C H AT H A M

C O M M U N I T Y B L U E P R I N T

S TAT U S R E P O R T
YEAR-END 2016
C H AT H A M C O U N T Y
BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS

CHAIRMAN

Albert J. Scott

VICE CHAIRMAN

DISTRICT 2 Every organization needs to have a plan; a work plan, a

budget plan, etc. Plans outline where you are headed;
James J. Holmes
where you have vision for the future. Chatham County
needed a plan and sought the work of a local grassroots
CHAIRMAN PRO-TEM
entity to fulfill that obligation.
DISTRICT 1
Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition had begun compiling
Helen L. Stone community level data and gathering citizen input.
Community engagement throughout the process creating
DISTRICT 3 the plan, implementing the plan and evaluation of the plan
need to include not only those who make decisions but also
Bobby Lockett those who are affected by the decisions.

DISTRICT 4 Chatham County Board of Commissioners have made an

investment in creating the plan and now we are
Patrick K. Farrell transitioning into the implementation phase of the
Blueprint. However government funds are limited and
DISTRICT 5 therefore support is needed from all sectors of our
community to ensure the goals are being acted upon. The
Ta b i t h a A . O d e l l
community involvement has been tremendous in developing
a true Blueprint for all of the Chatham County Community.
DISTRICT 6

James Jay Jones Sincerely,

DISTRICT 7

Dean Kicklighter
Chatham County Manager, Lee Smith
DISTRICT 8

Chester A. Ellis

COUNTY MANAGER
1
Lee Smith
 2016
C O A S TA L G EO R G I A CGICs work is not only about gathering data, but
I N D I C ATO R S C O A L I T I O N analysis and translation of the data so that the
information can be used to guide decisions that
EXECUTIVE impact our community in a positive manner. As
out-going chair I am excited about the work being
LEADERSHIP done in all four impact areas and am thrilled with
the discussions being held and progress being made
on those issues that the community identified as its
top priorities. We still have a ways to go as well all
know that community development and
meaningful impact does take a long time! I have
CURRENT CHAIR
been involved in the Indicators project for more
ADAM WALKER than ten years and I am most proud of the current
overall engagement and buzz that is presently
VICE CHAIR taking place. I am more confident than ever that we
are headed in the direction of making long term
JENNIFER WRIGHT and permanent impact in our region to make a
better community for all.
PA S T C H A I R

Michael Kemp On behalf of the CGIC Executive Leadership and the

entire Coalition we are proud to present the 2016
S E C R E TA R Y status report. Let this be the start of the
conversation which we are hopeful will encourage
Jennifer Wright more courageous discussions while allowing
everyone the opportunity to ask more questions in
CHARTER ORG REP
order to dig deeper to define the core problems our
Linda Cramer community faces and to eliminate the barriers to
solving those core problems because only then will
CHARTER ORG REP we see the true progress that we all want for our
community.
Ta f f a n y e Yo u n g
CGIC remains committed to improving the
CHARTER ORG REP
community well-being.
Gregg Schroeder
Thanks,
AT L A R G E

DR. OTIS JOHNSON

Mike Kemp, Past Chair

DIRECTOR
Ta r a J e n n i n g s 2
 Ta b l e o f C o n t e n t s

OUR JOURNEY AND PRIORITY AREAS 4

OVERVIEW 5
MAP OF CHATHAM COUNTY 6
CHATHAM COUNTY DEMOGRAPHICS 7
PRIORITY AREA: ECONOMY 8
INDICATORS 9
PRIORITY AREA: EDUCATION 10
INDICATORS 11
PRIORITY AREA: HEALTH 12
INDICATORS 13
PRIORITY AREA: QUALITY OF LIFE 14
INDICATORS 15
COALITION SURVEY REPONSES 16
SPONSORS AND PARTNERS 17

3
OUR JOURNEY
Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition, Inc. (CGIC) was awarded the contract with Chatham
County in 2014 to develop a community-wide plan known as the Chatham Community
Blueprint. The Blueprint integrated other concurrent planning processes and documents
from various partner organizations. Most importantly the Blueprint aims to provide
aimed to provide residents with an opportunity to be engaged and have a voice for the
future of their community.

In December 2015, the Chatham Community Blueprint was presented to the Chatham
County Board of Commissioners. The document is comprised of historical information,
results of community meetings, and statistics from the public opinion survey.

The Chatham Community Blueprint was created through intense community engagement
and prioritization that included citizen input at all levels. Our work was developed in four
themed areas; Economy, Education, Health, and Quality of Life. Specific community-level
indicators were selected to serve as key measurements of community success to show
improved well-being. While the entire Blueprint document provides suggested strategies
and action steps to positively impact the indicators; the Status Report provides progress
made thus far.

