Bureau of Governmental Research
Bureau of Governmental Research is a private, non-profit, independent research organization dedicated to informed public policy making and the effective use of public resources for the improvement of government in the New Orleans metropolitan area.
Announcements
BGR Wins Awards from Governmental Research Association
May 3, 2012
BGR’s report Over the River: The Future of the Crescent City Connection Bridge and Ferries has won the award for Most Effective Education at the Governmental Research Association (GRA) national conference in New Orleans. BGR also won a Certificate of Merit in the category of Most Distinguished Research for its work on nonprofit exemptions.
Reports
Saving the Crescent City Connection’s Other Funding Source
May 11, 2012
In this release, BGR calls on the State to take the steps necessary to continue the dedication of State Highway Fund No. 2 to the Crescent City Connection.
To read the release click here. BGR Report Calls for Reforms to Contracting in Jefferson
May 10, 2012
In Private Services in the Public Interest: Reforming Jefferson Parish’s Unusual Approach to Service Contracting, BGR shines light on contracting in the parish and makes recommendations for reforms.
A Step in the Wrong Direction
May 8, 2012
This edition of Now looks at the recent move to defund the state Office of Inspector General.
BGR Launches Exploration of Public Pensions
Apr 19, 2012
Understanding Pensions: A Primer on Public Employee Pension Plans is the first in a series of reports on the public pension plans in which local governments in Jefferson, Orleans and St. Tammany parishes participate.
Your Tax Dollars at Work - and in Retirement
Mar 28, 2012
This edition of Now looks at the issue of public pension costs.
Making Choice Right: Can Private School Vouchers Live Up to Their Promises?
Mar 13, 2012
In Making Choice Right: Can Private School Vouchers Live Up to Their Promises? BGR examines the statewide school voucher program that the Governor is proposing, as well as the pilot program that has been in effect in Orleans Parish since 2008.
The S&WB Infrastructure Bonanza: Is Good Governance Part of the Deal?
Feb 29, 2012
This edition of Now addresses the proposed funding increases for the Sewerage & Water Board in the context of necessary governance reforms.
The Nonprofit Exemption: Bad News for Taxpayers
Jan 31, 2012
This edition of Now addresses problems associated with the nonprofit exemption, and what can be done to solve them.
Clarifying the Draft Zoning Ordinance
Nov 3, 2011
In this letter to the City Planning Commission, BGR suggests ways to make New Orleans’ draft comprehensive zoning ordinance easier for the public to use and understand. BGR enclosed with the letter a copy of a map showing how zoning changes might be better illustrated.