Forsyth County’s Housing Crisis by the Numbers: A Data-Driven Call to Action

If you’ve been following conversations about housing in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, you know things are tough for those seeking decent affordable homes. The latest presentation from Innovative Research Insights, “Current State – the Data,” lays out the reality with sharp clarity. Using fresh data from local, state, and national sources, IRI reveals just how … Continue reading Forsyth County’s Housing Crisis by the Numbers: A Data-Driven Call to Action

Regional Equity Assessment & Digital Inclusion Plan

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

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