CENTER FOR POLICY ANALYSISThe Division of Polling and Program Evaluation specializes in public opinion polling and in both quantitative and qualitative forms of program evaluation. It works with a wide variety of public and private organizations, including departments and agencies of state and municipal government, non-profit organizations, housing authorities, schools, media outlets, and trade associations.
Below is a list of projects conducted by the Center for Policy Analysis on behalf of various groups and agencies since 2003, most of which are available on-line in .pdf format by clicking the report titles. Please visit the Division of Polling & Program Evaluation Archive page for reports written prior to 2003. |
 |
UMass Dartmouth Department of Mechanical Engineering Alumni & Employer Surveys
Polling & Program Evaluation Research Series No. 65
Author: David R. Borges
Sponsor: UMass Dartmouth Department of Mechanical Engineering
Project Description: The Department of Mechanical Engineering at UMass Dartmouth is in the process of reaccreditation. As part of the accreditation process, the department is required to measure its effectiveness in attaining its stated objectives and outcomes. To this end, the department retained the University’s Center for Policy Analysis to conduct a survey of mechanical engineering alumni and a survey of employers who employ these graduates. The goal of the surveys is to measure the degree to which alumni and employers feel that the program meets its objectives and outcomes.
Canton Cable Television Survey
Polling & Program Evaluation Research Series No. 64
Author: David R. Borges
Sponsor: Town of Canton, Massachusetts
Project Description: A telephone survey of Canton households to assist the town to determine how satisfied Canton residents are with the cable television services provided by Comcast. The results will be considered as the town reviews Comcast’s application for a cable television license renewal.
Easton Cable Television Survey
Polling & Program Evaluation Research Series No. 63
February 2008
Author: David R. Borges
Sponsor: Town of Easton, Massachusetts
Project Description: A telephone survey of Easton households to assist the town to determine how satisfied Easton residents are with the cable television services provided by Comcast. The results will be considered as the town reviews Comcast’s application for a cable television license renewal.
Legal Aid Coalition of Southeastern Massachusetts: Needs Assessment Survey (Forthcoming)
Polling & Program Evaluation Research Series No. 62
December 2007
Author: David R. Borges
Sponsor: Legal Aid Coalition of Southeastern Massachusetts
Project Description: A needs assessment survey that identifies the most critical legal needs of low-income residents in Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket and Plymouth Counties. The study includes three major components: a telephone survey of low-income residents in the five county target area, a self-administered survey completed by low-income residents at various sites throughout the five county target area, and two focus groups held in New Bedford and Barnstable, Massachusetts.
RiverCulture Economic Impact Analysis and Visitor Survey
Polling & Program Evaluation Research Series No. 61
November 2007
Author: David R. Borges
Sponsor: Town of Montague, Massachusetts
Project Description: The Center for Policy Analysis was retained by the Town of Montague to conduct an economic impact analysis and program evaluation of RiverCulture. The RiverCulture Project was established to further existing efforts to promote cultural economic development. The RiverCulture Project is a coordinated effort of cultural programming, which has established a varied calendar of events in Turners Falls aimed at "nurturing local artists and establishing an environment that attracts businesses, residents and visitors."
Randolph Cable Television Survey
Polling & Program Evaluation Research Series No. 60
December 2007
Author: David R. Borges
Sponsor: Town of Randolph, Massachusetts
Project Description: A telephone survey of Randolph households to assist the town to determine how satisfied Randolph residents are with the cable television services provided by Comcast. The results will be considered as the town reviews Comcast’s application for a cable television license renewal.
Assessment of Childcare Needs in Southeastern Massachusetts
Polling & Program Evaluation Research Series No. 59
July 2007
Author: David R. Borges
Sponsor: UMass Dartmouth Children's Center for Learning
Project Description: The Children's Center for Learning at UMass Dartmouth is a licensed, professionally staffed early learning facility that is available for the children of UMass Dartmouth students, faculty and staff and to the community at large. The purpose of this study is to determine the level of supply and demand for childcare in Southeastern Massachusetts and if these levels justify the expansion of childcare services at the Children’s Center for Learning. Expansion possibilities include an increase in the number of childcare slots, expanding the ages of children served, and extending the times of operation, including summer care.
Governor Deval Patrick's Proposal for Three Destination Resort Casinos in Massachusetts: A Public Opinion Survey of Massachusetts Residents
Polling & Program Evaluation Research Series No. 58
September 2007
Author: Clyde W. Barrow
Sponsor: Center for Policy Analysis
Project Description: A randon sample poll of Massachusetts residents that asked "Do you support or oppose Governor Deval Patrick’s plan to authorize three destination resort casinos in Southeastern Massachusetts, Western Massachusetts and Greater Boston?"
