Wayne State University- Center For Urban Studies

What Wayne State University- Center For Urban Studies does

The Wayne State University Center for Urban Studies, founded in 2003 and based in Detroit, Michigan, is a university-affiliated research center providing research, policy analysis, technical assistance, and program evaluation focused on urban and metropolitan issues in Southeastern Michigan and the broader state. Under the long-tenured leadership of Director Thomas Thompson and Managing Director Charo Hulleza, the Center operates five core program areas: Research and Evaluation Services; Early Childhood and Disabilities Program Evaluation; Healthy Homes; Urban Safety; and Urban Health. It delivers statewide surveys for the Michigan Department of Education (approximately 100,000 parents of special education students and nearly 5,000 former students annually), crime analysis and urban safety programming through AmeriCorps Urban Safety (AMUS), overdose prevention via the STOP program, and lead poisoning prevention and healthy homes initiatives.

The Center's technology stack centers on a multi-mode survey infrastructure (CATI lab with up to 40 part-time interviewers, Qualtrics, REDCap, Sensus/WinCATI, mail and in-person surveys, focus groups), GIS mapping capabilities, the CompStat crime analysis platform with Weighted Displacement Quotient analytics, and the proprietary Healthy Homes Case Management System (HHCMS) — a web-based SaaS platform developed in 2011 that hosts data across 7 geographical sites with iOS/Android mobile companion apps and multi-lingual (English/Spanish) support. Specialized sub-products include the Part B Parent Survey, Part B Former Student Survey, Disproportionality Analysis System, Early On Reporting System, Detroit Healthy Homes Database, DLEAD parent advocacy platform, and Southwest GHHI Program.

The business model is grant-funded professional services with a thin commercial SaaS layer. Core revenue streams are government research grants (Michigan Department of Education, MDHHS, HUD, U.S. Department of Education, NIEHS, Corporation for National & Community Service for AmeriCorps) and foundation grants (Kresge, Skillman, Jewish Fund). HHCMS is offered at $600 setup + $75/month subscription. Individual donations flow through Wayne State University's giving platform. Customers are state and federal agencies, intermediate school districts, healthcare systems (Henry Ford Health, Ascension), community organizations, and neighborhood associations across a 50+ partner network spanning Detroit and statewide Michigan.

Name

Wayne State University- Center For Urban Studies

Legal name

Wayne State University - Center for Urban Studies

Website

https://cus.wayne.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Wayne State University Center for Urban Studies is a Detroit-based university research center providing program evaluation, survey research, and community-based intervention services to Michigan state agencies, federal agencies, and community partners across urban safety, healthy homes, special education, and overdose prevention.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Urban Research and Program Evaluation Services

NAICS

Administration of Housing Programs, Urban Planning, and Community Development (925), Administration of Urban Planning and Community and Rural Development (925120), Administration of Housing Programs (925110), Administration of Public Health Programs (92312)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

State/Provincial Housing, Urban/Regional Planning & Community Development (BPAIABAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Housing Development, Construction & Rehabilitation Programs (BPAIANAB), Local Education Authorities & Municipal Education Offices (EDADABAD), Mayor/City Manager & General Administration (BPAIACAA)

Keywords

• Urban research services
• Program evaluation services
• Policy analysis consulting
• Community health research
• Early childhood assessment

Headquarters

HQ city

Detroit

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Research Grants: Primary funding from federal and state government grants including Michigan Department of Education, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Department of Education, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and Corporation for National & Community Service (AmeriCorps).
2. Foundation Grants: Funding from philanthropic foundations including The Kresge Foundation, The Skillman Foundation, The Jewish Fund, and others for specific program initiatives.
3. Healthy Homes Case Management System Licensing: Subscription-based SaaS pricing for HHCMS platform at $600 one-time setup plus $75/month access fee for partner organizations.
4. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Individual donations from community members processed through Wayne State University's giving platform, with funds directed to specific programs including STOP, AMUS, and Urban Advocacy Corps.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Center for Urban Studies conducts applied research, program evaluation, technical assistance, and policy analysis on urban and metropolitan issues for government agencies, school districts, foundations, and community partners. It operates specialized programs in early childhood and special education evaluation, healthy homes assessment and case management, urban health and overdose prevention, and community/public safety analytics, supported by proprietary data systems including the Healthy Homes Case Management System (HHCMS).

