A National Initiative for Local Civic Engagement
Emerson College Polling is expanding its proven local research model through a national initiative designed to support community-level decision-making across the United States.
As part of Emerson College’s broader commitment to civic engagement and public service, the Community Speaks Initiative delivers rigorous, accessible, and community-centered research that helps local leaders understand the needs, priorities, and lived experiences of their residents.
Our work bridges academic excellence and real-world application—providing municipalities and organizations with trustworthy data while offering Emerson students immersive, hands-on research experiences.
Why Partner with Emerson College Polling?
Trusted Research from an Academic Institution
ECP combines academic standards with industry expertise, producing transparent, methodologically sound research that local leaders can confidently use in planning, policymaking, and public communication.
Innovative, Inclusive Data Collection
We meet residents where they are. Our mixed-mode approach includes:
- Text-to-web surveys reaching mobile phones
- Online probability and non-probability panels
- Interactive Voice Response (IVR) for landlines
- Email surveys
- A proprietary national research panel of 250,000+ U.S. residents
This ensures inclusive participation across age, race, income, and political affiliation.
Surveys Designed for Local Context
Every community is different. We collaborate closely with partners to tailor surveys around local priorities—ensuring results are relevant, understandable, and actionable.
Community-First Engagement
We prioritize trust, accessibility, and clarity. Survey designs emphasize plain language, transparency, and results that residents and leaders alike can understand.
Student Impact
Emerson Community Insights is also a cornerstone of Emerson’s experiential learning model. Students work alongside faculty and professional researchers on real-world projects, delivering high-quality insights while gaining unparalleled experience in public opinion research, civic engagement, and data analysis.
Who We Partner With
Emerson College Polling welcomes partnerships with…
- Cities, towns, and counties
- City councils, select boards, and town managers
- Planning boards and redevelopment authorities
- School districts and education collaboratives
- Nonprofit and community-based organizations
- Public agencies and civic commissions
- Foundations and regional civic partnerships