OUR PRIORITY AREAS

Through contractual agreements with Chatham County, Coastal Georgia Indicators
Coalition (CGIC) serves as the responsible organization for the development,
implementation and evaluation of the Chatham Community Blueprint. The Blueprint will
strategically move the entire community towards the accomplishment of specified goals
within four key theme areas with the goal to improve community well-being.

4
OVERVIEW
ABOUT CGIC

Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition, Inc. (CGIC) is a group of community members and advocates working
together for a comprehensive, coordinated approach to planning and accountability. The goal of CGIC is to
improve community well-being by engaging and leading the public, civic, and private sectors to work
collectively in development of strategic priorities that guide policy, programs, and resource allocation. The
coalition addresses a growing need to better assess the position and progress of our communitys well-being
using community-level indicators and performance measures. Indicators are data points that can be useful in
assessments by helping to track and measure community health.

This coalition provides the platform for community organizations, city and county governments, citizens,
through an open forum to identify existing and emerging opportunities to develop a stronger network of
community partners to bring forth positive change with lasting positive results which will impact: quality of
life, housing, health and economy of the County.
- Jackie Odgen, UGA Extension-Chatham County

HISTORY

CGIC has produced the annual Chatham Community Blueprint Year-End Status Report to facilitate
conversation and guide the process for decision making specific to funding allocations, program expansions
and program enhancements. A variety of approaches are being taken to align program and resource
allocation as defined in the Chatham Community Blueprint. The approach will vary on level in engagement,
capacity of organization and alignment.

CGIC encourages sponsors and partners, municipalities, and other planning organizations to use the
Blueprint as a guide for decision making and policy prioritization. The Chatham Community Blueprint Year-
End Status Report will be produced annually with updates regarding improvement in the community well-
being.

We will continue to serve as a catalyst for the implementation of the Chatham Community Blueprint,
while maintaining the indicators web portal and continuing our role as convener for partnerships. CGIC will
continue to seek regional, state, and national partnerships for technical assistance, best practices, and
collective sustainability.

5
7
C H AT H A M C O U N T Y
 P O P U L AT I O N
350,000
292,924
300,000
250,000
2017

200,000
15%
10.48%

Growth Rate
150,000 114,860
10% 7.10%
100,000 72,309

50,000 5%

0 0%
Population Households Families Chatham Co. Georgia

TOP EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY Health Care

14.07%

Other 43.23% Retail/ Trade

12.66%

Accommodations
/ Foodservice
11.95%
Manufacturing Educational
8.64% Services 9.45%

50,000
AGE
40,000

30,000

20,000

10,000

Native Hawiian / Pacific

ETHNICITY Asian, 2.86% Islander, 0.17%

American Indian , 0.24% Other, 2.57%

2+ Races, 2.63%

Black, 39.42%

White, 52.11%

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 THE ECONOMY
VISION
Chatham County anchors a thriving, business-friendly, regional economy in which all workers are prepared for
quality jobs, and residents feel empowered to attain a high quality of life.

GOAL 1 GOAL 2 GOAL 3

Using accurate and reliable data, Facilitate lifting individuals out of Guide entrepreneurial growth
link current and projected needs poverty by reducing barriers and through the enhanced presence of
of employers through the creating opportunities for quality small business support resources
development of apprenticeship employment for young adults, the and facilitate collaboration among
and vocational programs for the working poor, ex-offenders, and local businesses to promote
placement of individuals with those struggling with mental innovation.
quality employment leading to illness.
self-sufficiency.

2011-2015
(as reported in January 2017)
2014
29.7%
YOUTH (AGES 16-24) 26.0%
21.7%
UNEMPLOYMENT

23.7% v
Chatham Georgia United
SOURCE: AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY County States

CHILDREN (UNDER AGE 18)

LIVING BELOW POVERTY LEVEL

W H AT I S Y O U R V I S I O N A N D H O P E F O R C G I C ?
That CGIC continues to lead the charge in building a stronger,
more economically vibrant community.
- Kristin Boylston, Savannah Graduates Director
8
 E C O N O M Y I N D I C AT O R S
KEY INDICATOR A: UNEMPLOYED WORKERS IN CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE
SOURCE: BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

Chatham County unemployment rate was 5.1% as of January 2016. Down 0.6% from 2015.

