Mental Health Is Policy Work
PPRI ensures that those systems are not left unexamined. By turning real world complexity into clear, credible evidence, the institute helps decision makers answer a question that sits at the center of meaningful policy.
Illuminating a Path Forward Through TODA
Drug‑poisoning deaths in Texas have risen more than 68% since 2019, a surge that has touched rural towns, major cities, and every region in between. For many Texans, the crisis feels both urgent and deeply personal.
Bail Reform Delivers Justice, Safety, and Savings
Public Policy Research Institute’s Cost Analysis Shows Harris County’s ODonnell Consent Decree Achieved Both Justice and Savings
Ensuring Justice: What PPRI’s Travis County Public Defense Evaluation Reveals
Statewide, appointed counsel represents about 86% of felony defendants and 54% of misdemeanor defendants according to the Texas Indigent Defense Commission. Public defense isn’t a peripheral service; it is the mainstay of how justice is delivered.
Texas A&M Study Highlights Opportunities to Strengthen Adult Education Across Texas
Preliminary findings from a statewide evaluation point to strong instruction and persistent access barriers for adult learners in Texas.
Empowering Justice Through Innovation: Student Contributions to Texas Indigent Defense Commission’s Data Overhaul
Much like a teaching hospital, PPRI integrates student workers into high-impact projects, offering hands-on experience while advancing public service goals.
In Gratitude: Advancing Policy and Support for Texas Veterans
Supporting veterans means listening closely, understanding needs clearly, and ensuring that public resources are directed where they can make the greatest impact.
Anthony Jackson’s Evolving Impact at PPRI: From Fieldwork to Ph.D.
Anthony’s journey reflects the transformative power of mentorship, opportunity, and purpose-driven work.
New PPRI Research Sheds Light on Barriers to Senior Meal Program Participation in Texas
Funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) under the Innovations in Nutrition (INNU) grant umbrella, this research explores the complex factors influencing participation in congregate meal programs for older adults across Texas. These programs, which offer nutritious meals in community settings, are vital for promoting food security, social connection, and independence among aging populations.
Texas A&M Researchers Highlight Local Contributions at National Aging Conference
Texas A&M Researchers Highlight Local Contributions at National Aging Conference Researchers from Texas A&M University’s Public Policy Research Institute recently represented the Brazos Valley on a national stage at the 2025 National Council on Aging Age + Action Conference, celebrating 75 years of leadership in aging services. Dr. Nandita Chaudhuri, senior research [...]