Faculty Research
Hala Altamimi studies find nonprofits' use of flexible labor negatively affect operational outcomes, lack long-term financial benefit
Hala Altamimi of the University of Kansas is co-author on several studies examining how the push to increase efficiency, or "do more with less," has affected nonprofit organizations. A pair of studies has found that relying on flexible labor affects nonprofits' operational outcomes and can provide short term financial benefits, but not long-term fiscal improvement.
Dort Daley finds high levels of social infrastructure lead to healthier communities
The United States spends significant amounts of money on health care every year, but health outcomes have not improved. New research from Dort Daley has found that high levels of social infrastructure, especially in the arts, is connected to healthier communities.
Bonnie Johnson finds group reflective practice beneficial to planning commissions, staff, yet rarely used
Bonnie Johnson conducted a study on how staffing reports for planning commissions could be improved. The results showed that group reflective practice, or simply making time for elected officials and staffers to discuss why they do what they do, can lead to better practice.
Ben Merriman's book tells story of Kansas labor court that both flirted with fascism, stood up for workers' rights
Ben Merriman tells the story of the Kansas Court of Industrial Relations in a new book. The author shares how it was the only such court in the nation and the legacy it has for American labor law today.
Kansas Energy Transition Atlas is the result of a research team led by Ward Lyles
KU researchers build interactive atlas that gathers Kansas wind energy regulations, information for all 105 counties.
2024 recipient of the World Citizen Prize in Environmental Performance, Rachel Krause
This award recognizes Dr. Krause’s outstanding research in exploring innovative pathways to improve environmental performance, particularly in reducing consumption and waste. Her work embodies the spirit of sustainability and progress that this award celebrates.
Misty Heggeness leading project to quantify care economy
People might not often think of work done in the home as part of the larger economy. But SPAA professor Misty Heggeness is leading a new project to collect data on the care economy to quantify the often underrecognized work of providing care for others and make the information available in a central location to help policymakers, researchers, nonprofits and others access this vital economic data.
Robert Wood Johnson funded study on preemption's effects on health, economic disparities in Kansas City
Knowing that economic and racial disparities are correlated with poor health and lower life expectancy, in 2015 Kansas City area policymakers tried to increase the local minimum wage. Yet, after the Kansas City Council passed its ordinance, the Missouri Legislature countered with a bill restricting local governments from setting a higher local minimum wage than the state. Chris Koliba, Edwin O. Stene Distinguished Professor of Public Administration, Policy & Governance in the School of Public Affairs & Administration at KU, and Nancy Augustine, director of the Center for Intergovernmental Partnerships at the National Academy of Public Administration, will lead the study.
Driving Urban Growth: Joel Mendez on the Impact of Streetcar Development
Professor Joel Mendez highlights the transformative impact of streetcar development on urban growth. His research delves into how streetcar systems can drive economic growth, enhance accessibility, and reshape city landscapes. By examining various streetcar projects, Mendez provides valuable insights into the benefits of modern transit initiatives for urban revitalization.
Building Better Elections: Zach Mohr Advocates for Local Funding Reform
In anticipation of the upcoming elections, Associate Professor Zach Mohr highlights the critical importance of how we finance election administration at the local level. Drawing from his recent testimony before the U.S. House, Mohr emphasizes that adequate and equitable funding is essential to ensure fair and efficient election processes. His research focuses on reforming current funding mechanisms to better support local election offices, thereby strengthening the foundation of our democratic system.
SPAA Faculty Research Centers at IPSR
