Based on Minnesota Milestones goals, the progress indicator is a set of 42 economic, environmental and community measures that collectively provide a more realistic and comprehensive way to gauge the state's progress toward smart growth and sustainable development. Measures such as the gross state product that focus exclusively on economic activity may erroneously paint a rosy picture, even when the environment and communities may be under stress.
Indicators provide a tangible basis for tracking and understanding progress.
In addition, what gets measured tends to get done. If the wrong things are tracked, the resulting impression of progress may be wrong as well. Without appropriate indicators, unrecognized success may not be rewarded or repeated, and even the lessons of failure can be lost. An effective indicator tends to measure progress fundamental to the resilience and viability of a company or community. It is based on reliable and timely information, is understandable and accepted by the people in the community, and is long-term.