Maryland's efforts to address its stagnant economy and challenges in the job market have taken a step forward with the launch of four dashboards that aggregate demographic and economic data. Developed by the Maryland Department of Commerce and the Eastern Shore Regional GIS Cooperative, the dashboards aim to provide insights for both government officials and residents [2673737d].
Funded by a $1 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the dashboards were created using Microsoft Power BI and cover various aspects such as the manufacturing industry, workforce, transferable skills, and economic data. They offer information on manufacturing establishments, employees, wages, industry concentration, labor market data, job turnover rates, in-demand skills, and demographic, economic, and social data across all counties and the city of Baltimore. The data sources include the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Maryland Department of Education [2673737d].
These dashboards serve as economic shock absorbers, providing policymakers and residents with valuable information to make informed decisions and develop strategies to enhance economic resilience. By aggregating data from various sources, the dashboards offer a comprehensive view of Maryland's economy, allowing stakeholders to identify areas of strength and areas that require attention. This data-driven approach can help attract new businesses, address workforce challenges, and promote economic growth in the state [2673737d].
The launch of these dashboards is a significant step towards addressing the economic challenges faced by Maryland. By providing accessible and comprehensive data, the state government aims to empower decision-makers and residents with the information they need to navigate the job market and make informed choices. It is hoped that these dashboards will contribute to the development of innovative solutions and strategies to attract new businesses, retain skilled workers, and promote economic growth in the state [2673737d].