TransCultural Exchange: International Opportunities in the Arts Economic Impact Analysis and Visitor Survey
Polling & Program Evaluation Research Series No. 57
June 2007
Author: David R. Borges
Sponsor: TransCultural Exchange
Project Description: The Center for Policy Analysis was retained by TransCultural Exchange to conduct an economic impact analysis and visitors survey of the Conference on International Opportunities in the Arts. TransCultural Exchange’s (TCE) 2007 Conference on International Opportunities in the Arts was the first ever Conference on International Opportunities in the Arts to be held in America. More than 60 representatives from around the world joined over 350 attendees and 25 moderators to converge in Boston during the weekend of April 27-29, 2007, turning Boston into the hub of the global arts community.
Carver Cable Television Survey
Polling & Program Evaluation Research Series No. 56
February 2007
Author: David R. Borges
Sponsor: Town of Carver, Massachusetts
Project Description: A telephone survey of Carver households to assist the town to determine how satisfied Carver residents are with the cable television services provided by Comcast. The results will be considered as the town reviews Comcast’s application for a cable television license renewal.
Taking the Gamble VII: Narragansett Indian Casino: Do Rhode Islanders Support the Tribe's Right to Build a Casino on Their Tribal Lands?
Polling & Program Evaluation Research Series No. 55
February 2007
Author: Clyde W. Barrow and David R. Borges
Sponsor: Center for Policy Analysis
Project Description: A random sample of 449 Rhode Island residents determines the level of support among Rhode Island residents for legislation that returns the right of the Narragansett Indian Tribe to conduct gaming on their tribal land.
Executive Summary
Press Release
Taking the Gamble VI: What's Happening in Maine?
Polling & Program Evaluation Research Series No. 54
January 2007
Author: Clyde W. Barrow and David R. Borges
Sponsor: Center for Policy Analysis
Project Description: A random sample of 2,806 Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island residents asked respondents the following question: “During the last 12 months, have you visited Hollywood Slots in Bangor, Maine? – yes/no.”
Executive Summary
Press Release
Taking the Gamble V: Is Gambling a Problem in New England?
Polling & Program Evaluation Research Series No. 53
January 2007
Author: Clyde W. Barrow and David R. Borges
Sponsor: Center for Policy Analysis
Project Description: A behavioral survey on gambling’s societal costs. Part five of a seven-part survey determining New England residents’ gambling attitudes and behavior, as well as the potential costs and benefits of gambling expansion.
Executive Summary
Press Release
Taking the Gamble IV: Who Gambles at Rhode Island's Racinos?
Polling & Program Evaluation Research Series No. 52
January 2007
Author: Clyde W. Barrow and David R. Borges
Sponsor: Center for Policy Analysis
Project Description: A random sample of 2,806 Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island residents determines the percentage of residents in these states who visited Lincoln Park and Newport Grand in the last 12 months, how often they visit, the number of visitors & average visits per year by state, and the amenities that attract respondents to these racinos.
Executive Summary
Press Release - Massachusetts
Press Release - Rhode Island
Taking the Gamble III: Who Gambles at Connecticut's Casinos?
Polling & Program Evaluation Research Series No. 51
January 2007
Author: Clyde W. Barrow and David R. Borges
Sponsor: Center for Policy Analysis
Project Description: A random sample of 2,806 Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island residents asked respondents their propensity to gamble on scratch tickets, other lottery games such as Megabucks or Powerball, Keno, casino gambling, dog or horse racing, bingo, and the Internet. The survey also determines the percentage of residents in these states who visited Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun in the last 12 months, how often they visit, the number of visitors and average visits per year to Foxwoods & Mohegan Sun by state, and the amenities that attract respondents to these casinos.
Executive Summary
Press Release - Massachusetts
Press Release - Rhode Island
Press Release Maine
Press Relaease New Hampshire
Taking the Gamble II: Do Massachusetts Residents Want Slot Machines at the State's Four Racetracks?
Polling & Program Evaluation Research Series No. 50
January 2007
Author: Clyde W. Barrow and David R. Borges
Sponsor: Center for Policy Analysis
Project Description: A random sample of 1,041 Massachusetts residents was asked the following question: “Do you think that the Massachusetts state legislature should authorize slot machines at the state’s four racetracks?"
