Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies researches and advances actionable policy solutions to eradicate persistent barriers to the full freedom of Black people in America. It is the trusted forum for leading experts and scholars to participate in major public policy debates and promote ideas that advance Black communities on a wide range of issues, including the future of work, technology, economic policy, and the impact of COVID-19. It also produces regular reports on the diversity of staff in the U.S. Congress. The Joint Center, founded more than 50 years ago, regularly brings together racially, ethnically, and politically diverse groups and produces groundbreaking research that is used in both Congress and the executive branch.

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies works to improve the socioeconomic status and civic engagement of African Americans. It produces and disseminates original research and catalyzes action by policymakers to address systemic economic inequality, voting access, and a range of other political and economic issues affecting Black communities.