A previous SPPC project with Ed-Trust Midwest analyzed quantitative/administrative data from Michigan to characterize inequities in teacher quality across the state. This project used primarily qualitative methods to build on that previous study to identify promising career pathways for teachers in lower-performing districts. Students conducted background research, identified best practices, and critically examined options for improving teacher...

The City of Adrian, Michigan seeks to become the first community in North America to have fully autonomous electric bus service providing its public transportation. The City intends to launch a fixed route system with Project Rising Tide, a program offering coordinated state resources and technical assistance in Michigan. In addition, the City is working to bring ongoing federal financial assistance towards the service. The student research assistant helped with examining current federal support for transportation, researched sustainable transportation funding, and helped determine how to...

The University of Michigan Alumni Association’s Camp Michigania started a master / strategic planning process. Students conducted research and benchmarking with other alumni family camps and similar programs and facilities. Students undertook the following, including but not limited to: information gathering including internet research, phone interviews, focus groups, site visits, data analytics and demographic analysis. Recommendations and background research were shared with Master Planning...

The prevalence of on-line retirement planning tools including so-called “Robo Advisors” has increased dramatically in recent years. Students explored questions such as: What is known about the availability and construction of publicly available Robo Advisors for participants to use in planning for a secure retirement, and what is the nature and quality of the advice provided? How are these on-line tools treated under law and regulation compared to human advisors and service providers? What legislative or regulatory actions, if any, can the congress and the administration take to ensure that...

About half of workers—especially those who are low income or employed by small firms—lack access to a retirement savings plan through their employer. To address this issue, a growing number of states have proposed or begun implementing programs to provide access to workers whose employer does not offer a retirement plan. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is interested in learning more about recent developments in state efforts to expand coverage in retirement savings plans. For this project, students conducted internet searches and conducted in-depth case studies of 2-3 states to...

The Ann Arbor City Council asked the city’s CFO to recommend a new approach to the city’s budgeting process that would better engage citizens and produce a budget that is more responsive to their preferences. Students conducted research on best practices in peer communities, interviewed key informants and stakeholders, and made recommendations to the...

The students examined and made recommendations related to the potential benefits of multi-county public defense...

During this projects, students supported the organization’s effort to prepare for grassroots-driven community and economic development.  They researched the development of the Virginia Park neighborhood by analyzing data sets and surveys spanning from 1976 to present day in order to address the needs of residents and outline a plan for future...

The students developed  a series of policy recommendations aimed at reducing the scope and impact of antiquities...