Results show that Massachusetts residents favor the authorization of slot machines at the state’s four racetracks by a large margin: 53% (yes), 29% (no), and 18% (don’t know/undecided). This report also compares results between various demographic groups based on sex, age, income and education), by gamblers and non-gamblers, and by region. In addition, the report assesses respondents' opinions about the comparative costs and benefits of a Massachusetts casino.
Executive Summary
Press Release
Taking the Gamble I: Do Massachusetts Residents Want a Resort Casino?
Polling & Program Evaluation Research Series No. 49
January 2007
Author: Clyde W. Barrow and David R. Borges
Sponsor: Center for Policy Analysis
Project Description: A random sample of 1,041 Massachusetts residents was asked the following question: “In your opinion, should the state legislature authorize a resort casino for Massachusetts?
Results show that Massachusetts residents favor the authorization of a resort casino in the Bay State by a large margin: 56.5% (yes), 30.1% (no), and 13.5% (don’t know/undecided). This report also compares results between various demographic groups based on sex, age, income and education), by gamblers and non-gamblers, and by region. In addition, the report assesses respondents' opinions about the comparative costs and benefits of a Massachusetts casino.
Executive Summary
Press Release
Somerville ArtsUnion Economic Impact Analysis 2006
Economic Research Series No. 48
December 2006
Author: David R. Borges
Sponsor: Somerville Arts Council
Project Description: The Somerville Arts Council, working with the Somerville Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, implemented an arts-based economic development program in Union Square, Somerville, Massachusetts. Now in its second year, “ArtsUnion” is a project initiative designed to boost the cultural economic development of Union Square in Somerville.The Center for Policy Analysis was retained by Somerville Arts Council to conduct an economic impact analysis of the ArtsUnion project. This report also includes results from the special event and craft market surveys as well as results from a survey completed by artists and artisans.
AHA! Thursday Nights in the City: Visitor's Survey 2006
Economic Research Series No. 47
October 2006
Author: David R. Borges
Sponsor: AHA! Committee
Project Description: The Center for Policy Analysis was retained to conduct a visitor survey of AHA! in New Bedford. On AHA! nights, downtown businesses and attractions remain open until 9:00 pm to attract additional visitations and expenditures by tourists and out-of-town visitors. The survey was conducted to develop a basic profile of AHA! visitors, to determine the reasons that people come to AHA!, to determine if AHA! Night is attracting new, first-time visitors, and to determine how much money visitors spend downtown during AHA! events.
The Status of Women in Bristol County
Polling and Program Evaluation Research Series No. 46
January 2006
Authors: David R. Borges, Clyde W. Barrow, Nina Galipeau
Sponsor: Office of the Chancellor, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Project Description: The purpose of The Status of Women in Bristol County is to assist the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts to better understand the needs of women in Bristol County as a whole, as well as the women in the two major cities of Fall River and New Bedford. The report consists of two sections: (1) a compendium of data on women in Bristol County that includes data on income, education, health, and employment and (2) a telephone survey of women in Bristol County. This data will be used as a beginning for a more informed conversation about the status of women in Bristol County and as a step toward achieving the mission of the Women's Fund of “supporting programs that develop, promote and protect the mind, body, spirit and choices of women and girls.”
Frederick Douglass Avenue/Brockton Downtown Revitalization Plan Feasibility Report
Polling and Program Evaluation Research Series No. 45
May 2006
Authors: David R. Borges and Clyde W. Barrow
Sponsor: Kendel Hotel Group, LLC
Project Description: The Frederick Douglass Avenue/Downtown Brockton Revitalization Plan envisions the creation of a heritage tourism destination contained within a new arts and entertainment district. The revitalization plan calls for the rehabilitation of several underutilized commercial buildings to anchor a vibrant commercial and retail streetscape. A telephone survey was conducted to assess the potential size of the primary and secondary markets for the proposed project and to evaluate the project’s feasibility for potential investors and lenders.
Report not available.
Revere Cable Television Satisfaction Survey
Polling and Program Evaluation Research Series No. 44
March 2005
Authors: David R. Borges and Nina Galipeau
Sponsor: City of Revere
Project Description: Cable television service for residents of Revere, Massachusetts is provided by Comcast, Inc. Comcast’s existing cable television license with the City of Revere was set to expire on December of 2006. The results of this survey assisted the City in determining how the community feels about the services provided by Comcast and the results were considered as the Mayor deliberated Comcast’s application for a license renewal.
A Survey of Gambling Behavior in SouthCoast Massachusetts
Polling and Program Evaluation Research Series No. 42
January 2006
Authors: Clyde W. Barrow and David R. Borges
Project Description: A telephone survey of 487 SouthCoast residents asking them if they “support the authorization of a resort casino in Southeastern Massachusetts.” The survey also asked several questions about the types of gambling that respondents participated in during the past year.
