A slice of LIFE: UW-Green Bay's Warner spearheads unprecedented regional study

A University of Wisconsin-Green Bay researcher has been pivotal in the completion of an unprecedented report on the quality of life in Northeastern Wisconsin.

Assistant Prof. Lora Warner, Public and Environmental Affairs, led the Leading Indicators For Excellence, or LIFE Study, in coordination with the St. Norbert College Strategic Research Institute. Results from the four-county, year-and-a-half long study are being rolled out beginning Tuesday, Oct. 4, with a variety of events in area communities.

The LIFE Study Regional Report released Tuesday is the result of research on 10 key indicators for quality of life in three different communities. Funding partners, including the United Way, chambers of commerce and community foundations, guided the research based on issues unique to each region. Local LIFE Study results will be released Wednesday, Oct. 5 and Friday, Oct. 7 in the Green Bay, Appleton and Oshkosh areas.

“Ultimately, the goal of this research is to bring to the forefront the major strengths and challenges of the region to lay the foundation for action,” said Warner, who directs UW-Green Bay’s Center for Public Affairs. “Using regional data, we identified common strengths and concerns for the region.”

The LIFE Study findings suggest the three metro regions have similar strengths, Warner said, including high satisfaction with quality of life and being a great place for children and families.

The study also showed the three metro areas have similar challenges and opportunities for collaboration, including unemployment, access to health care and support for children, youth and older adults.

In addition to the October rollouts, the Center for Public Affairs is planning two public forums, one each in October and November, to present the studies and answer questions pertaining thereto.

The forums will be a good opportunity for campus and community alike to learn more about the study and its findings, Warner said. The October forum will take place from 9:30-11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24 at the Neville Public Museum of Brown County, 201 Museum Place, Green Bay. The date for the November forum is to be determined.

Printed publications will be available from the study partners, and all LIFE Study reports can be accessed online. Click here for more information about the LIFE Study and UW-Green Bay’s Center for Public Affairs.