Research and Course Guides: Econ 337: Economics of the Public Sector: Research Organizations & Statistics Sources

Policy Research Organizations

There are many thousands of organizations in the U.S. (and internationally) that provide research on public policy issues. Types include:

Government agencies (executive and legislative branches)
Nonprofit research organizations
Advocacy groups
Trade associations

There is often good information available in reports they produce. Your challenge is to think critically about these sources, identify potential biases, use them to identify additional research, and generally separate the wheat from the chaff.

Search Think Tank Websites

Harvard Think Tank Search
A Google Custom Search of over 400 "think tank" websites, hosted by the Harvard Kennedy School Library. For the purposes of this search, think tanks are defined as institutions affiliated with universities, governments, advocacy groups, foundations, non-governmental organizations, and businesses that generate public policy research, analysis, and activity.

A Sample of National Research Organizations

The Brookings Institution: Topics & Reports
Brookings is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Their mission is to conduct high-quality, independent research and to provide innovative, practical recommendations that: strengthen American democracy; foster the economic and social welfare, security and opportunity of all Americans; and secure a more open, safe, prosperous and cooperative international system.
Urban Institute
For non-partisan data, research, program evaluation on social and economic issues relating to American cities.
Pew Research Center
A nonpartisan "think tank" that provides information on the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. It does so by conducting public opinion polling and social science research; by analyzing news coverage; and by holding forums and briefings. It does not take positions on policy issues.
Tax Policy Center
The Tax Policy Center provides timely, accessible analysis and facts about tax policy to policymakers, journalists, citizens, and researchers. The TPC is a joint venture of the Urban Institute and Brookings Institution.
National Conference of State Legislatures: Research
The NCSL is a non-partisan organization representing the state legislatures in the U.S. It provides policy and legislative research on issues in the states.

U. S. Government-related Research

Congressional Publications Search (from ProQuest)
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Includes bills, legislative history, and most importantly here, access to Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports from 1916-present. Use the checkboxes in the search form to limit sources.
Congressional Budget Office
Provides "objective, nonpartisan, and timely analyses to aid in economic and budgetary decisions on the wide array of programs covered by the federal budget."
Government Accountability Office
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress. GAO investigates how the federal government spends taxpayer dollars, and issues reports.
USA.gov
This is the official portal page to all federal government resources available on the Web. Search by topic, or find a relevant federal agency and search on their site. Most major agencies will have extensive research or publications sections on their sites.

Statistics Sources

Statistical Abstract of the United States This link opens in a new window
This resource is the first place to go when trying to locate statistical information.
It provides tables with statistics in many different areas, and includes links to
original source data to help locate related data. Earlier editions are also available.
Covers 1970-present.
SimplyAnalytics This link opens in a new window
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Use SimplyAnalytics (formerly SimplyMap) to create thematic maps, datasets, and reports using thousands of demographic, business, and marketing data variables for the U.S. Use it when you need demographic and marketing data for a specific geographic area in the U.S. such as a city, county, census tract, or ZIP code. Create a free personal account with your UST email to save your work (check your email spam if you don't receive an activation email) or sign in as a guest. Limited to 5 simultaneous users.

UST Libraries Statistical Resources Guide
Extensive list of statistical data sources by topical area.

Minnesota Sources

Minnesota Legislative Reference Library
The Minnesota Legislative Reference Library (LRL) information resources that support the legislative process and promote the understanding of state government. See the "Guides" section for a listing of current Minnesota policy issues reports.
House Research Office
Provides nonpartisan, neutral research and legal services to the Minnesota House of Representatives. Site includes summaries of legislation and publications on topical policy issues.
MN Senate Counsel, Research, and Fiscal Analysis
A nonpartisan organization that provides legal, research and fiscal analysis services to the Senate.
Minnesota State Demographic Center
The main provider of demographic data and analysis for the state of Minnesota.
MN Department of Revenue Policy & Research
Tax policy analysis, statistics, and reports including the MN Tax Handbook, Tax Expenditure Budget, and Tax Incidence studies.
MN Office of the Legislative Auditor
Program evaluation studies and financial audit reports.