Provincetown Visitors Survey
Polling and Program Evaluation Research Series No. 41
December 2005
Authors: David R. Borges and Clyde W. Barrow
Sponsor: MCC Adams Grant Task Force and Provincetown Economic Development Council
Project Description: An intercept survey of 253 Provincetown visitors was conducted in the summer of 2005. The data from the survey will be used to develop marketing strategies that focus on the links between the town's cultural assets and the goals of increasing participation rates in cultural endeavors and increasing business at local establishments such as restaurants, lodgoing facilities, and shops.
Click here for a copy of the Powerpoint presentation (279 kb pdf)
Public Knowledge of Wastewater Issues in Barnstable County
Survey Research Series No. 40
August 2005
Authors: David R. Borges and Clyde W. Barrow
Sponsor: Barnstable County Wastewater Implementation Committe
Project Description: The County of Barnstable implemented a grassroots education campaign about wastewater issues across Cape Cod's fifteen communities. The survey of Cape residents was used to determine residents' knowledge about wastewater issues in the region. The results of the survey provided the basis for the education campaign.
Click here for a copy of the report summary
Cape Cod Times Public Opinion Poll No. 1
Survey Research Series No. 39
June 2005
Authors: David R. Borges, Clyde W. Barrow and Nina Galipeau
Sponsor: Cape Cod Times and WCAI Radio
Project Description: The poll measures the opinions of Cape and Islands residents regarding important issues facing the region, including the Cape Wind project, the performance of Governor Romney, employment, and optimism about the future. A total of 648 telephone interviews were conducted from March 2 to March 10, 2005 for a margin of error of +/- 3.9%.
Fall River Community Report Card 2004
Education Research Series No. 22
February 2004
Authors: David R. Borges and Clyde W. Barrow
Sponsor: Fall River Public Schools
Project Description: Evaluates the performance of the Fall River school system against eleven other "peer communities" using standadized measurements of "educational outputs" such as school attendance rates, retention and promotion rates, advanced curriculum enrollments, suspension rates, standardized test scores, and college attendance rates. A Comparative Performance Index was designed and copyrighted by Senior Research Associates at the Center for Policy Analysis to provide a summary comparison of the schools' performance relative to comparable schools in Massachusetts. A Progress Report also highlights educational reform initiatives being implemented by the School Department to address identified problem areas.
Community Visioning Working Group Survey
Survey Research Series No. 37
May 2004
Authors: David R. Borges and Nina Galipeau
Sponsor: Town of Provincetown, Massachusetts
Project Description: In March of 2004, the Town of Provincetown, Massachusetts was in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan. A survey was mailed to 5,632 resident households and non-resident property owners to promote a high level of community involvement in updating the Plan. The survey was desigend to give the Community Visioning Working Group an unbiased, accurate picture of the needs and wants of Provincetown residents and property owners.
Cable TV Satisfaction Survey of New Bedford Residents
Survey Research Series No. 36
October 2004
Authors: David R. Borges and Nina Galipeau
Sponsor: City of New Bedford
Project Description: Cable television service for residents of New Bedford Massachusettsis provided by Comcast, Inc. Comcast’s existing cable television license with the City of New Bedford expires in March 2005. The results of this survey will help the City to determine how the community feels about the services provided by Comcast and the results will be considered as the Mayor deliberates Comcast’s application for a license renewal.
Dartmouth Police Survey
Survey Research Series No. 35
September 2004
Authors: David R. Borges and Nina Galipeau
Sponsor: Dartmouth Police Department
Project Description: A telephone survey to solicit Dartmouth residents’ views about local crime and safety. The survey also provides residents an opportunity to voice their opinions about the Dartmouth Police Department’s effectiveness in several areas of crime prevention and control.
Lowell Community Report Card 2003
Education Research Series No. 20
May 2004
Authors: David R. Borges and Clyde W. Barrow
Sponsor: Lowell Public Schools
Project Description: Evaluates the performance of the Lowell school system against eleven other "peer communities" using standadized measurements of "educational outputs" such as school attendance rates, retention and promotion rates, advanced curriculum enrollments, suspension rates, standardized test scores, and college attendance rates. A Comparative Performance Index was designed and copyrighted by Senior Research Associates at the Center for Policy Analysis to provide a summary comparison of the schools' performance relative to comparable schools in Massachusetts. A Progress Report also highlights educational reform initiatives being implemented by the School Department to address identified problem areas.
