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.

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State and community data tools
Explore our work by state
Research Report Job Prospects for Welfare Recipients
A national telephone survey of 500 employers found that employers most frequently say they are looking for an entry-level worker who is reliable and has a positive attitude rather than a worker with specific skills. Close to 70 percent of employers rate welfare recipients positively in terms of
Research Report Counting the Uninsured
Although most researchers agree that the number of Americans without health insurance is increasing, they often disagree on the actual number of the uninsured. This paper discusses the variations in survey design and how the variations may explain many of the differences among estimates of the
Research Report Income Support and Social Services for Low-Income People in Michigan
The state reports describe the safety net and health care programs in place for low-income people on the eve of welfare reform. The reports also analyze the particular circumstances that are shaping the state's response to the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA)
Research Report Health Policy for Low-Income People in Colorado
The state reports describe the safety net and health care programs in place for low-income people on the eve of welfare reform. The reports also analyze the particular circumstances that are shaping the state's response to the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA)
Research Report Why Should We Invest in Adolescents?
The authors argue that it is important for developing countries to invest in adolescents, both to prevent the negative consequences of potential risky behavior and to promote healthy growth, modern skills, and the capacity to participate in the society of the future. The authors also argue that the
Brief Myths About the Nonprofit Sector
This paper dispels certain myths about the nonprofit sector. It traces back some of the misperceptions to the 1980s when nonprofit organizations were propelled into the limelight by President Reagan's budget cutbacks, which were intended to dismantle inefficient government social programs. This
Testimony The Economic Impact of Trends in Retirement and Expected Life
It is vitally important to preserve a decent rate of economic growth as the retirement of the baby boomers approaches. Presuming that we do not start eating into our seed corn, the only resources available for workers and retirees in the early 21st century will be produced at that time. We can talk