Promoting Informed Debate through Public Policy Research

Our mission is to serve the public interest of Greater Worcester by conducting independent, non-partisan research and analysis of public policy issues to promote informed public debate and decision-making. For nearly thirty years, The Research Bureau has worked to protect the public interest in Greater Worcester by identifying issues, investigating impacts, and educating the public and government officials of opportunities and best practices. We provide solid, steady, and thoughtful analysis of local and regional public policy issues and sensible recommendations for adoption and implementation by public officials. We also provide a free and highly-regarded forum series to present to the public a balanced perspective on policy issues affecting the Greater Worcester community. Stay informed and stay involved with The Research Bureau. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Current Topics of Interest

Breaking Down the Budget: Questions to Consider, City of Worcester & Worcester Public Schools FY15

Each July 1, the City of Worcester and Worcester Public Schools begin a new fiscal year. Who sets the priorities and how is the budget developed? How much money are we really talking? Read Breaking Down the Budget: Questions to Consider to improve your understanding of the City’s FY15 budget.

MEETING NOTES from The Research Bureau

Unable to attend our 2014 Annual Meeting? Read our Bureau Notes to learn what you missed.

Toward a Common Understanding of the Common Core

The current debate about educational standards and assessments has forced government officials, educators, parents, and students to take a serious look at the American education system and evaluate what students should know in order to be prepared for college and careers in the global economy. Toward a Common Understanding of the Common Core chronicles the history of the Common Core State Standards Initiative and the Massachusetts experience with education reform. The report analyzes the arguments raised against the Common Core and offers a factual basis for review. It also offers a number of recommendations for improving the implementation of the revised Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks based on the Common Core and the implementation of the PARCC tests.

Bureau Brief—The City Manager Search Process

In support of the City Council’s efforts to identify and hire a permanent city manager, The Research Bureau provides this Bureau Brief – The City Manager Search Process, an update to prior reports on best practices for recruiting a city manager. The municipal government of the City of Worcester is one of the largest organizations – by revenues, staffing, and operations – in Central Massachusetts. Its chief executive must be ready to manage the challenges and opportunities of New England’s second-largest city. This Bureau Brief offers policymakers insights from the national experts on the key considerations for finding the right city manager for Worcester.

Bureau Briefs are easy-to-read and understand summaries of current topics. Stay involved and follow our website and Facebook pages and follow us on Twitter.

Related reports cited in the Brief can be found at:

Bureau Brief—The Common Core State Standards

The Research Bureau is pleased to release Bureau Brief – The Common Core State Standards, a short overview of the recent discussion over the national educational standards. The Research Bureau will be releasing a full report on the topic this spring, so stay tuned to our website and Facebook pages and follow us on Twitter.