Research Links

Bureau of Economic Analysis www.bea.gov BEA produces economic accounts statistics that enable government and business decision-makers, researchers, and the American public to follow and understand the performance of the Nation's economy. To do this, BEA collects source data, conducts research and analysis, develops and implements estimation methodologies, and disseminates statistics to the public.

Bureau of Labor Statistics www.bls.gov is the principal fact-finding agency for the Federal Government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics. The BLS is an independent national statistical agency that collects, processes, analyzes, and disseminates essential statistical data to the American public, the U.S. Congress, other Federal agencies, State and local governments, business, and labor. The BLS also serves as a statistical resource to the Department of Labor.

Census Bureau www.census.gov serves as the leading source of quality data about the nation's people and economy.

Fannie Mae www.fanniemae.com is a private, shareholder-owned company that works to make sure mortgage money is available for people in communities all across America. They work with lenders to make sure that mortgage funds are available, so more people can achieve their goal of homeownership. Fannie Mae publishes papers on current issues in the Issues and Commentary section.

Freddie Mac www.freddiemac.com Freddie Mac publishes research in the Economic and Housing Research section. Freddie Mac's mission is to provide liquidity, stability and affordability to the housing market.

HUD User www.huduser.org The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD's) Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) supports the Department's efforts to help create cohesive, economically healthy communities. In 1978, PD&R established HUD USER, an information source for housing and community development researchers, academics, policymakers, and the American public. HUD USER is the primary source for federal government reports and information on housing policy and programs, building technology, economic development, urban planning, and other housing-related topics. HUD USER also creates and distributes a wide variety of useful information products and services. The Clearinghouse Help Desk is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 5:00 Eastern time; the toll-free number is 1-800-245-2691. Publication requests and general inquiries can also be made by sending an email to helpdesk@huduser.org

International Council of Shopping Center Statistics www.icsc.org is the global trade association of the shopping center industry. ICSC provides studies economic, marketing and promotional conditions affecting the shopping center industry.

Knowledge Plex www.knowledgeplex.com w as designed to support the efforts of practitioners, grantors, policy makers, scholars, investors, and others involved or interested in the fields of affordable housing and community development. KnowledgePlex organizes and presents the most up-to-date, comprehensive collection of publications from all of its partner organizations. By browsing or searching KnowledgePlex, users can find highly relevant research, case studies, best practices, scholarly articles, opinion pieces, and other material related to the affordable housing and community development fields .

National Association of Home Builders www.nahb.org NAHB is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association whose mission is to enhance the climate for housing and the building industry. Chief among NAHB’s goals is providing and expanding opportunities for all consumers to have safe, decent and affordable housing. NAHB analyzes policy issues, takes the industry's story to the public, monitors and works toward improving the housing finance system, and analyzes and forecasts economic trends.

National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education www.smartgrowth.umd.edu is a non partisan center for research and leadership training on Smart Growth and related land use issues. The National Center for Smart Growth conducts independent objective research in four general areas: land use and the environment; transportation and public health; housing and community development; and international development issues. The Center also offers a semi-annual Smart Growth Leadership Program to federal, state and local governments and private-sector decision makers.

National Housing Conference www.nhc.org is the nation's premier public policy and affordable housing advocacy organization. A membership drawn from every industry segment forms the foundation for NHC's broad, nonpartisan advocacy for national policies and legislation that promote suitable housing in a safe, decent environment. NHC's nonprofit research affiliate, the Center for Housing Policy, combines state-of-the-art research with the insights and expertise of housing practitioners. The Center works to broaden understanding of America's affordable housing challenges and examines the impact of policies and programs developed to address these needs.

Smart Growth America www.smartgrowthamerica.org is a coalition of national, state and local organizations working to improve the ways in which towns, cities and metro areas are built. Members include state and local government agencies, community-based organization and national groups advocating on behalf of the environment, historic preservation, neighborhood revitalization and open space preservation.

Smart Growth Network www.smartgrowth.org was created in 1996 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and several non profit and governmental organizations in response to increasing community concerns about Smart Growth issues. The Network’s partners include environmental groups, historic preservation organizations, developers and professional organizations that work together to encourage development that serves the economy, community and the environment.

Urban Institute www.urban.org was created in response to President Johnson’s for independent nonpartisan analysis of the problems facing America's cities and their residents in the 1960’s. The President created a blue-ribbon commission of civic leaders who recommended chartering a center to do that work. In 1968, the Urban Institute became that center. The Urban Institute analyzes policies, evaluates programs, and informs community development to improve social, civic, and economic well being.

Urban Land Institute www.uli.org is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit research and education organization supported by its members. Founded in 1936, the institute now has more than 28,000 members worldwide representing the entire spectrum of land use and real estate development disciplines, working in private enterprise and public service.