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What is the
METROPOLITAN RESEARCH AND POLICY INSTITUTE?
The Metropolitan Research and Policy Institute (MRPI) is a multidisciplinary research institute that coordinates the resources of the University of Texas at San Antonio to address issues and problems that confront the Greater San Antonio Metropolitan Area. This includes identifying policy issues and providing high quality data that helps others form a better understanding of the San Antonio area.
WHAT DOES THE MRPI DO? The MRPI consists of a group of university faculty administratively organized to work with the public, private and non-profit sectors of the community to develop new knowledge and understandings about the San Antonio regional area. To this end, the MRPI focuses upon six research arenas and provides four community research services. MRPI RESEARCH ARENAS Metropolitan GovernanceAnalyses of the issues of the day, examining governmental responses to improve decision-making, assessments, leadership and policy development. Economic Development
Conduct basic and applied research to develop alternative policies for economic development, workforce readiness and labor market transitions. Justice Policies
Investigate policy problems, design and integrate evaluation systems into programs and identify critical issues related to crime and crime control. Cultural Studies
Examine important cultural benefits to the community with particular focus on how urban policies maintain, sustain or change the cultural meanings and values of a community. Environmental Issues
Analyze environmental policies and urban planning about issues like air quality, water quality, resource preservation, land use and management. Educational Issues
Research innovations, experimentations and best practices designed to address issues like dropout and graduation rates, K-12 school quality, vouchers and equity. COMMUNITY RESEARCH SERVICES Surveys
Design, implementation and analyses of public opinion surveys that collect information relative to community issues and problems, agency service delivery, quality of life and confidence in institutions of government. Focus groups
Design, implementation and analyses of qualitative and quantitative examinations of attitudes and perceptions in small group formats, includes facilitation and participant selection. Evaluation research
Design and analyze agency, governmental or organizational programs and policies for effectiveness and ability to properly serve the community. Secondary Analyses
Analyze national and regional data sets such as Current Population Reports, U.S. Census Data, and the Department of Defense Surveys; consult in areas such as demographic trends and content analysis. MRPI ACTIVITIES AND RESEARCH PRODUCTS ALSO INCLUDE:
- Lecture Series
- Reports
- Presentations
- Issue Briefs
- Working Paper Series
- Community Information Systems
- Conferences
