This research study of pavement smoothness measurement was conducted in order to develop and implement an improved highway smoothness construction specification on asphalt concrete pavements. Achieving a higher level of smoothness on highways during construction results in savings to the taxpayer due to reduced wear and tear on vehicles, and longer highway life. Although the current ADOT specification used for highway smoothness addresses localized smoothness problems, it is difficult to administer due to the measurement system used, and provides little impetus to the contractor to improve his quality of work with respect to overall highway smoothness. This study provided data to assist ADOT in developing a new smoothness specification that would provide incentive to contractors to construct smoother pavements and which is easier for ADOT to administer. In order to provide incentive to contractors, a pavement smoothness construction quality control draft specification and associated measurement procedure was produced.

Maricopa County has experienced remarkable population growth for decades, and will continue to do so. But while expanding metro areas tend to pay close attention to physical infrastructure—diligently budgeting for roads, sewers, schools and the like—there is often a relative lack of attention to meeting the future demands for human services. Relying on the expertise from throughout the College of Public Programs, this report analyzes 12 critically important topics, including children and families, poverty, substance abuse, and Latinos.

Afterschool youth-development programs (AYDs) have grown significantly during the past 15 years in Arizona and nationally. Many providers have moved beyond simply providing a safe haven to actively promoting young people’s development. However, there is still tremendous opportunity for growth. There is also a continuing need to enhance coordination and collaboration among programs in order to extend their resources and heighten their impact.

Morrison Institute worked with AzCASE and VSUW to construct a 55-question survey using Qualtrics on-line software. While the term “afterschool” was used, the survey was designed to measure all types of out-of-school programs, regardless of whether they operate before or after school, on weekends, or during school and summer breaks. Approximately 1,800 questionnaires were distributed to individual program sites in Maricopa and Pima counties via a list provided by AzCASE. Though the survey did not utilize a random sample, its 38 percent response rate (681 returns) suggests that its findings can help educators, youth-development professionals, policymakers and the business community understand the scope, characteristics and needs of afterschool services in Arizona’s two largest population centers.