Links to Urban and Policy-focused Resources
The Boston Foundation
With an emphasis on strengthening this region's competitiveness in the global economy, the Boston Foundation works with many partners to publish cutting edge research, hold public forums, and convene task forces of experts and stakeholders to create action agendas for real change.
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is one of the nation's premier policy organizations working at the federal and state levels on fiscal policy and public programs that affect low- and moderate-income families and individuals.
Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University
The Center for Labor Market Studies conducts applied research, evaluation, and policy-oriented technical assistance around labor market issues particularly around employment and workforce development. The Center closely associated with the Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy.
Economic Policy Institute
The Economic Policy Institute, a nonprofit Washington D.C. think tank, was created in 1986 to broaden the discussion about economic policy to include the interests of low- and middle-income workers.
Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center
The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies, as well as economic issues, that affect low- and moderate-income people in Massachusetts.
MassINC
Founded in 1996, the Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth known as "MassINC" is an independent, nonpartisan research and educational institute. MassINC brings together diverse perspectives, including those held by conservatives and liberals, business and labor, advocates and policy makers to focus on the challenge of achieving the American Dream in Massachusetts. To pursue our goals, we use independent research, a wide range of public events, and a unique approach to journalism.
Massachusetts Municipal Association
The Voice of Cities and Towns in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Municipal Association is a nonprofit, nonpartisan association that provides advocacy, training, publications, research and other services to Massachusetts cities and towns.
The MMA is the only statewide organization that brings municipal officials together to establish unified policies, to advocate these policies, and to ensure the effective delivery of services to community residents.
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC)
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is a regional planning agency representing 101 cities and towns in the metropolitan Boston area. Created by an act of the Legislature in 1963, it serves as an independent public body of the Commonwealth within which state and local officials can address issues of regional importance. As one of 14 members of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), MAPC has oversight responsibility for the region's federally funded transportation program.