The Institute for Public Policy and Economic Analysis

About Us

The Institute for Public Policy and Economic Analysis is a research institute for applied regional research that provides easily accessible community indicator data. The Institute publishes nine community trend sites for thirteen Washington counties, all of which cover a variety of factors like economic vitality, health, housing, and more. The Institute’s work is aimed to promote data-based decision making and provide readily available and extensive data for communities across Washington state.

Our History

The Institute for Public Policy and Economic Analysis was created in 2002 as a pilot project administered by Eastern Washington University, until it was fully established as a integral part of the University in 2005. Headed by executive director Dr. Patrick Jones, the Institute has been a vital research institute producing community research projects for 20 years. The Institute is supported by a broad coalition of community sponsors across Washington state, and proudly constructs its community trends websites based on community-based feedback processes.