5.1% 4.6% 4.7% 4.8%

2016

Chatham Georgia United States 2020 Goal

County

KEY INDICATOR B: INCOME PER CAPITA1

SOURCE: AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 2011-2015 $25,690 $25,737
$28,903
$26,600
The median per capita income was $25,690
for Chatham County as of January 2017.
Up $597 from (2009-2013). Chatham Georgia United 2020
1 A Mistake in 2015 Status Report, which shows $25,903 County States Goal

KEY INDICATOR C: PEOPLE LIVING BELOW POVERTY LEVEL

SOURCE: AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY

19.1% 18.4% 18.5%

2011-2015

15.5%

Chatham Georgia United States 2020 Goal

County

The Chatham County poverty rate was 19.1% as of 2017. No change from (2009-2013).

KEY INDICATOR D: SEVERE HOUSING PROBLEMS 2016

SOURCE: COUNTY HEALTH RANKINGS

In 2016, Chatham County had 18.9% of

residents living in conditions with an
increased exposure to mold, mildew, pest
infestation, and other environmental Chatham Georgia United 2020
County 18.4% States Goal
hazards. Up from 0.5% from 2015.
18.9% 18.9% 18.4%

119
 E D U C AT I O N
VISION
From early childhood education through post-secondary achievement, Chatham Countys innovative and
inclusive educational systems are a model of academic excellence that enable students to have the
knowledge, skills and ability to succeed at their chosen pathways.

GOAL 1 GOAL 2 GOAL 3

Ensure that financial skills, social Implement mentorship programs Incentivize and promote parental
skills, and conflict resolution skills between employers and students; involvement in schools by
are being offered to parents and while increasing leadership teaching parents to advocate for
taught to all students through use development programs between their child(ren), facilitating better
of technology, community community organizations and communication between parents
partnership, and counseling. public schools to prepare students and school leadership, and
for employment and promote eliminating barriers to parent
upward mobility. engagement.

One key essential item of CGIC is tolerance for diversity of opinions and
flexibility regarding how the goals will achieve the community mission.
Jeff Baker, SCCPSS Social Worker

The U.S. Department of Education honors elementary, middle, and high schools that are either
academically superior or demonstrate gains in student achievement. Schools nominated by the
Georgia Department of Education attend a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Esther F. Garrison
School of Visual & Performing Arts was acknowledged as a 2015 National Blue Ribbon School.

GRADUATION RATE
100% 83.1%
81.3% 78.8% 82.3% 82.4%
71.6%
80%

60%

40%

20%

0%
2014 - 2015 2015 - 2016 2014 - 2015 2015 - 2016 2014 - 2015 2020 Goal
Chatham Co. Chatham Co. Georgia Georgia United States
10
SOURCE: GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
 E D U C AT I O N I N D I C AT O R S
KEY INDICATOR A: ENGAGING STUDENTS PARENTS AND THE COMMUNITY
SOURCES: SCCPSS DISTRICT ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM

Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) measures the level of

interaction with parents and members of community. As of school year (SY) 2014-2015
the district-wide score was 26 points. The 2020 Goal is 30 points.

KEY INDICATOR B: READING ON GRADE LEVEL 67% 66%

SOURCES: SCCPSS DISTRICT ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM
SCCPSS administers the district-wide Scholastic Reading 48% 49%
Inventory assessment in school three times a year (beginning, 37% 40% SY 14-15

middle, and end of the Year). This chart reflects the Middle of SY 15-16
Year assessment for the indicated school years. Reading on
grade level is defined as Lexile scores at or above 330L at the
end of second grade, 630L at the end of fourth grade, and
880L at the end of seventh grade. 2nd Grade 4th Grade 7th Grade

GEORGIA MILESTONES
SCHOOL YEAR 2015-2016 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Weighted percent of
students scoring at Developing Learner or above on
59.36% 61.90%
the Georgia Milestones English Language Arts EOG
48.80% 50.32% (required participation rate >= 95%)
SCCPS down 2.5% from SY 14 - 15.

HIGH SCHOOL % of students achieving a Lexile

measure 1275 on the Georgia Milestones American
Literature End of Grade
SSCPS down 2.1% from SY 14 - 15.
SCCPSS Georgia SCCPSS Georgia
SOURCES: GEORGIA DEPT. OF EDUCATION - GEORGIA MILESTONE ASSESSMENT
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL

1 Teacher
SCHOOL YEAR

KEY INDICATOR C: STUDENT-TO-TEACHER RATIO

14.7 SOURCES: NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS
Chatham Co. Students
14-15

This indicator shows the average number of public school students per
15.9
3
teacher for the entire system. The student-teacher ratio gives a rough idea
GA Students of the amount of individualized attention from teachers that is available to
each student. No Change from SY 13-14.
14.4
US Students

12.7%
12.4%
KEY INDICATOR D: SCHOOL DISCIPLINE
SOURCES: SCCPSS DISTRICT ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM
11.9%
There were 12.7% of students referred in SY 2015-2016 for In-
School Suspension (ISS), Out-of-School Suspension (OSS), and
2020 Goal 11.5%
expulsion 0.3% increase from SY 14- 15.
SY 13-14 SY 14-15 SY 15-16

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 H E A LT H
VISION
Chatham County has a culture of health including equal access to quality and affordable
healthcare, chronic disease prevention, health inclusive policies and environmental design.

