Urban Institute – Bias and Credibility

These media sources have a slight to moderate liberal bias.  They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes) to favor liberal causes.  These sources are generally trustworthy for information but may require further investigation. See all Left-Center sources.

• Overall, we rate the Urban Institute Left-Center biased based on story selection and editorial positions that favor the left. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact-check record.

Detailed Report

Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER
Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: USA
Press Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY

History

Founded in 1968, The Urban Institute is a Washington DC-based think tank that carries out economic and social policy research.  The Urban Institute was established by the Lyndon B. Johnson administration to study the nation’s urban problems and evaluate the Great Society initiatives embodied in more than 400 laws passed in the prior four years. Johnson hand-selected well-known economists and civic leaders to create a non-partisan, independent research organization. The current president is Sarah Rosen Wartell.

Read our profile on the United States government and media.

Funded by / Ownership

The Urban Institute is a nonprofit organization that is funded through donations. According to a US News and World Report story, “most political campaign donations by Urban Institute employees go to Democratic politicians. Between 2003 and 2010, Urban Institute employees made $79,529 in political contributions, none of which went to the Republican Party. According to OpenSecrets, 99% of their donations have gone to Democratic candidates or causes since 1992. The Urban Institute discloses its funding here.

Analysis / Bias

In review, the website features research and news related to economic policy from a liberal perspective. Headlines and articles feature minimally loaded language such as this: Promoting Sustainability for Promise Neighborhood Grantees. This research is very well-sourced and researched.

Editorially, the Urban Institute leans left with policy positions that favor income equality, sustainable energy, and LGBTQ rights. When it comes to reporting on conservative positions such as housing, they report negatively, such as this: The Trump budget for unhealthy housing. In general, news reporting is factual but with left-leaning editorial positions.

Failed Fact Check

• None in the Last 5 years, but they are used by IFCN fact-checkers as a resource.

Overall, we rate the Urban Institute Left-Center biased based on story selection and editorial positions that favor the left. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact-check record. (5/18/2017) Updated (D. Van Zandt 11/21/2022)

Source: https://www.urban.org/