FAQ

How to interact with data visualizations

Lincoln Vital Signs presents data about Lincoln over time and in comparison to other jurisdictions using interactive visualizations. Sections in the report include: Community Profile, Economy & Workforce, Basic Needs, Education, Health, and Safety & Security. Each of these sections contains several visualizations looking at specific issues or questions within these categories. By interacting with these visuals you will be able to filter and narrow the results by different criteria.

what is covered in the tutorial

A brief overview of the website.
Where to find data on the site.
How to interact with the data visuals.

Recommended Citation

Public Policy Center. (n.d.). Lincoln Vital Signs: [add heading for specific page and visual title]. University of Nebraska. Retrieved [insert month, day, year], from https://www.lincolnvitalsigns.org/[add remainder of specific webpage link]

Example: Public Policy Center. (n.d.). Lincoln Vital Signs: Community Profile: Population. University of Nebraska. Retrieved August 10, 2022, from https://www.lincolnvitalsigns.org/community-profile/population

Note: Recommended website citation is in APA Style. If you are using another style please use the correct format for that style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln Vital Signs?

Lincoln Vital Signs is a report commissioned by some of Lincoln’s largest public and private charitable organizations. It describes how Lincoln has changed since 2005, areas where we are successful, and areas where we have room to grow. The report is completed about every two years using publicly available data to measure the strength and health of our community in the following areas: Community Profile, Economy and Workforce, Basic Needs, Education, Health, and Safety and Security. Leaders of public, private, and philanthropic organizations in Lincoln and Nebraska use the Lincoln Vital Signs report to help inform decisions, spark connections, and spur collaboration.

What is Prosper Lincoln?

Lincoln Vital Signs reports help the community “be informed” and Prosper Lincoln encourages the community to “get involved.” Lincoln Vital Signs findings in 2014 led the community to create Prosper Lincoln, a focused community agenda to help address challenges and priorities in the following key areas: Early Childhood, Innovative Workforce, Affordable Housing, Strong Neighborhoods, and Civic Investment. Learn more at prosperlincoln.org.

Where does the data for Lincoln vital signs come from?

Lincoln Vital Signs relies primarily on publicly available data. Data sources include the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Lincoln Public Schools, and Lincoln/Lancaster County Health Department. For a full list of our data sources, visit Lincolnvitalsigns.org/about/data-sources.

How many Lincoln Vital Signs Reports are There and What were their Findings?

There have been four Lincoln Vital Signs reports. The first report, published in 2014, and subsequent reports in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022. You can view and download the reports at www.lincolnvitalsigns.org/reports

2022 Report

Lincoln continues to thrive in several areas.
Some areas of weakness persist.
Population trends will shape future need for services and initiatives.

2019 Report

Lincoln is prospering and growing stronger.
Persistent weaknesses impede progress.

2017 Report

Lincoln is experiencing positive economic recovery.
Opportunity gaps persist.

2014 & 2015 Reports

Lincoln does many things exceptionally well and these successes should be nurtured.
A growing proportion of Lincoln’s population faces real need.
Lincoln’s children fare poorly on many measures.

What are the goals or objectives of the lincoln vital signs report?

Measure the strength and health of the Lincoln community
Reflect fundamental interests and concerns of the community, families, and individuals
Serve as a reliable resource for information about Lincoln
Be available for past years and repeatable for future years
Measure outcomes, rather than inputs or outputs

Who uses the Lincoln Vital Signs Reports?

Anyone who wants to learn more about the strengths and/or challenges within the Lincoln community
Funders use the data to make investments in community services
Community services organizations and government departments use it for strategic planning, needs assessments, and grant proposals
Business leaders use it to promote Lincoln and to create business plans
Faith community leaders use it to plan ministries and conferences
Neighborhoods use it to target activities and planning

How is data chosen for future Lincoln vital signs reports?

An Advisory Committee representing a variety of organizations and sectors across the community meet to identify and prioritize additional data for the next report. If you would like to make a suggestion for a metric or areas you would like to see included in a future report, please go to lincolnvitalsigns.org/contact.