Spera Connect

​The Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP) conducted a comprehensive analysis titled "The Comparative Costs and Benefits of Programs to Reduce Crime, Version 4.0," evaluating the economic efficiency of various crime reduction programs. By systematically reviewing evaluations from the past 25 years, WSIPP assessed whether the benefits of these programs, measured by their impact on crime reduction and the associated value to taxpayers and crime victims, outweigh their implementation costs ...

Track State Budget Trends with NASBO: The Leading Resource for State Fiscal Data Looking for trusted insights into state government budgeting? The National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO) is the go-to resource for public officials, analysts, and fiscal policy professionals who need credible, comprehensive data on state budgets, spending, and policy trends. With decades of expertise, NASBO offers free access to reports, datasets, and analysis that help shape smarter financial planning and policy design ...

Navigate State Finances with Urban Institute's State Fiscal Briefs Understanding the financial landscape of individual states is crucial for policymakers, researchers, and citizens alike. The State Fiscal Briefs, developed by the Urban Institute's State and Local Finance Initiative, offer comprehensive insights into each state's fiscal health, political environment, economic conditions, and demographic trends.​Urban Institute+2Urban Institute+2Urban Institute+2 Key Features of State Fiscal Briefs

• In-Depth Financial Data: Access detailed information on state expenditures and revenues, ...
  
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Make Public Finances Transparent with OpenBudget.us Want to understand how your city, county, or state spends its money? OpenBudget.us is a free, open-source platform that transforms complex government budgets into interactive, easy-to-understand visualizations. Built for public sector leaders, residents, and civic tech teams, it promotes transparency, accountability, and public engagement in local government finance. Key Features of OpenBudget.us ✅ Interactive Budget Visualizations – Explore revenues, expenses, and capital projects through dynamic charts and graphs.
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Stay Ahead of Policy Changes with FiscalNote Need to track legislation, regulations, and policy trends in real time? FiscalNote is a powerful legislative tracking and policy intelligence platform that helps governments, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations monitor, analyze, and act on policy developments across all levels of government. With robust data and real-time alerts, FiscalNote empowers teams to make informed, timely decisions that drive impact. Key Features of FiscalNote ✅ Legislative Tracking – Monitor bills and ...

Prioritizing health is not only beneficial for physical and mental well-being but also offers substantial financial advantages. By investing in a healthier lifestyle, individuals can potentially increase their earnings, reduce healthcare costs, and achieve a favorable return on investment, ultimately leading to greater wealth accumulation over their lifetime ...

​The relationship between school performance and home values is a pivotal factor for many homebuyers. High-performing schools not only enhance educational outcomes but also significantly influence property values in their vicinity. Understanding this connection can empower prospective buyers to make informed decisions that benefit both their families and their financial investments ...

​Investing in early childhood education has long been advocated as a strategy to enhance economic efficiency and reduce social disparities. A seminal study on this topic is "The Rate of Return to the High/Scope Perry Preschool Program," which offers an in-depth analysis of the economic benefits derived from early intervention programs targeting disadvantaged youth ...

Vacant properties silently erode community health and local budgets. But strategic investments in reuse, rehab, and redevelopment can pay off handsomely. With returns as high as 30 to 1, cities that prioritize vacant property solutions not only save money—they create stronger, safer, and more prosperous communities ...

Designed to support policymakers, employers, and community leaders, it helps you understand the true cost of meeting basic needs—housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and more—in every county and metro area ...