx org/transportation/transportation.htm City of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Abandoned Unity Foundation of LaPorte County, uflc.net/ Reconnecting America, www.reconnectingamerica.org/ Housing Initiative, www.indy.gov/eGov/City/ Texas A&M Transportation Institute, Urban DMD/Abandoned/Pages/home.aspx Mobility Information, mobility.tamu. Federal Reserve of Chicago, Foreclosures, GOVERNMENT edu/corridors/congestion-data/ www.chicagofed.org/webpages/region/ Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, foreclosure_resource_center/index.cfm www.citiesandtowns.org/ EDUCATION Federal Reserve of New York, Foreclosures, Indiana Business Research Center, Stats Indiana, data.newyorkfed.org/creditconditionsmap/ www.stats.indiana.edu/topic/taxes.asp#property Center of Workforce Innovations, Research, www. Foreclosure Database, www.foreclosuredatabase.com/ Indiana Department of Local Government innovativeworkforce.com/research.html Indiana Association for Community Economic Finance, Reports, www.in.gov/dlgf/8379.htm Indiana Commission on Higher Education, Higher Development, www.iaced.org/ Indiana Secretary of State, Elections, www. Education Dashboard, www.in.gov/che/2340.htm Indiana Economic Digest, Northwest Indiana Housing in.gov/sos/elections/2393.htm Indiana Department of Education, Compass, Segregation, www.indianaeconomicdigest.net/main. Indiana University-Purdue University, The compass.doe.in.gov/dashboard/overview.aspx asp?SectionID=31&subsectionID=217&articleID=30924 Polis Center, thepoliscenter.iupui.edu/ Indiana Youth Institute and The Annie E. Casey Metropolitan Planning Council, www. index.php/community-informatics/ Foundation, Data Center Kids Count, datacenter. metroplanning.org/index.html Local Government Commission, www.lgc.org/ kidscount.org/data/bystate/Default.aspx?state=IN PolicyLink, www.policylink.org/site/c.lkIXLbMNJrE/ Purdue University, Indiana Local Lumina Foundation, www.luminafoundation. b.5137027/k.FF49/Inclusionary_Zoning.htm Government Information, www.agecon. org/goal_2025.html Indiana Business Research Center, Stats Indiana, purdue.edu/crd/localgov/data.htm Parents as Teachers, www.patlakecounty.org www.stats.indiana.edu/topic/housing.asp The United States Elections Project, Search Institute, www.search-institute.org/ U.S. Census, factfinder2.census.gov/faces/ elections.gmu.edu/voter_turnout.htm

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