Nobel Laureate Robert M. Solow sums up the Institute’s 40 years of achievement by exploring the interaction between policy research and policy action. Research, while uncovering incremental steps toward success, is indispensible for action – weeding out bad ideas and giving policymakers objective evaluations. Solow was the inaugural speaker at his namesake UI lecture series. Read more
Urban Institute experts offer their advice on evidence-based policymaking and the domestic issues ahead for President Obama and the 111th Congress.
Len Burman on tax and budget policy in year one:
"The conventional wisdom is that acknowledging our economic problems and proposing sensible solutions is political suicide, but maybe the American public is ready for some real straight talk...." more
Elizabeth Boris on financial relief and community service:
"Ramping up national service immediately could help the economy, provide needed services, and build on the immense enthusiasm and involvement evident in the current election..." more
Margery Austin Turner on housing segregation and diversity:
"Most neighborhoods remain stubbornly segregated, limiting opportunities for minorities to share fully in social and economic opportunities..." more
Robert I. Lerman on expanding apprenticeship:
"Now is an excellent time to concentrate on training strategies that will help workers take advantage of future job openings..." more
Eric Toder on tax priorities:
"If President Obama enacts a stimulus program, the nation must have something to show for it afterward... " more
Harry Hatry on governing for results:
"Providing the best possible government services to our citizens requires accountability and effective measurement of performance..." more
Margery Austin Turner on rental housing:
"Federal housing policies have primarily promoted homeownership while neglecting the importance of a healthy, affordable rental sector..." more
Jesse Jannetta, Nancy LaVigne, Amy Solomon, and Laura Winterfield on ex-offenders:
"...a unique opportunity to guide released prisoners to productive and law-abiding lives by building on the momentum of recent successes..." more
Ending welfare as we know it is not the same thing as ending poverty as we know it. That problem remains on the 
