About Us

The Worcester Regional Research Bureau is a private, non-profit organization that conducts independent, non-partisan research and analysis of public policy issues facing the greater Worcester region. By providing such policy data, the Bureau strives to promote more informed public debate on and highten decision-making in financial, administrative, management and community issues facing Worcester's municipal government and the surrounding region.

Since its founding in 1985, the Research Bureau has prepared over 130 reports on municipal and regional issues. The reports present detailed analyses of issues on which both citizens and public officials can base decisions that affect the welfare of everyone in the community. They are designed to stimulate thought and discussion among citizens, administrators and elected officials.

As part of its public education effort, the Research Bureau sponsors the Francis A. Harrington Forums on Municipal Government, which highlight particular municipal issues that require immediate attention. The programs are free and open to all interested citizens and public officials. The panelists have included prominent individuals on both the state and local level who have expertise on the subject being discussed. The forums are hosted by local area colleges and are taped for rebroadcast a number of times on the local cable TV channel.

In order to disseminate the results of its research, the Bureau staff maintains regular contact with public officials to keep them apprised of its work. It presents testimony before the City Council, committees of the Council, and various boards and commissions. The Research Bureau's staff addresses civic organizations and community groups on various municipal and regional issues. The Bureau has established a number of advisory committees to the Center for Community Performance Measurement with whom staff members meet regularly. The Bureau's views are solicited frequently by a number of organizations such as the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Central Massachusetts, the Colleges of the Worcester Consortium and the Alliance for Education. The local media also seeks out the Bureau's positions, and comments favorably on Research Bureau reports, forums and other activities. The media coverage by the Telegram & Gazette, Charter Communications, WGMC-TV3, Worcester Business Journal, and WTAG Radio helps to disseminate the Research Bureau's work and to educate citizens about municipal and region.