David J. Wright is director of Urban and Metropolitan Studies at the Institute. His research focuses on state and local governments' role in implementing federal economic stimulus, and the effectiveness of place-based strategies and public partnerships in workforce development and neighborhood renewal. Wright was project director of the Roundtable on Religion and Social Welfare Policy, which examined the role, legality and effectiveness of government partnerships with religious organizations in delivering public services. He has directed national field network studies examining aspects of welfare reform, the Empowerment Zone/Enterprise Community program and the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative.