Tuskegee, Alabama is a community rich in history dating to the state’s establishment. However, its economic prosperity as measured by per capita income is one of the state's lowest. For Seminar in Public Policy and Administration, I sought a policy alternative for the county’s community development corporation that addressed the issue.
Data analysis demonstrated how the community was impacted by poverty, economy, and residency. It showed how workforce development and promoting employee residency could benefit the economy to stimulate per capita income growth as compared to other potential alternatives. It also identified industries at risk and the impacts of their failing. |
This project developed skills in criteria development, alternatives analysis, and anticipated effects to select the best course of action. The employee residency alternative was expected to produce the best results; however, workforce development demonstrated the best outcomes. This type of objective analysis using theoretical models will enable me to develop and recommend policy in my future position.
In Research Methods, my group examined demographic and economic factors of Montgomery County, Alabama. These considerations influence the community’s economic competitiveness and social well-being. Understanding complex relationships between the county’s administrative structure, demographic trends, and industrial mix are essential to effective decision making. Group collaboration was essential to ensure continuity, formatting, and division of tasks.
I was responsible for gathering and analyzing the county’s demographic and industrial information. I used this information to perform a cohort component population projection and an economic base analysis. This information helped project a steady population growth average of over 1,700 people a year and a population decrease among older teenagers. It also identified public administration and waste management as the county’s two greatest sectors of export. |
Raw data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Alabama Department of Public Health, and categories from the North American Industry Classification System developed meaningful patterns through these quantitative methods.