MACED Research and Policy Overview

Now Available. A report on the status of Kentucky’s families. Click here to download a pdf of report.

Creative Solutions — Research That Leads to Change…

research and policy overview

MACED’s research and policy program provides information and analysis to help citizens and decision makers better understand the challenges, issues and opportunities facing Kentucky and Central Appalachia.

Public policy at the local, state and federal levels plays a critical role in determining the health and vitality of communities in our region. MACED seeks to partner with public officials, organizations, experts and ordinary citizens to identify governmental rules, investments and incentives that best help move the region forward. MACED draws policy ideas from our experience providing services and programs and from solid research and analysis.

MACED’s research and policy program includes the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy (KCEP). KCEP’s purpose is to conduct research and education on important fiscal and economic policy issues facing the Commonwealth. Visit the website at www.kypolicy.org.

The program also includes the Appalachian Transition Initiative, an effort to promote an active, participatory and action-oriented conversation about economic transition in Central Appalachia. Visit the website at www.appalachiantransition.net.

The current focus of MACED’s research and policy efforts include the following:

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency: MACED is part of efforts to promote job creation and poverty alleviation through public policy advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy, including the Kentucky Sustainable Energy Alliance (KySEA)

Budget and Tax: KCEP provides information, analysis and perspective on issues facing Kentucky’s budget and tax system, including the state’s ability to fund critical public services and revenue options that can move Kentucky forward.

Economic Security: KCEP conducts research on and supports policy ideas that increase economic stability for Kentucky families and workers and help them advance.

Appalachian Development: Through the Appalachian Transition Initiative and other efforts, MACED is working for policies at the state and federal levels that create new economic opportunities in Central Appalachia.

Workforce Development: As a member of the Working Poor Families Project, KCEP is identifying policy changes that can advance skills and training for low-income working families in the state.

Sustainable Forestry: MACED is conducting research and policy development and working through regional collaborations in Central Appalachia to create more economic opportunities through the development of a sustainable forest economy.

Entrepreneurship: MACED is developing policy ideas to build a stronger support system for entrepreneurs and small businesses in Kentucky.

Click here for a list of recent publications.

Please contact MACED Research and Policy Director Jason Bailey, jbailey@maced.org, or call 859-986-2373 for more information.