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Since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the U.S. Gulf Coast in 2005, the fate of the people, infrastructure, and economy of Alabama has been the subject of extensive research and discussion. RAND established the Gulf States Policy Institute to provide objective analysis to federal, state, and local leaders in support of evidence-based policymaking and the well-being of communities and individuals throughout Alabama and the greater Gulf States region.

Project
Examining the Potential Impact of Alabama's Immigration Law
Alabama's anti-illegal immigration law is regarded as the strictest in the United States and raises several enforcement challenges for police, schools, and other public service providers such as hospitals. RAND research on the costs and benefits of immigration may prove instructive.
Feb 27, 2012
Project
RAND Gulf States Policy Institute
Established in December 2005 to support hurricane recovery and long-term economic development, the RAND Gulf States Policy Institute is dedicated to developing informed public policy in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama and a better future for the people who live there.
Sep 6, 2012

Explore Alabama

Journal Article
Resilience in the Bayou
This film tells the story of how two organizations are supporting local communities in understanding, withstanding, and overcoming the multiple stressors brought on by the Deepwater Horizon disaster.
Feb 1, 2023
Journal Article
Cost Analysis of a Randomized Trial of Getting to Outcomes Implementation Support for a Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program Offered in Boys and Girls Clubs in Alabama and Georgia
This study estimated the cost of adding Getting To Outcomes implementation support to a teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection prevention evidence-based program called Making Proud Choices in 32 Boys and Girls Clubs in Alabama and Georgia.
Oct 13, 2021
Journal Article
COVID-19 Community Response: Emerging Themes Across Sentinel Communities
Since the onset of COVID-19, RAND researchers contributed to four reports on the impact and response in nine communities (Finney Co., Harris Co., Milwaukee, Mobile, San Juan Co., Sanilac Co., Tacoma, Tampa, and White Plains) and four cross-community reports.
Jul 14, 2021
Brochure
RAND Gulf States Policy Institute: Committed to Strengthening the Well-Being of the U.S. Gulf States Through Research and Analysis
This 16-page flyer describes the RAND Gulf States Policy Institute and summarizes some of the research it has tackled since its founding in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina.
Nov 1, 2017
Commentary
The Prospective Impact of Airbus Industries on Mobile
Austal USA's operations in Mobile, Alabama have benefited the broader region. Similarly, Airbus's hiring should have a net favorable impact on the region's economy, since the area does not appear to be at or near full employment.
Oct 10, 2015
Commentary
Using Education to Stop the Prison Revolving Door
Providing education and vocational training to inmates is a cost-effective way to reduce recidivism rates, thus shrinking prison populations and easing the strain on prison budgets. Education is far less expensive than incarceration.
Sep 30, 2014
Journal Article
Effectiveness of Cognitive Tutor Algebra I at Scale
This article examines the effectiveness of a technology-based algebra curriculum in a wide variety of middle schools and high schools in seven states.
Jun 1, 2014
Project
Increasing Community Resilience in the Gulf States Region
Community resilience requires participation from the whole community to improve response and recovery, and to plan for disaster recovery over the long term. This is a lesson that the U.S. Gulf States have learned in the last decade, and their experiences are helping teach other communities across the nation how to become more resilient.
Nov 8, 2013
Project
Are Charter Schools a Good Option in the Gulf States?
In an effort to improve public education, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama have each examined the potential of charter schools. For nearly two decades, RAND has conducted objective, evidence-based research on choice-based education reforms to help education policymakers make the right decisions for their communities.
Aug 21, 2012
Project
Managing the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in the Gulf States
HIV/AIDS can rightly be called an epidemic in the Gulf States. RAND has examined attitudes and beliefs about HIV and AIDS, the roles of faith-based and community organizations, and issues regarding AIDS treatment; this research can help Congressional, state, and local policymakers understand how to approach the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS in the region.
Jun 28, 2012
Research Brief
The Workforce and Economic Recovery: Effects of Hurricane Katrina
In addition to the $100 billion in damages caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, there were relatively short-lived disruptions to labor markets in aggregate, but longer-term, detrimental employment effects on workers displaced to other regions.
Jun 15, 2010
Commentary
Alabama's Challenge: Better Prepared Workforce
Alabama has made significant economic progress in recent decades, attracting car manufacturers and new industrial development. The state now has an opportunity to address some systemic challenges in education, health care, and workforce development to be competitive in a global economy, writes Melissa Flournoy.
Jul 14, 2009
Journal Article
Promoting Mental Health Recovery After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: What Can Be Done at What Cost
Concerns about mental health recovery persist after the 2005 Gulf storms. The authors propose a recovery model and estimate costs and outcomes.
Jan 1, 2009
Commentary
Change Choices, Not Conversation
Too often we talk only about the ongoing challenges facing education, health care, transportation and economic development across the Gulf South — Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.... We need to determine new ways to work together across state lines to focus on solutions that will benefit the entire region, writes Melissa Flournoy.
Aug 24, 2008
News Release
Schools Not Sustaining Mental Health Aid to Children Displaced by Hurricane Katrina
Despite strong initial efforts to support the mental health needs of students displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, many schools have not been able to fulfill students' mental health needs over the long term.
Oct 18, 2007
Research Brief
Schools Not Sustaining Mental Health Aid to Children Displaced by Hurricane Katrina
Despite strong initial efforts to support the mental health needs of students displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, many schools have not been able to fulfill students' mental health needs over the long term.
Oct 8, 2007
News Release
Six Emerging Scholars Receive Awards from RAND Gulf States Policy Institute for Research on Key Gulf Policy Questions
May 29, 2007 news release: Six Emerging Scholars Receive Awards from RAND Gulf States Policy Institute for Research on Key Gulf Policy Questions.
May 29, 2007
News Release
RAND Report Stresses Importance of Advanced Planning for Flood Recovery
October 23, 2006 News Release: RAND Report Stresses Importance of Advanced Planning for Flood Recovery.
Oct 23, 2006
Journal Article
David Satcher Takes Stock
The former U.S. surgeon general reflects on growing up in rural Alabama, health disparities, anthrax, and public health in America.
Jan 1, 2002

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