The Context

In a time of increasing demand for social, health, and economic services, community leaders in Licking County, Ohio wanted to identify and assess the priority issues facing residents in the county and to begin developing a coordinated plan to address these needs. In short, Licking County’s Community Blueprint Steering Committee needed data and insights that would help them ensure precious resources (of both time and treasure) are aligned with critical community needs.

The Community Blueprint Steering Committee is comprised of leaders and representatives from United Way of Licking County, the Licking County Foundation, Licking Memorial Hospital, Licking County Health Department, Licking County Board of Development Disabilities, local government and courts, behavioral health providers, the faith based community, community residents, and many other organizations.

The Critical Question

What are the three to five priority issues that must be addressed if Licking County is to be a well functioning, safe and healthy community? And what strengths or assets are already available that can help with these efforts?

Our Solution

Our research team planned and administered a comprehensive needs assessment process that included both primary and secondary data: a survey of a random sample of residents; multiple focus groups held throughout the county with residents; a survey of community stakeholders; and information from county, state, and federal sources. All of this information was succinctly summarized and used during a collaborative prioritization session led by Illuminology.

Illumination

The combination of high-quality data collection and effective group facilitation led to the Community Blueprint Steering Committee agreeing to work together on three priority issues. Interested readers can learn more about our process and what we learned by clicking here.

Resolution

The Community Blueprint Steering Committee is now beginning to plan out specific steps it will take to address these issues, and together make a greater community impact.

The Context

The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio has been giving voice and visibility to the women and girls throughout central Ohio since 2001. Consistent with its mission to “transform the lives of women and girls, by mobilizing the collective power and passion of all people working together,” WFCO and its partners (Battelle, The Columbus Foundation, and Fifth Third Bank) commissioned an innovative research project to better understand how the concept of economic security is manifested among central Ohio women.

The Critical Question

How many central Ohio women are economically secure? What are some of the key factors that influence a woman’s economic security?

Our Solution

After reviewing a wide range of relevant literature, we obtained population and economic data for the counties that comprise central Ohio, analyzed these data, and used compelling visuals and narratives to communicate the key stories in the data.

Illumination

As detailed in our research report, we found that 1 in 4 female householders in central Ohio were not economically secure – meaning their household’s annual incomes were not high enough to provide for their basic needs. Family structure (e.g., female-headed households with very young children) and childcare costs were identified as having a large impact on women’s economic security.

Resolution

Key findings from this research were shared at a sold-out community forum arranged by the Columbus Metropolitan Club. The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio used the results from this study to convene additional community conversations regarding economic self-sufficiency, to inform future grant-making efforts of the organization, and to guide the development of programs, advocacy and further research.

The Context

A prestigious Central Ohio municipality, the City of Upper Arlington takes great pride in the services and amenities it provides to residents. To better serve its residents, the City asked Illuminology to obtain valid and reliable measures of public opinion regarding the City’s past performance and future trajectory.

The Critical Question

To what extent are residents satisfied with the services and amenities provided by the City? And what is public opinion regarding important policy issues under consideration by City government?

Our Solution

Illuminology’s researchers used both qualitative and quantitative research techniques. We organized and facilitated a focus group discussion with residents, which helped us confirm that the questions planned for an upcoming survey were worded clearly and were comprehensive. We then designed and administered the City’s 2022 Community Survey, clearly analyzing and reporting the results to members of City government.

Illumination

After a careful analysis of the results, Illuminology identified both areas of celebration (i.e., City services that were heralded by residents) as well as services that perhaps could use more attention and/or improvement. We also measured public opinion regarding a number of policy issues under consideration by City government, which helped to inform the City’s planning efforts. Those who are interested can watch Dr. Kristel’s September 12 presentation to City Council by clicking here.

Resolution

The City is using this research study to evaluate the services and amenities it provides to residents and to inform its discussion of important policy matters that have the potential to affect current and future generations of residents.