The 36th Annual CPAR Data and Research Series for Community Impact is back in 2025 and this year we've diving into two distinct themes. This professional development series is perfect for anyone looking to use data to drive change in our communities — whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started.
Part One: Exploring Metro Data
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | 9 A.M.-12 P.M. | In-person Only
Location will be the University of Nebraska at Omaha Dodge Campus and is limited to 90 attendees. (Exact location will be emailed to you after completing registration.)
Part One will explore trends in demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau for Nebraska’s two largest metros – Omaha and Lincoln – and how community leaders in these places are using data to guide decision-making and drive community growth. This event provides an opportunity for professionals, researchers, and community leaders to enhance their understanding of Census data resources and how to apply these sources and others to policy, economic development, and community planning.
9-9:05 A.M. – Welcome
- Morgan Vogel, assistant director, University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research
9:05-10:15 A.M. – From State Leaders to National Contenders? Visualizing Growth in Nebraska’s Two Largest Metropolitan Areas | Omaha and Lincoln
This session will visualize population arcs and changes in Nebraska’s two largest metros — Omaha and Lincoln — using Census data to highlight how their growth compares to statewide trends and to similarly sized metros across the U.S. We’ll also examine key housing and workforce indicators to better understand how these places are positioned for future growth and competitiveness.
- Josie Schafer, director, University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research
10:15-10:30 A.M. – Break
10:30 A.M.-12 P.M. – Using Data to Drive Growth in Planning and Economic Development
Attendees will participate in two expert-led panel discussions focused on how data is shaping the future of Nebraska’s two largest metro areas. Panelists — featuring city planners, policymakers, and economic development leaders from Omaha and Lincoln — will share how they use data to guide decision-making, shape policy, and drive community growth. The Planning and Development Panel will explore data-driven approaches to urban planning, including transit, housing, and infrastructure. The Economic Development Panel will explore how data informs workforce and business support programming and regional strategies for economic vitality. Together, these discussions will tackle a central question: How are we using data to support and sustain long-term population growth and vitality in our metros?
- 10:30-11:15 A.M. – Planning and Development Panel
- 11:15 A.M.-12 P.M. – Economic Development Panel
12 P.M. – Closing Remarks
Note: The University of Nebraska at Omaha will be taking photos/video at this event for use in advertising and other promotional materials, whether in print, electronic, or other media.
Part Two: Updates on Statewide Data
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 | 9 A.M.-12 P.M. | In-person and Virtual (Zoom Webinar)
Location will be the University of Nebraska at Omaha Dodge Campus and is limited to 90 attendees. (Exact location will be emailed to you after completing registration.)
Agenda will be announced at a later date.
Note: The University of Nebraska at Omaha will be taking photos/video at this event for use in advertising and other promotional materials, whether in print, electronic, or other media.
Registration
Part One Cost = $80 (includes snacks, coffee, and water)
Registration for Part Two will open at a later date.
Payment options include: Credit Card via PayPal, Check (for in-person registrations, checks will be due to UNO CPAR within two weeks of registration because of limited seats available), or University of Nebraska Cost Object (for University of Nebraska faculty, staff, and students only). IBT payment is not available.
Note: Registration is non-refundable because you will receive access to presentation materials.
Presenters
| Presenter Photo | Presenter Name, Title, Place of Work | Presenter Biography |
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Josie Gatti Schafer, Ph.D. Director University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research |
Schafer joined UNO’s College of Public Affairs and Community Service as the director of the Center for Public Affairs Research in 2018 because of their national reputation for public scholarship on public policy topics in their community, state, and region. She manages a stellar team with a current portfolio of projects totaling over $1 million per year. Her personal, project portfolio ranges with several smaller engaged research projects working collaboratively with a community partner as well as some high-profile research like CPAR's work with the Planning Committee of the Nebraska State Legislature. Recent grants and projects led by Schafer include research and analysis as part of the “6 Regions, One Nebraska” initiative; review of demographics, workforce, and housing in Omaha neighborhoods; collaboration with UNMC to analyze the status and future of the healthcare workforce; fellowship from the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank and Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Institutions to study the economic impact of anchor institutions; and a grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to study inclusive entrepreneurship. |
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Morgan Vogel, Ph.D. Assistant Director University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research |
Vogel believes wholeheartedly in CPAR's mission to produce and disseminate high-quality public scholarship that impacts the lives of Nebraskans. She joined the CPAR team in January 2021 as a research associate because she wanted to bridge her academic research skills and passion for community engagement. Vogel was promoted to assistant director in January 2025. She works closely with CPAR’s director to develop and conduct research projects for a variety of community partners. She also enjoys working with a stellar group of graduate student research assistants in CPAR and encouraging their interests in applied research. |
Questions? Contact unocpar@unomaha.edu or 402.554.7533.
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