Focus NJ launched a new, interactive Economic Tracking Dashboard on Oct. 27, which the research nonprofit says will provide easy access to key economic information for stakeholders, media members, policymakers and other interested parties.
The dashboard compares current and historical economic data through interactive maps, charts and tables that will be regularly updated.
The data included on the tracker include state and national breakdowns of unemployment rate, quarterly and annual Gross Domestic Product, GDP by industry, labor force size and participation rate, and employment by industry.
Focus NJ launched a new, interactive Economic Tracking Dashboard that compares current and historical data through interactive maps, charts and tables that will be regularly updated. – FOCUS NJ
At launch, users can access data going back to January 2018 and make comparisons to later dates.
“In times of economic uncertainty, it is more important than ever for any and all to have access to reliable, real-time economic data,” said Focus NJ Executive Director Kyle Sullender. “Focus NJ has created this tool so users can quickly compare to key economic indicators across states and industries as they are released. Because we are particularly focused on New Jersey, select indicators can also be viewed at the county level for our state.”
In addition to the interactive charts and graphics, data are also available to view in static tables.
“This information has always been publicly available from the agencies that produce it but identifying current and past data points can be frustrating for stakeholders who don’t regularly track these statistics,” said Sullender. “Our goal was to eliminate that barrier and make tracking and comparing these figures fast and simple. Additionally, this tool allows us to provide updates on the state’s economic conditions in real time.”
The launch is the latest step forward for Focus NJ, the Center for Economic Research and Workforce Solutions, which is a nonpartisan foundation launched by the New Jersey Business & Industry Association in February 2020.