Product overview

The Center for Urban Studies is a university research center providing a portfolio of research, evaluation, and data management programs focused on urban and metropolitan issues. The core offerings include research and evaluation services using multiple survey methodologies (CATI, web, mail, focus groups); specialized program evaluations for early childhood/special education, healthy homes, urban safety, and urban health; and web-based data management systems. Key platforms include the Healthy Homes Case Management System (HHCMS) for environmental hazard data, survey systems for Michigan Department of Education (Part B Parent Survey, Part B Former Student Survey, Disproportionality Analysis, Early On Reporting), and community safety programs (AmeriCorps Urban Safety/AMUS and STOP overdose prevention). These offerings serve state agencies, local organizations, and community partners across southeastern Michigan.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AmeriCorps Urban Safety (AMUS): Crime reduction program using CompStat with AmeriCorps neighborhood organizing
• Strategies and Tools for Overdose Prevention (STOP)
• Urban Health Program
• Healthy Homes Case Management System (HHCMS)
• Detroit Lead Advocacy (DLEAD)

Products and services

• Urban Research and Program Evaluation Services Applied research, program evaluation, needs assessments, and policy analysis on urban and metropolitan issues for government agencies, foundations, and community organizations.
• Early Childhood and Special Education Evaluation Evaluation services for early childhood and special education programs, including programs serving children with disabilities, for school districts and state education agencies.
• Healthy Homes Program Healthy homes assessments, lead hazard evaluations, and case management services for HUD-funded programs and community-based organization partners, supported by the proprietary Healthy Homes Case Management System (HHCMS).
• Urban Health and Overdose Prevention Research Research, evaluation, and technical assistance on urban health issues including overdose prevention, for public health agencies and community partners.
• Public Safety and CompStat Analytics Public safety analytics, CompStat-style reporting, and GIS-based crime and incident mapping for Detroit-area law enforcement and municipal agencies.
• AmeriCorps National Service Program AmeriCorps-supported national service program deploying members to community-based organizations for capacity building and direct service in Detroit.
• Healthy Homes Case Management System (HHCMS) Proprietary case management software platform supporting healthy homes assessments, lead hazard control workflows, and case tracking for program partners.

Quantifiable outcome

• 57% crime reduction achieved in Midtown Detroit through AmeriCorps Urban Safety model
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

58 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Southwest Detroit Business AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness association partnership for economic development and community initiatives in Southwest Detroit.
• DTE EnergyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUtility company partnership for energy efficiency programs and healthy homes initiatives.
• CLEAR Corps DetroitcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey partner for healthy homes programs including lead poisoning prevention, home safety assessments, and environmental health initiatives. CLEAR Corps uses Center's HHCMS system.
• Detroit School District PoliceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool police department partnership for urban safety and youth violence prevention programs.
• AmeriCorpscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational service program providing AmeriCorps members for urban safety (AMUS) and overdose prevention (ACT) programs. Corporation for National & Community Service provides federal funding.
• Wayne State Police DepartmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity police department partnership for campus and community safety initiatives and CompStat collaboration.
• Charter County of Wayne MichiganminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty government partnership for regional planning, community development, and public safety initiatives.
• Urban Neighborhoods InitiativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity development organization partnership for neighborhood revitalization and engagement programs.
• University of Michigan Ross School of BusinessminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for research collaboration and student engagement.
• University of Detroit MercyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for community-based research and educational initiatives in Detroit.
• St. John Providence (Ascension Michigan)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare system partnership for community health initiatives and public health research.
• Southeastern Michigan Health AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional health organization partnership for public health research and community health programs.
• Ruth Ellis CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLGBTQ+ youth services organization partnership for community health and safety initiatives.
• City of Detroit Planning and Development DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity government partnership for urban planning, community development, and neighborhood revitalization programs.
• Osborn Neighborhood AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeighborhood organization partnership for community safety and development in the Osborn area.
• Norfolk SouthernminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRailroad company partnership for community safety and development initiatives.
• MPHA (Michigan Public Health Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic health professional organization partnership for health research and education.
• Michigan State PoliceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState law enforcement partnership for public safety research and initiatives.
• State of Michigan Department of CorrectionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partnership for prisoner re-entry initiatives and urban safety research.
• Michigan Department of Community Health (MDHHS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState health agency partnership for community health research, lead poisoning prevention, and health data sharing.
• Marygrove CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for educational programs and community engagement.
• Maintaining a NeighborhoodminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeighborhood organization partnership for community maintenance and development programs.
• Jefferson East Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity development corporation partnership for neighborhood revitalization in Jefferson East area.
• Jefferson East Business AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness association partnership for economic development in the Jefferson East corridor.
• Henry Ford Health SystemminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare system partnership for community health research and public health initiatives.
• Detroit Youth Violence Prevention InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partnership for youth violence prevention programs and community safety initiatives.
• Detroiters Working for Environmental JusticeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental justice organization partnership for healthy homes and environmental health initiatives.
• Detroit Public SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool district partnership for education research, special education evaluation, and youth safety programs.
• Detroit Receiving Hospital (DMC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHospital partnership for urban health research and emergency department discharge studies.
• Detroit PolicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity police department partnership for CompStat crime analysis, urban safety initiatives, and neighborhood safety programs.
• Detroit Hispanic Development CorporationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHispanic community development organization partnership for community health and safety programs.
• Detroit Riverfront ConservancyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRiverfront development organization partnership for community engagement and development initiatives.
• Downtown Detroit PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness development organization partnership for downtown Detroit safety and development initiatives.
• Continental ManagementminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProperty management company partnership for urban development and community initiatives.
• Congress of CommunitiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization partnership for grassroots organizing and neighborhood development in Southwest Detroit.
• City of DetroitcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity government partnership for urban research, community development, public safety, and neighborhood revitalization.
• Chrysler (Stellantis)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAutomotive company partnership for community investment and development initiatives.
• Community Health Awareness GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealth organization partnership for community health education and outreach programs.
• Canadian Pacific Police ServiceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRailroad police partnership for community safety initiatives.
• Black Family Development Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChild and family services organization partnership for community development programs.
• Detroit Wayne Integrated Health NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMental health services network partnership for community health and overdose prevention programs.
• Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and EnergyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState environmental agency partnership for environmental health and healthy homes initiatives.
• Earth Rising FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental organization partnership for environmental justice and community health programs.
• HondaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAutomotive company partnership for community investment initiatives.
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Michigan ChaptercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealth organization partnership for asthma education, healthy homes assessments, and environmental health programs in Detroit.
• Michigan Department of Labor and Economic OpportunityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partnership for workforce development and economic opportunity programs.
• AmeriCorps Urban Safety ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCore partner for Southwest GHHI program providing home safety assessments, board-ups, Safe Routes to School, and neighborhood organizing in target area around Harms Elementary School.
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Michigan ChaptercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Southwest GHHI program providing trainings, workshops, and individual education on asthma management to hundreds of Southwest Detroit residents.
• Bridging Communities, Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization partner in Southwest GHHI program for neighborhood engagement and development.
• City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner in Southwest GHHI for lead abatement and home repair services referral.
• Congress of CommunitiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrassroots organization partner in Southwest GHHI for community organizing and engagement.
• EcoWorksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental organization partner in Southwest GHHI for energy efficiency and weatherization programs.
• Kohl's Injury Prevention Program at Children's Hospital of MichigancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner in Southwest GHHI that has provided smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in approximately 150 Southwest Detroit homes.
• Michigan Department of Health and Human ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partner in Southwest GHHI for health and human services coordination.
• Springdale-Woodmere Block ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeighborhood organization partner in Southwest GHHI target area.
• Urban Neighborhood InitiativesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity development organization partner in Southwest GHHI for neighborhood revitalization.
• Wayne Children's Healthcare Access ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare access program partner in Southwest GHHI for children's health services coordination.
• Wayne Metropolitan Community Action AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity action agency partner in Southwest GHHI for weatherization and community services referral.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves1 record

