Policy Briefs

CSEM Policy Reports are intended to be accessible and jargon-free analyses for a general audience. They are written by CSEM Research Fellows and serve to reach a broader audience.

Working Papers

CSEM Working Papers are in-depth analyses of a particular research question, and can serve as a launch pad for peer-reviewed journal publications.

CSEM Sponsored Research projects must pose an innovative research question revolving around economic mobility in Forsyth County, NC. They can be from any social science or health discipline, and must offer some avenue for potential change within the socio-political environment, based on rigorous empirical work.

Our Research Model

CSEM conducts research that considers the interest of businesses, individuals, and governments. It promotes policies that align the incentives of each. With the support of all three, such policies are more likely to be successful and bring about real long-term change.

CSEM Library/Archive

This library/archive serves as a resource for those wanting to learn more about the subject of economic mobility from a variety of other academic sources. The library is updated periodically.

CSEM Social Mobility Calculator

CSEM developed in conjunction with Forsyth Futures the nation’s first “Social Benefits calculator” It is used to help individuals better anticipate changes in social benefits such as food stamps and child-care assistance when monthly wages are changing. It provides information for various monthly wage scenarios instead of relying on complex graphs and tables. CSEM is working on innovative solutions to the problems of benefits cliffs and disincentive deserts.

Information about Forsyth County’s First Time Homeownership Program

Homeownership is essential to achieving the American dream, creating stable and thriving communities as well as inter-generational wealth for families. The Community & Economic Development department and its partners assist families and individuals to achieve their dreams of homeownership through programs that focus on the present needs of the homebuyer in order to achieve homeownership, whether that be funds to assist with down payment or the guidance to navigate financial stability in hopes of becoming mortgage-ready.