Fiscal, Economic, and Social Effects of Immigration in the Hoosier State

View Study This study details the current realities and implications of immigration in Indiana as a whole, including effects on demographics, education, wealth and poverty, employment, and the labor market. Study sponsored by Conexus Indiana. Written at Ball State University by Emily J. Wornell, PhD and Michael J. Hicks, PhD; published May 13, 2019. To …

Community Asset Inventory and Rankings: Changes in Indiana Counties

View Report In this report, we summarize the major changes in rankings for all categories of CAIR between 2012 and 2018. In addition, we also develop a ‘housing barometer’ tool for each county based on a county’s home prices relative to the state and its growth.  Visit the CAIR website at https://cair.cberdata.org to explore the full features …

David Terrell, Executive Director of RUPRI Center for State Policy, spoke at Harvard Conference on Rural America, Video Recording Now Available

David Terrell, Executive Director of the RUPRI Center for State Policy and the Indiana Communities Institute spoke at a Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health conference on Rural America, co-sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and National Public Radio.  David joined other speakers to discuss the Health and Economic Concerns of Rural …

2018 Small Cities Conference

May 11, 2018 – May 12, 2018 Theme: “Vulnerable Communities: Research, Policy, & Practice” The 2018 Small Cities Conference at Ball State University examines the economic and social challenges facing vulnerable communities from a variety of perspectives. Join us for conversation and scholarship focusing on economic and policy dimensions of community problems, social and cultural factors that …

Assessing Indiana’s E-Readiness in the Development of the Digital Society

View Report This study seeks to bridge the gaps in research on the relationship between broadband accessibility and human development by assessing the e-readiness of Indiana counties. Written by Srikant Devaraj, PhD; Sushil Sharma, PhD; Emily J. Wornell, PhD; and Michael J. Hicks, PhD (Ball State University); published Oct. 5, 2017.

Footloose Jobs & Urbanization

Footloose Jobs & Urbanization: Recent History and Policy Considerations for Indiana This policy brief outlines the recent history of footloose and non-footloose jobs in Indiana, including regional changes in rural and urban employment. We also examine economic development policy and suggest future models for consideration. Written by Michael J. Hicks, PhD (Center for Business and …

Human Development & Technology in US Counties

View Policy Paper In this study, the authors expand the scope of their previous research using the Human Development & Technology Index (HDTI) to assess geographic trends in the access to and the quality of broadband technology across all US counties. This work includes considerations for policy makers. Written by Srikant Devaraj, PhD; Sushil Sharma, …

The Human Development Index of Indiana Counties: A Policy Perspective

View Policy Paper Three factors comprise the Human Development Index—health, education, and living standards. We examine those factors and provide a framework for policy considerations. This study is a research contribution to Primacy of Place, an interdisciplinary initiative at Ball State University (home of the RUPRI Center for State Policy). Primacy of Place focuses on …