Mission
The Research Bureau serves 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.
Purpose
The Research Bureau informs and educates by translating complex public policy questions into clear, useful insights for Greater Worcester. Since its founding in 1985, The Research Bureau has prepared hundreds of reports and thousands have attended forums on topics including public administration, municipal finance, economic development, education, and public safety. The Research Bureau’s work addresses two large audiences: 1) residents of the region who are responsible for identifying issues of importance, advocating for issues of concern, and electing political leadership; and 2) public officials, both elected and appointed, responsible for advancing public policy through government programs.
Our approach is grounded in data, independence, and accessibility. We draw on trusted sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau for community and demographic trends, the Bureau of Labor Statistics for employment and wage data, or the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston for regional economic research. When relevant, we connect local decisions to practical examples, including transportation schedules and service data from the MBTA and policy updates from the City of Worcester. Our goal is to help audiences understand what the facts and figures mean, why they matter, and how to apply the insights.
You will see our work cited by local, statewide, and national media including New York Times, Huffington Post, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Worcester Business Journal, Boston Globe, Commonwealth Magazine, Governing Magazine, Talk of the Commonwealth, WICN, and more, in their coverage of municipal finance, education, housing, transportation, civic engagement, and more. Additionally, we share findings through public presentations, small-group briefings, and community conversations with public officials, business leaders, neighborhood groups, and students. The Research Bureau’s work has been recognized by New England Newspaper & Press Association, the Governmental Research Association, the Pioneer Institute’s Better Government Competition, and more.
For a deeper look at the facts and figures behind headlines, visit the Research tab, where you can read full reports, watch our events, and view data visualizations.
History
In the early 1980s, as the City of Worcester and surrounding communities struggled with the budget constraints of newly passed Proposition 2½, Worcester’s business leaders came together to support the establishment of an organization to conduct independent, non-partisan public policy research and to assist Worcester’s City Manager with recommendations for more effective municipal government. Modeled on the Boston Municipal Research Bureau established in 1932, the Worcester Municipal Research Bureau began in 1985 with pledges of $40,000 and a commitment from Assumption College to house the new organization at a cost of $1.00 per year.
The Research Bureau grew in size and stature over the years. In the late 1980s, concerned about the consolidation of banks and the acquisition of local businesses by national and multinational companies, The Research Bureau’s Board established the Francis A. Harrington fund, maintained by the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, to ensure continued support for the public forums initiated during the first year of operations. The Francis A. Harrington Forums on Municipal Government have hosted an impressive array of speakers including governors, members of congress, mayors, corporate leaders, nationally-recognized experts, and officials from every level of government. In 1987, when Tom Green, former Vice President of Norton Company and a founder of the organization, passed away, The Research Bureau honored his memory by establishing the Thomas S. Green Public Service Awards for outstanding public service by municipal employees. Through this annual award series, The Research Bureau has recognized the distinguished service of over 150 “unsung heroes” of municipal government.
In 2000, the Board voted to change the name of the organization to the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, in acknowledgement of its broader importance to Central Massachusetts communities. Throughout the early 2000s, WRRB ran the Center for Community Performance Measurement with a multi-year grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to benchmark community improvement. In 2015, WRRB launched its annual Worcester Almanac as well as its Municipal Election Candidate Debate series which continue on to this day as a way to increase accessibility and transparency to data and public accountability. In 2024, WRRB and Greater Worcester Community Foundation established Worcester County Insights, a county-wide data dashboard and accompanying research briefs Insights Insiders on topics of significance. The WRRB is included in a national research anthology Moving Forward: Issues that Matter in Cities, Regions, and States and receives four awards from the Governmental Research Association. That same year, the Isaiah Thomas Awards for Distinguished Community Service is resumed by former recipients under the stewardship of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau.
The Bureau continues to serve its regional mission with in-depth data analysis, impactful research, and innovative techniques and visualizations to further the progress of Worcester County.
If there are specific topics that your company, organization, or community group are interested in, please use the form below.
