How to Evaluate Choice and Promise Neighborhoods

Summary

This brief describes key research questions to keep in mind when evaluating community development efforts. The author further reviews how different evaluation approaches – from performance management and process study to experimental design and theory of change – can address core components of evaluating Promise and Choice Neighborhoods. 

Table of Contents

• Background
• Do Comprehensive Community Initiatives Work
• How Can We Tell If Choice and Promise Neighborhoods Work
• What Are Possible Evaluation Approaches
• Recommended Components of an Evaluation Strategy

Key Takeaway

Evaluating Choice and Promise Neighborhoods

Creating change or transforming neighborhoods is the main goal of most comprehensive community development efforts. Evaluations of such initiatives must balance the desire for rigorous causal evidence with political, economic and methodological realities.