North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research

As they describe themselves:  Founded in 1977, the N.C. Center for Public Policy Research is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan, research organization. We are dedicated to the goals of a better-informed public and a more effective, accountable, and responsive government. We believe solid, objective research is the key to good public policy decisions. Our mission is to identify public policy issues facing North Carolina and to enrich the dialogue among citizens, the media, and policymakers. More here.

Affiliates and brands: The center's main publication is North Carolina Insight, a journal that publishes in depth research by center staff. The center also publishes some projects, such as influence rankings for lawmakers and lobbyists, under its own name. 

Network*: Z. Smith Reynolds

Funding: The center reported raising $735,861 in 2011. Although Z. Smith Reynolds does not list the center as one of its grantees for 2011, the center has received ZSR funding as recently as 2010. 

State Information: Click here for more from the Secretary of State's office.

Lobbyist: The center has no registered lobbyists. 

Media Profile: Although it has ties through its funding to liberal groups, the center generally has a reputation as a nonpartisan broker of information. It's effectiveness rankings for lawmakers and lobbyists are widely cited by media of all kinds. Center Director Ran Coble is frequently sought out as an expert source, particularly on matters relating to the arcana of legislative process. 

* Many of the public policy think tanks and advocacy groups active in North Carolina fall into one of two camps: A liberal circuit with ties to the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation and a conservative circuit with ties to the John William Pope Foundation. For more, click here.