Survey research is conducted by the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI) on both a regular and an ad hoc basis. Below are brief descriptions of CARI's survey projects.

Nebraska Rural Poll

The Nebraska Rural Poll is an annual survey mailed to a sample of rural Nebraskans to determine their identified challenges and concerns. Core questions are included each year that over time provide insight about the trends and changes occurring in rural Nebraska. Survey results, which are released in a series of four reports each year, give local and state leaders a better understanding of the issues, challenges and concerns of Nebraska's rural citizens.

Other surveys

Surveys for other organizations are done periodically, depending on requests and available resources. If you are interested in having CARI assist you with a survey project, contact Becky Vogt, rvogt2@unl.edu.

The following briefly describe other surveys and studies conducted through CARI:

Leadership Training: A Survey of Elected and Appointed Officials

In June 2006, a survey of elected and appointed officials in Nebraska was conducted to determine their leadership training needs. CARI conducted the survey for The Nebraska Association of County Officials and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension to determine what skills public officials felt were most important in order to better serve their constituencies. Click here for the Survey Findings.

Nebraska Housing Market Study

This is a multi-method statewide analysis of housing supply and demand in Nebraska. CARI Fellow Sharon Gaber chaired this study which was funded by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. This study involved three surveys, as well as other methodology. The first was a survey of municipalities. Key informants from each community were asked about their current housing supply and future housing issues. The second survey was sent to builders to find out what barriers they face to developing more affordable housing in the state. The final survey asked lenders what barriers and/or opportunities exist in lending that influence the development of affordable housing.

Continuing Education in the New Millennium: A Survey of Educational Needs of Southeast Nebraskans

This project was conducted for the Southeast Nebraska Educational Needs Assessment Task Force which included representatives from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the University of Nebraska–Kearney, the University of Nebraska–Omaha, Peru State College and Southeast Community College. The purpose was to determine the higher education needs and interests of Southeast Nebraskans. This study helps higher public education institutions working in the area provide better services and programs to residents. Survey findings can be accessed at http://cari.unl.edu/southeast.pdf.

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The following are selected sources for Nebraska population and economic data:

• NU ONRAMP: Economic and demographic data from UNL's Bureau of Business Research.
• The Nebraska Databook: Tables and graphs of economic and demographic data for Nebraska compiled by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.
• NPPD Community Information Database: This database contains information on Nebraska communities including community and labor market population; interstate, rail, and air information; plus links to facts books, Web sites, trend studies, and industrial locations online.
• 1997 Census of Agriculture data: Nebraska state and county profiles.