MAKING AN IMPACT

Data on its own can help us understand the world at large. But data in the hands of decision-makers invested in the success of their community can make a difference. This month’s Impact Statement shows how the University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research (CPAR) leverages data to help all Nebraskans make informed decisions that improve the lives of their families, their neighbors, and the world around them. You will learn how CPAR was instrumental in supporting U.S. Census efforts in the state, tracking vaccination rates, and understanding the implications of many businesses shift to remote work.

CPAR Provides Understanding of 2020 Census Numbers 

What did the census reveal about Nebraska? Experts from CPAR helped area media understand what the Census numbers meant for communities locally and statewide.

CPAR Finds Federal Stimulus Dollars Helped Stabilize the Nebraska Economy

The Nebraska Economic Recovery Dashboard was a joint project of the Planning Committee of the Nebraska State Legislature and CPAR

Survey Asks Gen Z: “What Do You Like About Your Hometown?”

CPAR and the Nebraska Community Foundation have conducted a survey to shed light on young people’s perspective of their hometowns.

Associated Press

“Nebraska Matches U.S. Growth Rate for 1st Time in 100+ Years”

Numerous media outlets statewide interviewed David Drozd, research coordinator with UNO’s Center for Public Affairs Research, for more local perspective following the late-April release of data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Silicon Prairie News

"Remote Work Allows More Nebraskans to Live Local, Work Coastal"

“Do Remote Workers Benefit the Economies Where They Live?”

The Silicon Prairie News published a two-part series on opportunities for remote tech workers. Josie Schafer, Ph.D., director of UNO’s Center for Public Affairs Research, provided context on the ability of Nebraska’s workforce to move remote or online.

The Omaha World-Herald

“Nearly 52% of Douglas County Residents 16+ Vaccinated Against COVID”

The Omaha World-Herald reported on the latest COVID-19 vaccination numbers. The report includes demographics information for context provided by UNO’s Center for Public Affairs Research.

Access the Experts is an innovative partnership between the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and News Channel Nebraska (NCN), where viewers submit their questions to be answered by UNO faculty members.

Question:

“One of the biggest concerns for our state is rural depopulation and brain drain. What efforts are underway to create a stable future for rural Nebraska?”

Answered by Josie Schafer, Ph.D.

By Josie Schafer, Ph.D.

Director of UNO's Center for Public Affairs Research

The relationship built between the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO CPAR) and the United States Census Bureau allows Nebraskans to access the transformative power of data.

As the lead agency of the Nebraska State Data Center – a distinction bestowed by the United States Census Bureau – UNO CPAR supported the Census Bureau’s efforts in Nebraska, guiding the state to the fourth highest self-response rate in the country despite the unprecedented challenge COVID-19 presented. As 2020 Census data is released over the coming months, we will be a resource for those accessing the information and will support several Nebraska entities in their redistricting efforts.

It is my view that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for many of the data resources the U.S. Census Bureau provides about Nebraskans. Tracking COVID-19 rates, exploring racial and ethnic disparities, and analyzing how youth and the workforce are impacted by the pandemic is made possible by the data resources we know, apply, and regularly share.

But our support for the state and the impact we have on the lives of all Nebraskans extends beyond the Census and the new challenges we face. We provide data and leverage our expertise to develop state and local public policy, guide programs, and develop the capacity of organizations to improve the good life.

We host an annual conference to showcase data resources and support their use. The Nebraska Data Users Conference Series is one of the largest and longest running State Data Center Program conferences in the nation. The UNO CPAR website houses a range of interactive data dashboards and resources where Nebraskans can easily access a range of census data. We also work directly with governance and nonprofit partners to analyze data. For example, we compile data on brain drain for the Aksarben Foundation, analyze racial and ethnic diversity for the Empowerment Network, explore geographic trends in business growth for the Nebraska Business Development Center, and provide an annual demographic report to the Planning Committee of the Nebraska State Legislature.

When the state faces a new challenge or is presented a new opportunity in 2021 and beyond, we deliver the data that makes a difference.

POLL QUESTION:

In next month’s issue of The Impact Statement, what would you like to learn more about?

Want to visit campus to better understand UNO, our impact on the state, and our faculty's varied areas of expertise? Schedule a visit.