Original research and analysis to help changemakers be more agile and impactful.
The Civic Information Observatory tracks how news, data, and public records flow through communities — and helps residents, journalists, and institutions close the gaps.
What We Do
Results-driven research
We’ll help you better understand your local news landscape, your impact, or how to collaborate with other news and information producers in your area.
Our Work
Our research programs, all aimed at the same goal: communities that can find, trust, and act on good information.
Mapping
Interactive maps and spatial analysis to understand who is providing local news and civic information — and where gaps exist — across communities.
Learn more →Media Policy
Research on the policies shaping local news, public records access, and civic information systems.
Learn more →Impact Analysis
Rigorous analysis of whether and how interventions actually move the needle.
Learn more →Collaboration
Helping understand and support partnerships between communities, newsrooms, and civil society organizations.
Learn more →Contact
Get in touch
Tips, partnership ideas, press inquiries, or just questions about our research — we read everything that comes in.