EVALUATION FRAMEWORK

To ensure accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement, the Evaluation Framework provides a structured approach for assessing the effectiveness of programs and initiatives aligned with the Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP). This framework emphasizes the use of targeted Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure direct outcomes, enabling Riverside County and its partners to track progress, refine strategies, and demonstrate impact across priority industry clusters. Broader economic trends can be addressed in separate Countywide reports, such as the Riverside County Regional Intelligence Report (December 2024).

KPIs by Category

Business Attraction

  • Number of business attraction leads responded to.
  • Number of development sites certified through shovel ready sites or comparable programs.
  • Number of new firms attracted through RivCoED (or partner) programs.
  • Number of jobs created through RivCoED (or partner) business attraction programs.

Business Retention & Expansion (BRE)

  • Number of businesses receiving BRE services through RivCoED programs (or partner referrals).
  • Number of jobs retained through business retention services (RivCoED and partners).
  • Number of jobs created through business expansion services (RivCoED and partners).

Business Startup Services

  • Number of inquiries for entrepreneurial development support.
  • Number of individuals or businesses receiving entrepreneurial development services/referrals (RivCoED and partners).
  • Number of new business startups attributable to RivCoED (or referred partner programs).
  • Participation in business training programs.
  • Participation in business incubation programs.
  • Dollar value of startup funding secured by firms assisted by RivCoED (or referred partners).

Workforce Development

  • Number of participants in job training/certification programs tied to RivCoED targeted industry clusters.
  • Numbers of job placements in RivCoED targeted industry clusters.
  • Additional KPIs established by the Countywide Career Pathways Report Card.

Marketing Exposure/Resource Attraction

  • Total circulation (and open rates) of RivCoED e-newsletter.
  • Web traffic and analytics.
  • Number of tourism-promoting special events (and estimated number of participants) sponsored by RivCoED (and partners).
  • Number of industry/trade shows attended by RivCoED (and partner) staff.
  • Participation (number of attendees) in SelectUSA summit.
  • Dollar value of grant funding secured from federal, state and regional agencies.