Two reports authored by Innovative Research Insights LLC/ Dr. Stephen Sills now available at Piedmont Triad Regional Council Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) website: 1) Strengthening Equity and Community Growth Through Engagement and Assessment Report research findings and recommendations that address current social, economic, and structural conditions for workers across the 12-county regions. 2) Piedmont … Continue reading Regional Equity Assessment & Digital Inclusion Plan
A Year of Innovation – Highlighting the Transformative Projects of Innovative Research Insights (IRI)
As we reflect on the past year, Innovative Research Insights (IRI) has been at the forefront of diverse, impactful projects that are shaping the future of communities and organizations nationwide. With a commitment to advancing equity, improving community outcomes, and driving systemic change, IRI has undertaken diverse and impactful projects across housing, homelessness, digital inclusion, … Continue reading A Year of Innovation – Highlighting the Transformative Projects of Innovative Research Insights (IRI)
Strategic Planning: A Roadmap to Success for Non-Profits
Strategic planning is an essential process for non-profit organizations seeking to fulfill their mission, navigate challenges, and seize opportunities in an ever-evolving landscape. It allows nonprofits to clarify their vision, set priorities, and allocate resources effectively. The primary purpose of strategic planning is to ensure that the organization remains focused on its mission while adapting … Continue reading Strategic Planning: A Roadmap to Success for Non-Profits
Understanding the Potential and Pitfalls of Impact Evaluation
Impact evaluation has rapidly gained traction as a useful tool for non-profits and governmental agencies to assess the effectiveness of their initiatives. As decision-makers, understanding the potential benefits and inherent challenges of impact evaluation can help you make informed choices about its utility for your organization. Moreover, applying an equity lens to these evaluations can … Continue reading Understanding the Potential and Pitfalls of Impact Evaluation
Displacement and Exclusion
While Critical Race Theory (CRT) has been used to examine housing policy and segregation previously,[i] I propose a new conceptual model to extend CRT. The analysis will examine RECAPs as extremely weak markets resulting from a series of interrelated mechanisms that work to reduce minority home buying in strong market neighborhoods and/or dislocating them from neighborhoods … Continue reading Displacement and Exclusion
Build, Build, Build…
Why do we need more housing? Housing comes in many forms. The concept of housing itself is a social construct and what qualifies as ‘decent’ and ‘affordable’ housing has changed drastically over time and between jurisdictions. Generally speaking, a house is a living space used for permanent or semi-permanent residence for an individual, family, household … Continue reading Build, Build, Build…
More Regulation Needed for SFR Institutional Investors
Real estate has always been a safe, long-term investment. When managed locally (and not by a slumlord who is mining equity), rental owners provide an important service to a local community by providing affordable and decent places to live. Historically, middle-to-upper-middle-class families owned a couple of units to build long-term wealth and provide a cushion … Continue reading More Regulation Needed for SFR Institutional Investors
Addressing Racial & Economic Justice
Under a Republican Supermajority in North Carolina In recent years, the political landscape in several states has shifted. This week, North Carolina rejoins the list of states where Republicans have gained supermajorities in state legislatures. This development occurred when Rep. Tricia Cotham of Mecklenburg County, a former teacher and school administrator, switched from the Democratic … Continue reading Addressing Racial & Economic Justice
Bridging the Divide
Exploring Racial Reparations and Their Potential for Healing Historical Injustices Racial reparations, or compensatory measures aimed at addressing historical injustices faced by Black Americans, have been a subject of considerable debate in recent years. Advocates argue that reparations are essential to rectify the lasting effects of slavery, segregation, and systemic discrimination, while critics contend that … Continue reading Bridging the Divide
Strategies to Strengthen Equity & Promote Community Growth
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace Equity in the workforce is critical for fostering economic development and community growth. It ensures that all individuals, regardless of their race, gender, or socioeconomic status, have equal access to job opportunities, fair wages, and career advancement (Ridgeway, 2014). However, persistent disparities among different demographic groups continue to … Continue reading Strategies to Strengthen Equity & Promote Community Growth
Innovative Research Insights 