About the Urban Institute

What We Do Our mission: the Urban Institute gathers data, conducts research, evaluates programs, offers technical assistance overseas, and educates Americans on social and economic issues — to foster sound public policy and effective government. The Urban Institute builds knowledge about the nation’s social and fiscal challenges, practicing open-minded, evidence-based research to diagnose problems and figure out which policies and programs work best, for whom, and how. Learn more about our work: Policy Centers - Explore the work of our ten targeted policy centers and discover the breadth of the Institute's impact Simulation Models and Data Tools  Latest Research - Review our research publications, most freely available to all

Download an overview brochure (PDF) Year in Review 2011 Financial statement, highlights, and annual information newly updated for 2011. Read more

Our History

In the mid-1960s, President Johnson saw the need for independent nonpartisan analysis of the problems facing America's cities and their residents. The President created a blue-ribbon commission of civic leaders who recommended chartering a center to do that work. In 1968, the Urban Institute became that center.

• Urban Institute through the years
• 40th Anniversary features and events
• Top 42 Accomplishments, 1968-2010

Our Commitments

• Use rigorous, state-of-the-art methods to analyze public policies and programs
• Bring sound objective evidence to public policy decisions
• Deepen public understanding of policy issues
• Save government and communities time and money through research on effective and efficient programs
• Work to make our Washington, D.C., metropolitan area a stronger community

The Urban Institute is a member of the
Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.