NORC works with a variety of partners and funders on projects that examine and attempt to reduce systemic and structural inequities in a wide range of contexts. By applying culturally responsive methodologies and authentic engagement processes with diverse communities, we inform practical, evidence-based strategies to reduce inequality at the intersections of race, ethnicity, social class, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, and geographic location.

In partnership with the New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, NORC conducted two projects—a two-year study of the Mayor’s Action Plan (MAP) and the NYC Panel study—that interviewed residents of high violence neighborhoods. In five waves of resident surveys generating thousands of responses, NORC researchers asked residents about their levels of trust in government, the social cohesion of neighborhoods and the willingness of residents to act collectively. The goal of the project was to understand policies could shift from a policing model to a model where public safety was co-produced by residents and the government.

Working with the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, NORC researchers are harmonizing police use of force from law enforcement to create a novel national use of force database. Previous research has documented racial disparities in police use of force. This public-facing resource, AccountableNow.com, will allow the public and policymakers to access and analyze event-level data from dozens of law enforcement agencies with a standardized format. 

The Making Connections project studied economic mobility and child wellbeing for households in disadvantaged neighborhoods across 10 U.S. cities over the course of 10 years. Funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, NORC researchers with the support of external partners used a holistic approach to investigate the role of neighborhoods, social capital, and utilization of service programs. These data have been used by community development practitioners and neighborhood groups in the field who work to improve neighborhood conditions.