In spring 2009, Governor Martin OMalley assembled an inter-agency workgroup to explore how government could measure social well-being and develop an alternative metric to traditional economic indicators. The metrics function would be to measure whether or not economic progress results in sustainable prosperity.

In partnership with the University of Marylands Center for Integrative Environmental Research (UMD-CIER), the workgroup examined several options. Criteria used to determine the framework included the need to develop a metric that was academically sound and generally accepted, comparable to other State and national measures, trackable over time to show trends, and able to be adapted for Marylands unique conditions.

The Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI), which has a proven track record, was selected as the model. With Marylands extensive history of data collection and management, especially relating to Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts, the workgroup fine-tuned the national GPI methodology and improved on the data identification and collection.

The resulting interactive MD-GPI Model is much more than a simple list of indicators; it is a dynamic tool that allows policymakers and citizens to watch how investments and decisions in one indicator affect and are affected by other indicators. Moving forward the workgroup will continue to fine-tune the MD-GPI, while maintaining comparability with other jurisdictions.