The Research and Planning Services Division provides data retrieval and analysis for a variety of stakeholders, statistical reporting to a number of County and State entities, and survey design and implementation. Staff is also responsible for strategic planning and Managing for Results reporting and coordination. In the future, this Division will become involved in program evaluation, statistical analysis and research into best practices and trends.

In 2006, the Smoke-Free Arizona Act outlawed smoking within most enclosed public spaces and places of employment primarily to reduce the exposure of individuals to harmful secondhand smoke. The purpose of the Maricopa County Smoke-Free Parks Policy Assessment is three-fold: 1) to evaluate the extent and health impact of tobacco usage in public parks; 2) analyze smoke-free parks policies that have been proposed in cities, counties, and states nationwide; and 3) to assess the feasibility of introducing and implementing similar policies in Arizona, and in Maricopa County in particular.