Fall River Community Report Card 2003
Education Research Series No. 21
February 2004
Authors: David R. Borges and Clyde W. Barrow
Sponsor: Fall River Public Schools
Project Description: Evaluates the performance of the Fall River school system against eleven other "peer communities" using standadized measurements of "educational outputs" such as school attendance rates, retention and promotion rates, advanced curriculum enrollments, suspension rates, standardized test scores, and college attendance rates. A Comparative Performance Index was designed and copyrighted by Senior Research Associates at the Center for Policy Analysis to provide a summary comparison of the schools' performance relative to comparable schools in Massachusetts. A Progress Report also highlights educational reform initiatives being implemented by the School Department to address identified problem areas.
Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership: A Program Evaluation (Consumer Survey)
Survey Research Series No. 34
September 2003
Author: David R. Borges
Sponsor: Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership
Project Description: An evaluation of SEMAP programs, such as the ‘buy local campaign and Harvest Handbook, was conducted using a random sample telephone survey.
Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership: A Program Evaluation (Farmer Survey)
July 2003
Author: David R. Borges
Sponsor: Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership
Project Description: An evaluation of SEMAP programs, such as the ‘buy local campaign and Harvest Handbook, was conducted based on a mail survey sent to farmers in Southeastern Massachusetts.
Gaming Behavior Survey: Rhode Island and Massachusetts
Survey Research Series No. 32
May 2004
Authors: David R. Borges, Nina Galipeau, and
Sponsor:
Project Description: A random sample survey of 1,188 Rhode Island residents and 1,250 Massachusetts residents designed to measure gambling behavior, including types of games, frequency of attendance at various venues, expenditures on gaming and non-gaming items, and the likelihood that such patrons would visit a West Warwick Resort Casino.
Recipe for Success: Parent Involvement Survey
February 2004
Authors: David R. Borges and Nina Galipeau
Sponsor: Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce
Project Description: A survey of parental involvement in public schools was distributed to approximately 500 parents of school-aged children in City of Fall River and the Towns of Westport and Swansea. The survey is designed to assess what employers, local agencies, and businesses can do to promote parental involvement in the local schools and to determine what types of assistance parents need to become more involved in the schools. The survey is intended as a policy-making and decision-making instrument for the Sub-Committee on Parental Involvement of the Fall River Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee.
FISH Initiative Report: Focus Groups, Staff Interviews and Participant
November 2003
Authors: Clyde W. Barrow, David R. Borges, and Nina Galipeau
Sponsor: Commonwealth Corporation
Project Description: The Center for Policy Analysis conducted focus groups and staff interviews of participants and personnel involved in the Cape Cod and New Bedford FISH Initiative as part of a continuing program evaluation. The FISH Initiative is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and implemented through the region’s one-stop career centers. It is designed to provide job training for displaced fishermen seeking to make a career transition.
Peabody Properties, Inc: United Front Homes Resident Survey
October 2003
Authors: David R. Borges and Nina Galipeau
Sponsor: Peabody Properties, Inc.
Project Description: A survey of residents at United Front Homes, a publicly subsidized housing development in New Bedford. The survey, which is mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, was designed to measure resident satisfaction and perceptions of safety.
Peabody Properties, Inc.: Melville Towers Resident Survey
October 2003
Authors: David R. Borges and Nina Galipeau
Sponsor: Peabody Properties, Inc.
Project Description: A survey of residents at Melville Towers, a publicly subsidized elderly housing development in New Bedford. The survey, which is mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, was designed to measure resident satisfaction and perceptions of safety.
Standard-Times/UMass Dartmouth Survey No. 5
Survey Research Series No. 27
January 18-24, 2004
Authors: David R. Borges, Nina Galipeau, and Clyde W. Barrow
Sponsor: New Bedford Standard-Times
The Nursing Career Ladder Initiative (NUCLI): A Regional Needs Assessment
Survey Research Series No. 26
June 2003
Author: Shawna E. Sweeney
Sponsor: Southeastern Workforce Investment Boards Consortium
New Bedford Hope VI Caroline Street Project: A Program Evaluation, 2002-2003
Survey Research Series No. 25
June 2003
Author: Shawna E. Sweeney
Sponsor: New Bedford Housing Authority
Southeastern Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation: Community Profiles Survey
Survey Research Series No. 24
March 2003
Authors: David R. Borges and Nina Galipeau
Sponsor: Southeastern Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation
Correspondence and inquiries should be addressed to:
The Center for Policy Analysis |
 |
For Directions to the Center for Policy Analysis click here. |
Last Updated On: 4/17/08
