Visioneering Wichita benchmarks highlight income growth

“After a steady 20-year decline, Wichita’s per-capita personal income has rebounded and is now once again above the national average,” said Janet Harrah, director of the Center for Economic Development and Business Research at Wichita State University.

Per-capita income is one of the benchmarks set by Visioneering Wichita to track how well the region is achieving its long-range plan. The Center for Economic Development and Business Research at WSU measures regional benchmarks developed by Visioneering Wichita as part of its community service.

“Visioneering Wichita measures the priorities the region said are important for our future success, and our economic success is one of the most important,” said Harvey Sorensen, chairman of Visioneering Wichita. “Measuring the benchmarks helps the community know how we are doing, and keeps us focused on what we want to achieve together.”

In addition to measuring per-capita income, CEDBR also measures several other indicators for Visioneering Wichita, including job growth, downtown development, and arts and recreation.

“The economic benchmarks highlight Wichita’s relatively strong economy. The aviation sector in particular is supporting healthy income and job growth,” said Harrah.

The full benchmark report can be found on the Visioneering Wichita Web site at www.visioneeringwichita.com.