Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, UTSA's Metropolitan Research and Policy Institute is a state-of-the-art facility that conducts empirical research and policy studies. Because of its mission and location the MRPI is the University's only organized research unit designed to respond to the research and policy agenda of the greater San Antonio community.

On-going activities include traditional grant submissions to government agencies and private foundations as well as partnerships with regional, state, national and international research and policy centers to address immediate and long-term issues facing metropolitan communities.

At the regional level, the MRPI provides a valuable service to community based organizations, school districts and government agencies by co-sponsoring conferences, lectures and workshops. Through networking with public and private sector partners, the MRPI is rapidly emerging as San Antonio's premiere organization for identifying and clarifying issues and providing solutions based on objective research and analysis.