Studies in Progress

Below you'll find a list of comprehensive research studies currently in progress or soon-to-be launched research study committees seeking volulnteers. Click on the study committee title link to learn more.

 

Air Quality Regulation Research Committee

Chair: 
Peter Livingston

This comprehensive research study is currently in progress. Despite Portland's reputation as a clean air leader, major questions have been raised in recent years about the region's air quality, especially as it relates to airborne carcinogens. This study committee is charged with: (1) evaluating such claims and (2) identifying ways that environmental and health agencies, industry, transportation and public interest groups can work together to improve the air quality regulatory process. Read the study charge for more information about the scope and objectives of this study.

Civics Education Research Committee

Chair: 
Jim Gorter

This comprehensive research study is currently in progress. Civics and other "social studies" subjects are increasingly taking a back seat to "testable subjects" such as reading and math. And yet, there appear to be consequences to the decline of instruction devoted to government and history, as studies demonstrate that such instruction enhances active and informed citizenship. The study committee will be charged with: (1) assessing the current social studies curriculum for content and skills development and (2) providing recommendations for possible improvements in the delivery of social studies education. Read the study charge for more information about the scope and objectives of this study.

Oregon Redistricting Research Committee

Chair: 
Scott Warnick

This comprehensive research study is currently in progress. For most of the last 100 years the Oregon Legislature has failed to produce a redistricting plan that has taken effect. The task has fallen to the secretary of state, a partisan elected official, who must produce a plan acceptable to the Oregon Supreme Court. This study committee will be charged with: (1) describing Oregon's past efforts with redistricting, (2) evaluating redistricting models in states where the legislature does not have primary authority over redistricting, (3) determining whether some form of commission-based (nonpartisan or otherwise) redistricting is desirable for Oregon and how it would be constituted, and (4) outlining a review process for any redistricting plan generated by such a commission. Read the study charge for more information about the scope and objectives of the study.

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