KPIs vs. Outcomes

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

1. Definition:
   • KPIs demonstrate how effectively a project’s/program’s objectives are being met (see above to learn more about objectives). 
   • They are quantifiable measurements to track and evaluate project/program progress and success. KPIs are tracked regularly using data-collection tools, software systems, surveys, or direct observation.
2. Examples:
   • Winter Trail-Grooming Project
     • Total number of winter North Tahoe Trail users on weekend mornings, broken down by activity type.
     • Percent Increase of trash volume collected in the winter of 2024-2025 (compared to the winter of 2023-2024).
     • Volume of snow removal from trailhead parking lots during peak winter months.
   • Workforce Housing Advocacy and Direct Assistance in North Lake Tahoe Program
     • Percentage increase of housing retention rates during fiscal year 2025.
     • Number of affordable units developed or preserved in Eastern Placer County during the grant period.
     • Completion rates of the Housing Stability Action Plan in the first quarter of 2025.
     • Total funds paid to landlords on behalf of tenants during fiscal year 2025.
3. Characteristics:
   • Quantitative: Numerical data that can be objectively measured.
   • Short-term: Assesses project/program progress within the grant period.
   • Specific: Directly measure objectives outlined in the project/program scope of work..
4. Role:
   • KPIs provide concrete evidence of progress towards project/program objectives.
   • They empower data-driven decision making and strategic adjustments rooted in real-world performance metrics.

Outcomes:

1. Definition:
   • Outcomes are enduring impacts, benefits, or results that directly result from project/program completion.
   • While KPIs measure progress and successes during project/program implementation, outcomes focus on long-term benefits during and after project/program completion.
   • Outcomes are assessed through evaluations, surveys, case studies, and other qualitative and quantitative methods.
2. Examples:
   • Winter Trail Grooming Project
     • Increased community awareness of the winter trail system and support for winter trail grooming on the North Tahoe Trail during the peak winter season (as determined by monthly survey responses).
     • Increased usage rates on the North Tahoe Trail of self-identified adaptive users throughout the winter (as determined by monthly survey responses).
     • Decreased emergency response time for rescue operations compared to the previous winter season.
   • Workforce Housing Advocacy and Direct Assistance in North Lake Tahoe Program
     • Reduced homelessness rates in the North Lake Tahoe community.
     • Increased GPAs, salaries, and quality-of-life assessments for participants in the Housing Stability Program from Quarter 1 to Quarter 4 of 2024 (as determined by a twice-annual survey of participants).
3. Characteristics:
   • Qualitative: Often described in terms of improvements, changes in behavior, or societal impact.
   • Long-term: Indicate enduring changes beyond the project’s/program’s duration.
   • Broad: They encompass the overall achievements or changes that the project brings.
4. Role:
   • Outcomes demonstrate the long-term benefits that a project/program creates.