College of Arts & Sciences Government Research Bureau

Projects

  1. Current Projects
  2. Prospective Projects
  3. Completed Projects
 

Current Projects

(in alphabetic order)

Chiesman Foundation for Democracy
Farber Poll

The GRB and the Chiesman Foundation for Democracy are conducting a joint survey research project that will - on a quarterly basis - examine the attitudes and policy preferences of South Dakotans.

City of Elk Point, SD
Elk Point Water Rate Analysis

The GRB is conducting a water rate analysis for the city that includes a comprehensive examination of the city's current rate system, an assessment of the city's needs in reconsidering that rate system, and a series of recommendations for the City of Elk Point as it considers amending its current rates.

City of Geddes, SD
Ordinance Revision

The GRB is reviewing the municipal code of Geddes in comparison to similarly-sized communities in South Dakota and offering recommended changes.

City of Geddes, SD
Comprehensive/Strategic Planning

The GRB is assisting the city of Geddes to create a comprehensive/strategic plan for its community, incorporating future land use and zoning practices.

 First Nations Oweesta Corporation
Jump$tart Native Survey

The GRB and researchers at First Nations Oweesta Corporation, Washington University, and the University of Arizona are conducting a survey that examines the financial literacy of Native Youth. The GRB is responsible for the analysis and dissemination of the data derived from this project.

Ihanktonwan Community College - Marty, SD
Ihanktonwan Community College Assessment Survey

The GRB will survey members of the Yankton Sioux Tribe to assess the impact of a change to Indian Health Services clinic hours in Wagner, SD.

South Dakota Department of Corrections
Sex Offender Management Program

Making use of a federal grant from the Office of Justice Assistance through the South Dakota Department of Corrections, the GRB is conducting a process and outcomes evaluation to assess the impact of a comprehensive statewide sex offender management program for adults and juveniles.

South Dakota Highway Patrol
Assessment of South Dakota Highway Patrol Training

The GRB is conducting a survey of current training programs to determine areas where troopers may need additional training.

South Dakota Office of the Attorney General
Expert Witness for South Dakota Attorney General: Survey and Analysis

The GRB is conducting a 500-person RDD CATI survey with South Dakota residents and serve as expert witnesses in the case of SECRETARY OF STATE, Chris Nelson, Plaintiff, vs. PROMISING FUTURE, INC. and ROGER W. HUNT, Defendants. The survey and accompanying research will provide the plaintiff with data summarizing South Dakotans' views on campaign finance and disclosure laws.

South Dakota Office of the Governor
Governor's Disparate Sentencing Study (Phase II)

This GRB study investigates whether disparities exist in the sentencing of Native American and white South Dakota felons. Specifically, this phase of the research investigates the impact of certain socioeconomic indicators on sentencing. 

South Dakota Municipal League
Salary Survey Database Development

The GRB is developing a salary survey database for the South Dakota Municipal League (SDML). The database will allow the SDML to regularly update and monitor municipal salary trends in the State of South Dakota.

South Dakota Municipal League
South Dakota Liquor License Analysis

This GRB study examines the impact that changes in liquor license caps have in shaping socially undesirable outcomes such as traffic fatalities and property and personal crimes.

Sumption & Wyland
Alcohol and Other Drug Addiction Incidence Study

The GRB is conducting preliminary analysis of the occurrence and impact of alcohol and other drug addiction in the Sioux Falls MSA, examining the resources available to the region to address these issues, and developing a methodology to more accurately assess the incidence of AOD and its primary and secondary impacts on the region.

U.S. Department of Justice
Project Safe Neighborhoods

Using federal grant monies from the Department of Justice (through the United States Attorney's Office for the District of South Dakota) the GRB is researching gun violence in the State of South Dakota and working to determine ways to reduce it.

 

Prospective Projects

U.S. Probation/Pretrial Services Office, District of South Dakota
Motivational Interviewing Evaluation Project

The GRB will help the District of South Dakota Probation and Pretrial Service Office implement evidence-based practices, assessing the effectiveness of using motivational interviewing techniques with parolees/probationers.


 

Completed Projects

City of Dell Rapids, SD
Dell Rapids Community Assessment Survey

The GRB examined citizens' perspectives about current trends and future plans for Dell Rapids and solicited citizens' opinions about the best way forward for the City.

City of Flandreau, SD
Flandreau Community Assessment Survey

The GRB examined citizens' perspectives about current trends and future plans for Flandreau and solicited citizens' opinions about the best way forward for the City.

City of Fort Pierre, SD
Fort Pierre Community Assessment Survey

The GRB examined citizens' perspectives about current trends and future plans for Fort Pierre and solicited citizens' opinions about the best way forward for the City.

City of Pierre, SD
Pierre Community Assessment Survey

The GRB examined citizens' perspectives about current trends and future plans for Pierre and solicited citizens' opinions about the best way forward for the City.

City of Platte, SD
Ordinance Revision

The GRB reviewed existing ordinances in similarly-classed municipalities in South Dakota and made recommendations accordingly.

City of Vermillion, SD
Bluffs Development Project

This study examined the short and long term effects of city ownership, entrepreneurship, and development of the Bluffs Golf Course. GRB associates employed quantitative and qualitative techniques to provide policymakers with data that assisted them in determining the continuing need for a special economic development incentive program.

City of Vermillion, SD
Recycling Program Analysis

This project examined citizen demand and price tolerance for a curbside recycling program. GRB associates used paper surveys and qualitative and quantitative data analyses to assess citizens' willingness to both accept and pay for curbside recycling services in the city.

Pioneer Memorial Hospital & Health Services - Viborg, SD
Community Marketing Assessment for Pioneer Memorial Hospital & Health Service

The GRB conducted a community marketing assessment of residents' healthcare needs and perceptions to provide useful data for the client as they consider development and outreach opportunities.

South Dakota Office of the Governor
Governor's Disparate Sentencing Study (Phase I and II)

This study investigated whether disparities exist in the sentencing of Native American and white South Dakota felons.

South Dakota House of Representatives
South Dakota Legislative Redistricting Using GIS Mapping

The GRB demonstrated the ease of using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for redistricting purposes in South Dakota at the South Dakota House of Representatives Republican Retreat.

South Dakota Office of the Attorney General
South Dakota Sex Offender Database and Mapping Proposal

The GRB presented information to the South Dakota Attorney General's Office and South Dakota Law Enforcement illustrating the benefits of tracking sex offenders and managing a database using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and Global Positioning Satellite technology.

Yankton Sioux Tribe
Yankton Sioux Tribe's Economic Impact on Charles Mix County, SD

The GRB provided an economic impact analysis for the Tribe to assess the degree the Yankton Sioux Tribe contributes to the economic base of Charles Mix County, SD.