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• RAND Corporation: Policy research institution conducting objective research on urban issues, public safety, education, and health. Comparable scale, university-affiliated research model, and grant/contract-funded social science evaluation.
• NORC at the University of Chicago: University-affiliated research organization with large-scale survey infrastructure (AmeriSpeak panel) and federal/state evaluation contracts. Comparable in operating model, survey capabilities, and government-funded program evaluation.
• Westat: Employee-owned research firm specializing in large-scale surveys, program evaluation, and statistical analysis for federal/state agencies. Comparable to CUS in survey operations, MDE/IDEA-related contracts, and data infrastructure.
• Urban Institute: Large nonprofit research organization focused on economic and social policy, urban issues, and program evaluation. Direct overlap with CUS in mission (urban research, housing, community development) and delivery model (government/foundation contracts, evaluation, and data systems).
• MDRC: Nonprofit social policy research organization focused on education, employment, and community programs. Overlaps with CUS in education program evaluation, special education populations, and community-based interventions.
• Mathematica Policy Research: Major social policy research and evaluation firm with deep state Medicaid, education, and workforce contracts. Comparable to CUS in state-agency evaluation work (especially special education) and mix of large-scale surveys and program evaluation.

Emerging players

• Child Trends: Nonprofit research organization focused on children and families, including early intervention, special education, and youth development. Comparable to CUS in Early On Michigan evaluation and special education research.
• Healthy Housing Solutions: Consulting firm supporting HUD's Healthy Homes program and training partners on the Healthy Homes Rating Tool. Direct overlap with CUS's HHCMS platform and HUD-funded healthy homes delivery.

Regional players

• University of Michigan Institute for Social Research: Michigan-based university research center conducting large-scale social science surveys, program evaluation, and policy research. Direct regional peer given shared Michigan state agency contracts and survey methodology strengths.
• Michigan State University Institute for Public Policy and Social Research: Michigan public university research center doing state-level policy research, evaluation, and survey work. Comparable operating model and overlapping state agency contracts in Michigan.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/waynestatedusp
• Facebookfacebook.com/WayneStateDUSP
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/wayne-state-university--center-for-urban-studies

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Wayne State University- Center For Urban Studies