Much of the Institute's research is conducted in policy centers as well as through the cross-cutting Assessing the New Federalism project.

Assessing the New Federalism
Provides data and analysis on how children and families fare during a time of major change in federal-state strategies for supporting low-income families.

Education Policy Center
Lets policymakers and officials know whether students are being left behind in the new era of standards-based reform.

Health Policy Center
Spells out the individual and collective consequences of having no health insurance and explores ways to improve the effectiveness of Medicare and Medicaid.

Income & Benefits Policy Center
Informs the public on how well current systems of income support meet the needs of the most vulnerable Americans—the poverty stricken, people with disabilities, and older Americans.

International Activities Center
Helps developing countries build local government capacity, improve public service delivery, and nurture civil society.

Justice Policy Center
Identifies the most effective strategies for dealing with crime and the criminal justice system's response to it.

Center on Labor, Human Services, & Population
Probes emerging demographic, labor market, and social service trends, as well as issues ranging from immigrant work patterns to the effectiveness of programs affecting children and families.

Metropolitan Housing & Communities Policy Center
Tracks trends in the revitalization of distressed areas and housing markets to ensure that public policies and programs work in America's urban neighborhoods.

Center on Nonprofits & Philanthropy
Monitors charitable sector trends and nonprofits' activity as pressure on philanthropic giving renders each gift and resource vital to society.

Urban–Brookings Tax Policy Center
Brings fresh data and clear analysis to current debates over tax policy.