StimCities
How effective has the Obama economic stimulus spending been? As one informal measure, we are taking a monthly snapshot of indicators in eight cities of varying size in different parts of the country. As stimulus dollars roll out in coming months, we’ll also visit many of the cities for a firsthand report. So far, we’ve been to Elkhart and St. Cloud.
Local views: What our 40 respondents say about the economy.
Elkhart, Ind.
Population: 52,361
Full census data for Elkhart, Ind.
(State Stimulus Page)
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9.5,9.4
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Unemployment RateJobs are the bottom line measure of stimulus success. This indicator tracks the city’s unemployment rate calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. |
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New Building PermitsYear-to-date construction permits for new residential units, as tracked by the U.S. Census Bureau. |
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JOBS GAINED/LOST (NET)Jobs gained or lost, month to month |
POLL ON LOCAL ECONOMY (June 2009)Average from five local residents (see who) who rate the economy on a 1-10 (bad-good) scale. |
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Food Bank ActivityNumber of families, individuals or meals served at one local food bank (see list). |
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, Craigslist, ProPublica Survey, and Various Food Banks.
Credits: Sarah Slobin, Scott Klein, Jason Das, Chris Flavelle, Michael Grabell, Jennifer LaFleur, David Epstein and Jeff Larson, ProPublica, and Mary C. Curtis, Politics Daily
StimCities is a joint project of ProPublica, the radio news program The Takeaway, and WNYC, New York’s flagship public radio station.
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Investigations of Stimulus Waste, Fraud, and Abuse
Schools Have Trouble Tapping Stimulus Funds 12/24
Stimulus Money Paid Out Now Exceeds Money in the Pipeline 12/23
Thousands of Stimulus Reports Missing, Resulting in Potential Undercount of Jobs Created 12/9
Stimulus Contracts Go to Companies Under Criminal Investigation 10/25