Jim Trutko is an experienced market research and economic analyst, public policy analyst and data visualization professional. He has masters degree in political science and economics.

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Jim was Research Director and Director of Business Development with the Greater Cleveland Growth Association. At the Growth Association, he was part of a team saving a major defense service office in Cleveland. He supervised a study of the machine tool industry for the Great Lakes Governors' Association. 

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He was involved in several entrepreneurial ventures promoting a computer memory card and a durable composite board.

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He was Market Reseeach Manager at The Plain Dealer. He was responsible for conducting and analyzing large readership studies aimed at understanding reader and advertiser attitutes. He supervised presentations prepared for sasles to major advertisers.

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Jim also wrote a report on franchising for the SBA and had several consulting engagements, including one for Downtown Cleveland and an Ashtabula development group. He prepared a detailed analysis for a citizen's group concluding that the Convention Center/Medical Mart was unlikely to be successful.

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He writes occasional articles for Crain's Cleveland Business and Cleveland Magazine's Community Leader. He has been active in counseling entrepreneurs with local business groups.

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As a long-time resident of Lakewood and Rocky River, he has been been disappointed in the area's progress. He believes that improved data and analysis could help citizens advocate for better governance and encourage local governments to make better decisions.

 

He formed a website named Cuyahoga Scoreboard to illustrate how data could make a difference,. Much of the data previously on that site is now on this website. He also formed Community Scoreboard, a 501C4 organization formed to fund data analysis, The objective is to promote efficient government, economic progress and a better quality of life for residents.