Research Centers and Groups
Center for Economic Development
The Center for Economic Development (CED) is a university research center with partial financial sponsorship from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration University Center Program. CED is a clinical forum and outreach arm for the school, engaging the energy, enthusiasm, and talent of students, faculty, and staff to provide a wide range of services to public, private, and nonprofit entities in the 12 counties of Southern California.
Center for Health Financing, Policy and Management
The Center for Health Financing, Policy and Management brings together leading researchers from USC, other universities and the healthcare industry to better understand the structure and function of the system and how current policies affect patients, providers, and employers; to educate both practicing professionals and policymakers; and to create management and policy strategies to support the development of cost-effective healthcare systems in the U.S. and abroad.
Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy
Established in 2000, the Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy promotes more effective philanthropy and strengthens the nonprofit sector to advance public problem solving. Its research focuses on trends and patterns in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector, philanthropic strategies for social impact, and challenges in philanthropic stewardship and leadership.
Center for the Study of Immigrant Integration
SPPD and the USC College of Letters, Arts and Sciences have created a new center addressing the urgent need for knowledge about the successful integration of immigrants. The center aims to sponsor research and facilitate civic dialogue about the intersecting issues of immigrant settlement, economic mobility, social cohesion, and social equity.
Homeland Security Center (CREATE)
The National Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events (CREATE) is an interdisciplinary national research center based at USC and funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. CREATE's mission is to improve our nation's security through the development of advanced models and tools for the evaluation of the risks, costs, and consequences of terrorism and to guide economically viable investments in homeland security.
Judith and John Bedrosian Center on Governance and the Public Enterprise
Founded in 2005, the USC Judith and John Bedrosian Center on Governance and the Public Enterprise is dedicated to understanding and fostering effective democratic governance as an essential component in ensuring the betterment of communities within the United States and around the world. The center focuses on research, policy analysis, and educational activities in three areas: collaborative governance, information technology and democracy.
Keston Institute for Public Finance and Infrastructure Policy
The Keston Institute for Public Finance and Infrastructure Policy was established in 2002 to leverage USC's intellectual resources to help California and the nation address critical infrastructure issues. The institute supports the formulation of infrastructure polices and practices that will improve the livability of California communities, ensure the economic well-being of its citizens and promote environmental sustainability.
Lusk Center for Real Estate
Affiliated with both SPPD and the USC Marshall School of Business, the USC Lusk Center conducts a broad array of research activities, conferences, forums, published reports, and educational programs. Established in the early 1980s, the center addresses issues and opportunities in real estate, development, planning, infrastructure, and finance in the new arena where public, private, and nonprofit interests converge. The Lusk Center also houses the Casden Real Estate Economics Forecast.
METRANS Transportation Center
METRANS is a U.S. Department of Transportation University Transportation Center. It is a joint partnership of USC and California State University, Long Beach. Its mission is to solve transportation problems in large metropolitan regions through interdisciplinary research, education, and outreach. Its four areas of focus are: goods movement and international trade; urban mobility; transportation infrastructure and finance; and safety, security, and vulnerability.
Tomás Rivera Policy Institute
Founded in 1985, the Tomás Rivera Policy Institute (TRPI) conducts policy research and outreach on issues related to Hispanic community and other minority groups. The institute also conducts survey research on Hispanic political opinion and community attitudes. TRPI is a recognized leader in "college knowledge," specifically the tactics necessary for negotiating acceptance to and gaining the financial support for attending college.