Currently, the predominate benchmarks of community well-being are largely traditional economic measures, especially the Gross Domestic Product, or GDP. Yet, we are all keenly aware that these are in fact inaccurate descriptions of our true prosperity. The global “Beyond GDP” movement is gaining traction with national and sub-national governments, especially within the United States, to provide policymakers and the public alike more appropriate alternatives. But many challenges remain for widespread adoption and effective application of such indicators, particularly in the government realm, especially in planning decisions. The immediate allure of development projects may hide or outweigh long-term, "true" costs that local governments may incur, only exacerbating already difficult budgetary times. This workshop will focus on Maryland’s Genuine Progress Indicator (MD-GPI) and other government initiatives, and the speaker will highlight political and institutional challenges in implementing alternative indicators for public policy, planning, and decision analyses.

Maryland developed its Genuine Progress Indicator to measure how development activities impact long-term prosperity, both positively and negatively. Here in Maryland and across the globe, people are continually challenged by the need to find a balance between advancing economic gain and ensuring social well-being. Traditional indicators like the Gross Domestic/State Products address only economic transactions. They do not include the environmental and social costs of what we buy, the quality of life impacts of how we live, or fully appreciate the significant contributions of our natural systems.

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Instructors:

Sean McGuire

(3 Ratings)