Publications

Our Research on the Greater DC region.

Research Report

An Assessment of the Need for Large Units in the District of Columbia

Though the District of Columbia has a substantial supply of large housing units with three or more bedrooms, those units are not meeting the needs of families with low incomes.
Brief

What Would Help DC Residents Have Greater Financial Security?

Washington, DC, is a city of contrasts with respect to residents’ financial security. While some residents are among the country’s most financially secure, others find it hard to make ends meet.
Testimony

Disaggregating Data by Race and Place in the District of Columbia

Leah Hendey, senior research associate, testified before the Council of the District of Columbia Committee on Government Operations hearing on racial equity.
Testimony

Historical Context of Racial Inequity in Washington, DC

Kilolo Kijakazi, institute fellow, testified before the Council of the District of Columbia Committee on Government Operations hearing on racial equity.
Research Report

Equitable Development and Urban Park Space

Results and insights from the first two years of implementation of the equitable development plan of DC’s 11th Street Bridge Park Project.
Research Report

Nontraditional-Hour Child Care in the District of Columbia

Finding high-quality child care that aligns with parents’ work schedules can be a significant barrier to successful employment and children’s healthy development.
Brief

Kindred Pilot Study: Summary of Findings from Parent Surveys and Focus Groups

Kindred aims to tackle issues of racial and economic segregation in DC schools and communities by supporting dialogue groups for parents.
Research Report

Analyzing a Localized Giving Culture

A recent survey of charitable giving practices at the state, county, and metropolitan level published by the Chronicle of Philanthropy sparked questions about the nature of the disparities in giving patterns between various locales and a
Research Report

Analysis of the Giving Potential of High-Income Donors in the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Region

The recent Chronicle of Philanthropy How America Gives report highlighted the Washington, DC, metropolitan region as a place of exceptional giving—DC ranks high on the list of total charitable dollars given—and one of unmet “giv
Brief

State of Immigrants in the District of Columbia

This brief focuses on immigrants in Washington, DC, to help the mayor’s office and its partners better understand and serve DC’s immigrant community.
Brief

Elevating Cultural Relevance and Racial Equity in Research and Evaluation

Interest in evidence-based programs is increasing—not just among policymakers, but among philanthropic organizations. Simultaneously, more foundations are interested in supporting efforts that advance racial equity in research and in the field.
Research Report

A Study of Enrollment Projections for DC's Public Schools: Assuring Accuracy and Transparency

Projecting future enrollment is an essential responsibility of school districts that municipalities and districts rely on for planning, budgeting, and evaluation.
Testimony

Evictions are More than a Landlord-Tenant Issue

Maya Brennan made a statement before the Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Committee’s Public Hearing on eviction-related legislation.
Research Report

The Extra Mile: Time to School and Student Outcomes in Washington, DC

We measure the relationship between travel time to school and students’ likelihood of transfer (and where they transfer to), attendance, and test scores in Washington, DC.
Testimony

Update on a Research-Practice Partnership for the District of Columbia

Matthew Chingos, director of the Urban Institute’s Education Policy Program, testified before the Council of the District of Columbia on efforts to create an independent research-practice partnership with the District’s education agencies.