Urban across the Country

Urban’s researchers partner with state and local leaders to provide the evidence, tools, and support they need to improve lives and strengthen communities. This work includes strategic advising to translate research into action, program evaluations to measure effectiveness, and research and data analysis to inform decisionmaking. Our experts develop custom data tools and modeling to support equitable resource allocation and lead community-engaged research and convenings to ensure policies reflect local priorities.

Use this page to explore Urban’s work. Search by region to see examples of our research, and filter by evidence and products to narrow results by topic or type of work.

Dive deeper into your state and community with our data tools. View highlighted tools below, select “Data tools” under “Filter by Product Types,” or head directly to our data tools page.

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Explore our work by state
Testimony The Economic Impact of Selected Social Security Reforms
The nation is about to experience an enormous demographic shock. Between 2010 and 2030, the over-65 population will rise by 70 percent while the labor force will rise by a little over 3 percent. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that Social Security benefits will be absorbing 3
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A parents monthly income grows dramatically when moving from welfare to working in a part-time job paying the minimum wage ($5.15/hour). Income continues to grow, but more slowly, as the parent moves into full-time, better-paying work. The graph below shows how this works in a fairly typical state
Fact Sheet In Entry-Level Jobs, Attitude and Reliability Are Key
In a national survey, employers say they value a positive attitude and reliability the most when hiring an entry-level employee, such as a welfare recipient and welfare recipients appear to fit the bill.
Research Report Does Work Pay? An Analysis of the Work Incentives under TANF
This analysis finds that working 20 hours per week at minimum wage increases income by an average of 50 percent over cash assistance in the 12 states studied. Public Policy contributes much to making work pay. The interaction of programs such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, and state decisions on
Research Report Health Policy for Low-Income People in Washington
There are two Highlights for each state. The Highlights that focus on health cover Medicaid, other public insurance programs, the health care marketplace, and the role of public providers. The Highlights capture policies in place and planned in 1996 and early 1997.