Ultimate Ends

Measuring What Matters

From growth in output to growth in wellbeing

By adopting the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) to assess economic health, Vermont decided that it was not enough to measure the amount our economy grows every year. It needed to know whether it was bad growth that decreases the vitality of our communities and ecosystems or good growth that makes Vermonters happier. By accounting for real costs and real benefits, the GPI is a reality check on our progress.

On the costs side, the GPI shows a quickly widening wealth gap between Vermont’s middle class and its most affluent residents. Strengthening a healthy middle class—one that can send its children to college and spend and invest locally—is a top priority of New Economy leaders in Vermont. On the benefits side, Vermont continues to enjoy high levels of education, frequent community volunteering, and downward trends in crime and miles driven per vehicle.

If we continue to increase these benefits while decreasing costs, Vermonters can experience a measurable, higher quality of life.

Sterling College via Flickr

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Vermonters with a bachelor’s degree or higher: ¹⁶

33%

Increase in Vermont’s income inequality between 1970 and 2010: ¹⁷

29%

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Vermonters who volunteered in 2011: ¹⁸

32%

Miles driven per person in 2011: ¹⁹

11,630

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