NEFCO staff has developed the 2025 Regional Benchmarking Report. A recommendation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Committee and a goal of the 2023-2028 CEDS, the report evaluates key data metrics and compares the NEFCO region with 14 peer regions across the Midwest region of the United States using performance indicators in seven data categories: population; prosperity; productivity; housing; talent; innovation; and employment and industry. The 2025 edition establishes a baseline upon which future years can be assessed and compared to establish trends, identify patterns, and analyze economic growth and decline in the NEFCO region. The report will be used to better understand the positive and negative factors impacting the region’s competitiveness, identify areas of concern, and formulate strategies to target economic weaknesses. For more information, please contact Nick Lautzenheiser.