The Piedmont Triad's workforce landscape presents a unique amalgamation of challenges and opportunities. Recently, there has been a critical focus placed on understanding and improving workforce equity in the region. In 2023, Dr. Stephen J. Sills authored a comprehensive analysis of workforce equity for the Piedmont Triad Regional Council entitled, "Strengthening Equity & Community Growth … Continue reading Piedmont Triad’s Challenge: Achieving Equity in a Diverse Workforce
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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
An Exploration of the Success Case Method in Program Evaluation
The Success Case Method (SCM) is a qualitative and evaluative research approach that focuses on identifying and understanding the best examples of successful outcomes in a given context. The SCM, developed by Robert O. Brinkerhoff, is a useful tool for evaluating the effectiveness of programs, interventions, or strategies in organizations and other settings. The SCM … Continue reading An Exploration of the Success Case Method in Program Evaluation
Decoding Results-Based Accountability: An Analytical Insight into Mark Friedman’s Influential Framework and Its Application in Public and Nonprofit Sectors
Results-Based Accountability (RBA), also known as Outcomes-Based Accountability, is a data-driven decision-making framework that aims to improve the performance of services, programs, and communities. It was conceived and developed by Mark Friedman, a renowned social policy analyst and author, to measure the performance of services within the public and nonprofit sectors. His book, "Trying Hard … Continue reading Decoding Results-Based Accountability: An Analytical Insight into Mark Friedman’s Influential Framework and Its Application in Public and Nonprofit Sectors
Reimagining Equity: Confronting America’s Racialized Housing Policy
Despite the promise of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 to eliminate discrimination in housing, this systemic issue persists. If we are to create equitable cities that offer opportunities for all, we must confront the vestiges of racialized zoning and segregation, not as isolated relics of the past, but as living structures that shape our present and future.
Small Businesses in North Carolina: A Spotlight on Minority and Women-Owned Enterprises
North Carolina has long been a beacon for small businesses, consistently ranking in the top five states for business by Forbes since 2006. As the Tar Heel State continues to attract people with its affordable housing, low cost of living, and favorable tax rates, it's no surprise that small businesses are thriving here. A critical … Continue reading Small Businesses in North Carolina: A Spotlight on Minority and Women-Owned Enterprises
Basics of Evaluation
Evaluation is a critical process for any organization or program aiming to create an impact. In its simplest form, evaluation can be viewed as a systematic application of social science research methodologies to assess the effectiveness of programs or organizations. It is a process that not only helps measure the outcomes of programs but also … Continue reading Basics of Evaluation
Severe Housing Problems in North Carolina
The severe housing crisis in North Carolina is characterized by high demand, rising costs, and a lack of affordable rental units, particularly for low-income earners. Rental vacancy rates are at their lowest in over a decade, resulting in higher eviction rates, increased homelessness, and substandard living conditions. Severe housing problems, including overcrowding, high housing costs, … Continue reading Severe Housing Problems in North Carolina
Building a More Inclusive Workforce in the Piedmont Triad: Challenges and Solutions
The Piedmont Triad in North Carolina is home to a diverse economy and a population of 1.7 million. Despite its economic growth, job seekers face challenges such as skill mismatch, competition, and work-life balance. The COVID-19 pandemic has further impacted the workforce, introducing new challenges such as remote work and mental health concerns. Findings from … Continue reading Building a More Inclusive Workforce in the Piedmont Triad: Challenges and Solutions
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
Innovative Research Insights 