Dear visitors, colleagues, and friends,

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the Public Finance Research Cluster (PFRC) at Georgia State University's Andrew Young School of Policy Studies (AYSPS). As the senior director of this dynamic and forward-thinking policy research hub, I am excited to share our mission, the diversity of our research centers, and the transformative impact we aim to achieve throughout Georgia, the nation, and abroad.

PFRC stands at the intersection of cutting-edge research, informed policy making, and global fiscal governance. Comprising three distinct research centers—the Center for State and Local Finance (CSLF), Fiscal Research Center (FRC), and International Center for Public Policy (ICePP)—our cluster is committed to fostering effective applied public finance research that transcends geographical boundaries.

The strength of PFRC lies in the diversity of expertise housed within our research centers. CSLF excels in educating public-sector financial professionals and in researching the intricacies of state and local finances—particularly local economic development, education finance, budgeting best practices, and tax policy reform—uncovering insights that are pivotal for regional development. The empirical research of FRC serves to assist Georgia’s state policymakers and the State Fiscal Economist with pressing questions of tax and economic policy to better understand fiscal policies and their implications. Meanwhile, ICePP takes a global perspective, engaging with public policy on an international scale and contributing to the discourse on global fiscal governance through research and capacity building in the areas of fiscal decentralization, financial management, tax policy, and evaluation.

The team at PFRC recognizes that research is not merely an academic pursuit, but also a tool for positive change. Our experts are dedicated to producing research that is not only academically rigorous but also relevant and actionable. Whether addressing fiscal challenges faced by local governments, unraveling the complexities of state economic policies, or contributing to the global conversation on public finance, our research is geared towards making a tangible impact.

Warmest regards,

Paul

The Public Finance Research Cluster enables informed and effective fiscal governance at all levels worldwide. We believe in the power of rigorous, nonpartisan research to shape policies, guide decision-makers, and contribute to academic discussions and the betterment of society overall. Our dedicated team of experts is driven by a commitment to deliver objective, timely, and insightful research products, and we are equally devoted to providing capacity building and training to public-sector professionals, ensuring a well-equipped and skilled workforce capable of addressing the ever-changing complexities of contemporary fiscal challenges.

The values of the PFRC team are the foundation that allows us to promote impactful change in our research, technical assistance, and educational programs.

Ethics in Research: As a nonpartisan institute, we adhere to the highest standards of research ethics. Our research methods are rigorous, verifiable, and transparent.

Focus on Solutions: Beyond simply understanding problems, we actively engage with those impacted by the issues we investigate, ensuring our work is not only relevant but also contributes to tangible solutions for the public good.

Collaborative Learning: We believe in the power of shared knowledge and experiences, and we forge lasting partnerships that value learning from diverse perspectives and expertise, working together to address complex issues. We leverage our expertise and partnerships to offer premier mentorship for the next generation of public finance professionals.