ABQPolicy
Methodology
The principles ABQPolicy uses to make local policy analysis transparent, reproducible, and appropriately cautious.
Primary evidence first
We prefer original government administrative data, official statistical agencies, legislation, budgets, and government reports. When secondary sources are necessary, we assess their methodology and link to the original evidence when available.
Geography matters
City, county, metropolitan area, census tract, ZIP code, neighborhood, and district statistics are not interchangeable. Every major statistic should identify the geography it describes.
Reproducibility
Substantial analyses should include data files, calculation notes, source vintages, and enough methodological detail for another researcher to reproduce the result.
Uncertainty and limitations
We separate facts from assumptions, forecasts, and recommendations. We state when evidence is mixed, limited, or insufficient and avoid arbitrary precision.
Recommendations
When evidence supports action, recommendations are assessed for potential impact, cost, implementation difficulty, time to impact, level of government, evidence strength, and meaningful tradeoffs.