GOAL 1 GOAL 2 GOAL 3 GOAL 4

Effectively address mental Ensure access to and invest Instill healthy practices Increase access to
health by educating the in community-based health in schools by providing healthy food for
public and reducing stigma, resources for citizens to comprehensive health populations that are
increasing early increase health equality education, nutrient-rich more likely to be food-
intervention programs, while optimizing their health foods, opportunities for insecure such as older
removing gaps and barriers, and wellness with preventive physical activity, and adults, children, those
and increasing access to healthcare services, health prevention education in poverty, and those
treatment particularly as it education strategies to including, but not that live in food
impacts incarcerated motivate individuals, and limited to violence deserts.
individuals, children, and families lifestyle behaviors. prevention.
adolescents.

FREQUENT MENTAL DISTRESS

SOURCE: COUNTY HEALTH RANKINGS

In 2014, 10% of adults stated that their mental health, which

includes stress, depression, and problems with emotions, was
Chatham Georgia United
not good for 14 or more of the past 30 days. County States

Psychological distress can affect all aspects of our lives. It is important to recognize and address potential psychological
issues before they become critical. Occasional down days are normal, but persistent mental/emotional health problems
should be evaluated and treated by a qualified professional.

As a result of CGIC, Ive observed a start to the realization that if we work

together, we can accomplish more.
Tom Hassett, Community Volunteer

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 H E A LT H I N D I C AT O R S
100%
KEY INDICATOR A: ADULTS WITH HEALTH INSURANCE 83.3%
77.4% 77.8%
SOURCE: SMALL AREA HEALTH INSURANCE ESTIMATES
In 2014, 77.4% of adults over the age of 19 had

2014
health insurance. Up 3.7% from 2013.
100%

Chatham Co. Georgia United States 2020 Goal

93.5%
2014

92.8%
92.1%
In 2014, 92.1% of Children under the age of 19 had health
insurance. Up 1.8% from 2013.
SOURCE: SMALL AREA HEALTH INSURANCE ESTIMATOR

2014 Georgia United States 2020

19.6% 18.5%
KEY INDICATOR B: FOOD INSECURITY RATE 2 17.7%
15.4%

2014
SOURCE: FEEDING AMERICA
19.6% of Chatham County residents are food insecure as of
2014 (reported May 2016). Up 0.4% from 2013.
2 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as limited or

uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate foods or uncertain ability to acquire

these foods in socially acceptable ways. Chatham Co. Georgia United 2020 Goal
States

KEY INDICATOR C: POOR MENTAL HEALTH DAYS 3

2014

SOURCES: COUNTY HEALTH RANKINGS

In 2014, Chatham County residents averaged 3.8 days that adults

reported their mental health was not good in the past 30 days.
Chatham Georgia United Up from 2.8 days in 2013.
County States
3 Due to a change in methodology, CGIC will move forward with the indicator Frequent Mental Distress.

90%
85.4%
75.2%
KEY INDICATOR D: ACCESS TO EXERCISE OPPORTUNITIES 62.1%
SOURCE: COUNTY HEALTH RANKINGS
2016

85.4% of Chatham residents live reasonably close to a

park or recreational facility as of April 2016.
Down 0.3% from 2015.
Chatham Co. Georgia United States 2020

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 Q UA L I T Y O F L I F E
VISION
Chatham County citizens achieve a superior quality of life within a safe, active, and healthy environment
inclusive of the areas history, natural resources, public mobility, and efficient government.

GOAL 1 GOAL 2 GOAL 3 GOAL 4

Reduce crime, particularly Promote and provide Develop local and Provide effective and
abuse and violence, by neighborhood connectivity regional collaboration efficient government
building trust between law and build environments that among similar services while ensuring
enforcement and residents, encourage active and organizations to that processes and
focusing enforcement healthy lifestyles through improve the delivery procedures are
individuals involved in risky the strategic placement of of social services and planned and executed
behaviors and activities, bicycle and pedestrian to expand the with transparency.
and expanding the visibility pathways, public parks, continuum of services.
of police to ensure all enforcement of road
residents feel safe. regulations, and education
about health benefits.

