Independent
Nonideological
Research

Explore PARCA's Most Recent Research Here

WE ENVISION A THRIVING ALABAMA SHAPED BY FACTS,
NOT FACTIONS.

PARCA exists to strengthen Alabama’s future by informing policy through honest, objective,
nonpartisan, nonideological research.  

For more than three decades, we have produced the objective research that state and local leaders, school systems, nonprofits, and the business community rely on to make sound decisions. We do not advocate or endorse. 

Our work is to inform.

Serving Alabama Since 1988

Click below to explore PARCA’s most recent publications by research topic:

Special Studies Public Safety Public Finance Government and Operations Management Education Research Center
Interior of Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse courtroom for an article on court costs and tax revenue.

“Low-hanging fruit” or “blood out of a turnip”? As tax revenue slows, lawmakers in Alabama and across the United States may turn to court costs.

Government courthouse building with reflecting pool accompanying research on local court fees and jail detention

Local Court Fee Increases Associated with Increased Jail Detention, New Research Finds

Lower Fines and Fees Raise MORE Revenue than Higher Fines and Fees, Study Finds

How Alabama Taxes Compare, 2025

State Tax Revenues Cool in FY 2025

Alabama’s $60 Billion Question

Interior of Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse courtroom for an article on court costs and tax revenue.

“Low-hanging fruit” or “blood out of a turnip”? As tax revenue slows, lawmakers in Alabama and across the United States may turn to court costs.

Alabama Judicial Building in Montgomery, associated with the state court system

Joint Interim Court Cost Study Commission Recommends Standardization, Transparency, and Reform to “Patchwork” System of Fees

Charts showing FY 2025 SNAP error rates by state, including a U.S. map and ranked bar graph.

SNAP Error is Not SNAP Fraud

Graphic from PARCA report showing the growth of Alabama school choice policies from the 2013 and 2015 acts to the 2024 CHOOSE

Alabama’s School Choice Landscape, Explained: New PARCA Report Traces a Decade of Growth

Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program 2026 dashboard showing statewide grades 3–5 proficiency in math, ELA, and science.

Tool for Comparing Performance on Alabama Public School Standardized Testing

Bar chart comparing FY 2024 per-pupil education spending across states, with Alabama highlighted.

How Alabama Education Spending Compares

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PARCA works with organizations from across the state and nation.