Policy Research

Seeking to improve and inform decision making at the federal, state, and local levels, the Foundation provides general operating support to a small portfolio of organizations across an array of issues and resources for special fiscal, demographic, and analytical projects with broad implications for domestic policy. Read our strategy

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Report Finds Cost-Benefit Analyses Improve Budget Choices & Taxpayer Results thumbnail

Report Finds Cost-Benefit Analyses Improve Budget Choices & Taxpayer Results

A new report shows cost-benefit analyses have helped states make better investments of public dollars by identifying programs and policies that deliver high returns. However, the majority of states are not yet consistently using this approach ... Read More
Projections Show Significant Changes in Long-Term Budget Outlook thumbnail

Projections Show Significant Changes in Long-Term Budget Outlook

Recent legislation and other factors have substantially improved the long-term budget outlook, according to a report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP). Read More

"Forever Young: A Path to Successful Aging"

From The Huffington Post
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Analyzing the Status of Local Pension Funding thumbnail

Analyzing the Status of Local Pension Funding

The report attributes the declining health of Chicago-area public pension funds in large part to inadequate employer contributions over a sustained period and recent investment losses. Read More

"City Hall's Pension Spiral Worsens "

From Crain's Chicago Business
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Evaluating the FY2014 Illinois State Budget thumbnail

Evaluating the FY2014 Illinois State Budget

A report from the Civic Federation’s Institute for Illinois’ Fiscal Sustainability supports Governor Pat Quinn’s recommended $62.4 billion FY2014 Illinois state budget for balancing revenues and expenditures without borrowing and making progress toward ... Read More

From Results First Initiative

Working with states to implement an innovative cost-benefit analysis approach that helps them invest in policies and programs that are proven to work.

States’ Use of Cost-Benefit Analysis
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New Report Finds Cost-Benefit Analyses Improve Budget Choices & Taxpayer Results
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Providence Business News: R.I. to Participate in Results First Initiative
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View more: Results First Initiative

Staff

Portrait of Julia M. Stasch

Julia M. Stasch

Vice President, U.S. Programs
Portrait of Valerie Chang

Valerie Chang

Director for Policy Research
Portrait of Tara Magner

Tara Magner

Program Officer
Portrait of Lucy Blanco

Lucy Blanco

Program Associate
Portrait of Janice A. Dunbar

Janice A. Dunbar

Assistant Manager of Grants and Budget
Portrait of Beth Gutelius

Beth Gutelius

Research Assistant
Portrait of Gerry Sims

Gerry Sims

Program Associate