Public Policy Associates (PPA) is a nationally recognized research, evaluation, and consulting firm dedicated to providing insightful, data-driven solutions to complex public policy challenges. We partner with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, foundations, and private sector clients to inform decisions and drive positive change in local communities. For 35 years, we’ve been committed to rigorous research, objective analysis, and collaborative engagement to help our clients achieve their goals.

A Comprehensive Suite of Research, Evaluation, and Consulting Services

Research, Evaluation & Policy Analysis: We conduct in-depth analyses of existing programs and policies, evaluating their effectiveness, efficiency, and overall impact. Our research and evaluations provide clients with the evidence they need to make informed decisions about program improvements, where best to allocate resources, and how to shape future policies.

Needs Assessments & Feasibility Studies: We identify and assess community needs, conducting thorough research to determine the feasibility of proposed programs and initiatives. This includes needs analyses, stakeholder engagement, and identification of community assets and resources.

Strategic Planning & Implementation Support: We work with clients to develop research-intensive, data-driven strategic plans that align with their organizational goals. We also provide implementation support, helping clients translate their plans into action.

Data Collection & Analysis: We have extensive experience designing and implementing data collection strategies, including surveys, focus groups, and interviews. Our expert analysts use advanced statistical methods to extract meaningful insights from the data.

Strategic Facilitation & Engagement: Effective policy development requires meaningful community and stakeholder engagement, coalition building, and consensus-making. We design and facilitate meetings, focus groups, and other small- and large-group forums to gather input from diverse perspectives and build consensus.

At PPA, we believe in a collaborative and client-centered approach.

We do this by:

  • Understanding Your Needs: We begin by listening carefully to your challenges and objectives, ensuring we fully understand your unique perspective.
  • Developing a Customized Approach: We tailor our research and consulting services to meet your needs, developing customized work plans and timelines.
  • Conducting Rigorous Research: Where possible, we employ rigorous, academic-level research methodologies, ensuring the data we collect, and our analyses, are accurate, reliable, and objective.
  • Communicating Effectively: We keep you informed throughout the process, providing regular updates and clear, concise reports that translate complex data into actionable insights.
  • Delivering Impact: Our ultimate goal is to help you achieve your desired outcomes. We measure our success by our work’s positive impact on your organization, the communities you serve, the state, and the nation.

PPA’s work has led to significant improvements in a wide range of policy areas

  • Education & Early Childhood: We have helped districts and state education agencies improve access and identify barriers, enhance program effectiveness, and promote equitable P-20 education.
  • Healthy Communities: We have supported the development and implementation of programs and policies that improve access to food, housing, and healthcare, reduce poverty, and promote community well-being.
  • Talent & Economic Development: We have helped increase funding to community and economic development initiatives, innovate funding solutions to attract new businesses, create jobs, and foster state and local economic growth and sustainability.
  • Justice: We conduct rigorous evaluations of justice policies and programs, examining their impact on recidivism, community safety, and racial disparities.

Partner with us: PPA has a strong, long-standing reputation as a research, evaluation, and consulting firm that partners with government agencies, foundations, and nonprofits.

Please contact Daniel J. Quinn, Ph.D., PPA’s Chief Strategy Officer, at dquinn@publicpolicy.com for
more information.