CHATHAM COUNTY DETENTION CENTER STATS FOR 2016

The mission of CGIC provides two key ideals that our community needs:
multidisciplinary collaboration and measurable goals.
- Manuel Dominguez, City of Savannah Director of Economic Development

14
 Q U A L I T Y O F L I F E I N D I C AT O R S
KEY INDICATOR A: VIOLENT CRIME RATE PER 100,000 RESIDENTS3 486.3 488.8
SOURCE: FBI Uniform Crime Reports
391.7
In 2016, 488.4 violent crimes occurred per 100,000
residents of unincorporated Chatham County and City of
Savannah. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery, and
aggravated assaults. Up 24.7% from 2014. (Percent increase in rate.)
2014 2015 2016
3 The 2015 status report indicated rate of 389.7 for 2013 for Chatham County (all municipalities). The 2016 data
City of Savannah and
point reflects data only collected by Savannah-Chatham Metro Police Department.
Unincorporated Chatham County
2011-2015

5.1% 5.5% 5.5%

KEY INDICATOR B: WORKERS COMMUTING BY PUBLIC TRANSIT
SOURCE: AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY
2.6%
2.6 % of Chatham Countys workers aged 16 years and older
commute to work by public transportation in 2011-2015.
Up .4% from (2010-2014).
Chatham Co. Georgia United 2020 Goal
States

KEY INDICATOR C: MILES OF SAFE, PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY TRANSPORTATION 4

SOURCE: CHATHAM- SAVANNAH METROPOLITAN PLANNING COMMISSION
Bicycle
There are a total of 572 miles of safe, bicycle, and pedestrian Sidewalks Shared Use
Lanes
friendly paths of transportation within Chatham County.
Since 2013 there is no change in the number of bike lanes in
the City of Savannah. 5
4 Moving forward, this indicator will be report the total miles of Safe, Pedestrian Friendly Transportation in
Chatham County.
5 Until the MPC completes mapping a sidewalk inventory, covering all of the jurisdictions and unincorporated

area, the increases from 2015 will mostly reflect the accomplishment of mapping, not necessarily increases in
actual sidewalk on the ground. This data focuses on paths with transportation purposes. These numbers omit
paths inside of gated communities, but includes sidewalks on Hunter Army Air Base as the Public does have some
access. (Source: Chatham- Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission) 2017
KEY INDICATOR D: RECIDIVISM RATE FOR JUVENILE AND ADULT OFFENDERS4
SOURCE: SAVANNAH CHATHAM METRO POLICE DEPARTMENT
The rate of recidivism in Chatham County shows that 45.6% of adults and 41.2% of juveniles
relapsed, being arrested again within a three year time frame. Down 0.5% for adults and
8.9% for juveniles from 2015.
50.1%
46.3% 46.2% 45.6%
41.2%
JUVENILES
ADULTS

2014 2015 2016 2014 2016

4 A mistake in 2015 Status Report used a duplicated number of arrests to calculate recidivism

15
COALITION SURVEY RESPONSES
Define CGIC in your own words:

An effort by the community and government to

systematically answer the needs of the community and plan
for the future.
- Joe Buck, Savannah Graduates Champion

A coalition of community agencies, businesses, and

organizations with the common goal of providing a place to
gather and access data reflective of the community and to
provide a neutral space for community based agencies,
businesses and organizations to partner with one another.
- Rhonda Barlow, SCCPSS

CGIC exists as a planning and an advocacy resource for the community to address issues of
concern that impact the local quality of life.
- Gregori Anderson, Director of Chatham County Department of Building & Safety &
Regulatory Services

Why does CGIC exist?

To connect existing resources to community identified needs while also bringing partners to
the table to fill gaps in services.
- Heidi Behnke, Georgia Legal Services

To help our community move forward in a more efficient and focused manner by focusing
efforts of many organizations.
- Reed Dulany, Dulany Industries

To coordinate the efforts of individuals, businesses, independent agencies and government

to attain long term goals and visions.
- Amy Davis, Chatham County Finance Director

16
S P O N S O R S & PA R T N E R S

17
COASTAL GEORGIA INDICATORS COALITION CHATHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSION
110 EAST STATE STREET 124 BULL STREET (PO BOX 9297)
SAVANNAH, GA 31401 SAVANNAH, GA 31412
912-651-1478 912-652-7869
TARA.CGIC@GMAIL.COM LEESMITH@CHATHAMCOUNTY.ORG