How Our Research Helps Idahoans Make Informed Decisions

Public Interest Boise State School of Public Service

Dean Corey Cook

February, 2018

“Centered on Service.” The 2018 issue of Boise State Explore sums up our work well. While useful research is certainly being done all across Idaho college campuses, the research done by faculty and students in the School of Public Service is distinctive in its focus on public service and policy. Our work spans academic programs such as Criminal Justice, institutes such as the Andrus Center, and initiatives such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Yet everything we do is centered on serving those who need to make informed policy decisions for the public good.

In this issue of Public Interest, we’ll give you a glimpse of how our research is being used by business leaders and policy-makers statewide. We’ll also highlight the impact our new Idaho Policy Institute is already making in every corner of the Gem State. Finally, we’ll share how our latest survey reveals the opinions and attitudes of Idahoans on a wide range of vital issues

Thanks for listening,

Sincerely,
Corey Cook
Dean, School of Public Service
Boise State University

Centered on Service Explore Magazine cover

BOISE STATE’S EXPLORE MAGAZINE HIGHLIGHTS SCHOOL OF PUBLIC SERVICE RESEARCH

Explore is the annual Boise State University research magazine, published by the Division of Research and Economic Development. The 2018 issue of Explore focuses on research being conducted by faculty within the School of Public Service – research utilized by policymakers, business leaders and nonprofits. Highlights include:

How our surveys are used as a Resource for Decision-Makers
Student research on potential uses of Big Data
Environmental Studies students researching Air Quality in Downtown Boise
Research on local Perceptions of U.S. Troops around the globe

Read The Complete 2018 Edition Of Explore >

IDAHO POLICY INSTITUTE SERVES DECISION-MAKERS STATEWIDE

The Idaho Policy Institute launched in 2016 to serve private, public and nonprofit organizations that need to make informed decisions. Just a few examples of IPI’s projects include:

Bingham County. Examined how drug courts impact recidivism rates.
Bonners Ferry. Researched ways to better utilize the town’s visitor’s center.
Eagle. Explored the cost/benefits of the Eagle Fire Department contracting services with Boise.
Jerome. Conducted a comparative economic analysis of ways to stimulate the local economy.
McCall. Examined the implications of short-term rentals like Airbnb on McCall’s local housing market.
Treasure Valley. Conducted research on ending chronic homelessness
Twin Falls Area. Worked with the Southern Idaho Tourism Bureau to research what attracts visitors to the area.

View a map of standout IPI projects

Watch a video about the Idaho Policy Institute

Contact the Idaho Policy Institute about assisting your organization

Image of Sawtooth Mountains and Salmon River

IDAHO PUBLIC POLICY SURVEY REVEALS IDAHO SENTIMENT AND PRIORITIES

Our Third Annual Idaho Public Policy Survey, conducted last December, surveyed 1,000 Idaho residents representative of all regions of Idaho. The results illuminate new and ongoing public priorities as well as sentiment about the direction of the state and its economy. Survey questions measured Idaho attitudes on several key policy issues, including taxes, health care, education, and workforce development.

Read media coverage of the Idaho Public Policy Survey from across the state: