The School of Public Affairs Research Institute (SOPARI) was formed in July 2013 under the leadership of its initial director, Dr. King Banaian. Interim leadership of the institute is currently being provided by Dr. Rich MacDonald. SOPARI provides faculty support in conducting applied public policy research and in offering a variety of outreach projects for regional audiences. Among the entities housed in SOPARI are the SCSU Survey, Center for Economic Education, Spatial Analysis Research Center (SARC), and the Faculty Research Group on Immigrant Workers in Minnesota. Publications produced under the umbrella of SOPARI include the St. Cloud Area Quarterly Business Report, a quarterly series of Minnesota Regional Economic and Business Conditions Reports, and special economic studies reports. As SOPARI continues to grow, additional publications from its entities will be added to the collections found in this section of the Repository.