Urban Institute: Driving Public Policy Through Research and Data
The Urban Institute is a prominent research organization dedicated to analyzing social and economic challenges to inform public policy. With a multidisciplinary approach, the institute leverages data and expertise to address complex issues ranging from housing and health to justice and financial stability.
Organizational Structure and Research Focus
The Urban Institute employs over 600 staff members organized across several specialized research divisions and program areas. These divisions ensure a comprehensive approach to societal improvement, focusing on the following sectors:
- Family and Financial Well-Being
- Health Policy
- Housing and Communities
- Justice and Safety
- Nonprofits and Philanthropy
- Race and Equity
- Research to Action
- Tax and Income Supports
- Technology and Data
- Upward Mobility
- Work, Education, and Labor
Beyond its core divisions, the institute hosts several specialized entities, including the WorkRise network, Housing Matters, and the Urban Institute–Brookings Institution Tax Policy Center.
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The Fundraising Effectiveness Project
In collaboration with the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Urban Institute produces the Fundraising Effectiveness Project. This initiative synthesizes data from various donor software providers—including Bloomerang, DonorPerfect, NeonCRM, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, DataLake, DonorTrends, eTapestry, ResultsPlus, and ClearViewCRM—to analyze philanthropic trends.
A notable finding from the report indicated that while donor contributions increased by 3% in 2016 compared to 2015, the cost of fundraising remained high, with nonprofits spending $95 to acquire $100 in donations.
Staffing and Leadership
The institute is currently led by Sarah Rosen Wartell, a public policy executive and expert in housing markets, who assumed the presidency in February 2012. She succeeded Robert D. Reischauer, the former head of the Congressional Budget Office, who had taken over from the founding president, William Gorham, in 2000.
The workforce is characterized by a diverse array of academic backgrounds. While the majority of researchers are economists, social scientists, or specialists in public policy and administration, the staff also includes mathematicians, statisticians, city planners, engineers, and computer scientists, with some expertise in law, medicine, and the arts.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has shaped the institute's composition; since at least 2015, the staff has been approximately 60% female-identifying and 25% minority staff.
Labor Relations
In 2021, the Urban Institute Employees Union (UIEU) was established. Affiliated with the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU)—a local of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers—the union reached a milestone in 2024 with the ratification of its first collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Governance and Political Context
The institute is governed by a Board of Trustees. As of 2026, the board is chaired by Annette Nazareth, with Raphael Bostic, Diana Farrell, and W. Matthew Kelly serving as vice chairs. Other members include a wide range of professionals such as J. Adam Abram, Rosie Allen-Herring, Margaret Anadu, Roy L. Austin, Kenneth Bacon, Karan Bhatia, G. T. Bynum, Jay Carney, Shaun Donovan, Tony Fratto, Alexandra Reeve Givens, Edward Glaeser, John Goodman, Heather Higginbottom, Ruth Marcus, Mary J. Miller, Michael A. Nutter, Eduardo Padrón, M. Lee Pelton, John Wallis Rowe, Patti B. Saris, Ashley Swearengin, David A. Thomas, Marta Tienda, Sarah Rosen Wartell, and Neal S. Wolin.
Regarding its political orientation, the Urban Institute has been described variously as nonpartisan, liberal, or left-leaning. Data from U.S. News & World Report suggests a trend in employee political contributions toward Democratic politicians. Specifically, between 2003 and 2010, employees contributed $79,529 to political campaigns, with no contributions recorded for the Republican Party during that period.
Key Facts
- Staff Size: Over 600 employees.
- Leadership: Sarah Rosen Wartell (President since 2012).
- Diversity: Approximately 60% female-identifying and 25% minority staff.
- Labor: First collective bargaining agreement ratified in 2024 via the UIEU.
- Fundraising Insight: 2016 data showed a $95 cost to raise $100 for nonprofits.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Core Focus Areas | Health, Housing, Justice, Tax, Race, and Labor |
| Key Partnerships | Brookings Institution, Association of Fundraising Professionals |
| Staff Composition | Economists, Social Scientists, Statisticians, and Engineers |
| Governance | Board of Trustees (Chaired by Annette Nazareth) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current president of the Urban Institute?
Sarah Rosen Wartell has served as the president since February 2012.
What is the Fundraising Effectiveness Project?
It is a report produced by the Urban Institute and the Association of Fundraising Professionals that summarizes donor data from various software firms to analyze nonprofit fundraising trends.
What is the professional background of the Urban Institute staff?
Most staff members are economists, social scientists, or public policy researchers, though the institute also employs mathematicians, statisticians, engineers, and computer scientists.
Does the Urban Institute have a labor union?
Yes, the Urban Institute Employees Union (UIEU) was formed in 2021 and ratified its first collective bargaining agreement in 2024.
What is the political leaning of the Urban Institute?
While referred to as nonpartisan, liberal, or left-leaning, a study by U.S. News & World Report found that employee political donations between 2003 and 2010 went exclusively to Democratic politicians.