The 37th Annual CPAR Data and Research Series for Community Impact is perfect for anyone looking to use data to drive change in our communities — whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started.
Creating a Local Data Infrastructure Recording
Purchase the Creating a Local Data Infrastructure recording for $20.
Note: Purchase is non-refundable because you will receive access to the recording and presentation materials.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 9 A.M.-12 P.M. | In-person and Virtual (Zoom Webinar)
In-person location will be the University of Nebraska at Omaha Dodge Campus and is limited to 90 attendees. (Exact location will be emailed to you after completing registration.)
The 2025 Data and Research Series for Community Impact explored growing challenges facing federal data sources, including threats to data quality, access, and long-term sustainability. In the first session of 2026, we build on this conversation by shifting the focus to local data — data collected at the state, regional, or community level to support local decision-making — and exploring where gaps exist and what it will take to strengthen local data capacity.
9-9:05 A.M. – Welcome
- Morgan Vogel, Ph.D., Assistant Director, University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research
9:05-9:45 A.M. – What’s New from the U.S. Census Bureau: Key Data Updates for Nebraskans
Following delays caused by the federal government shutdown in fall 2025, several major U.S. Census Bureau data products are now available, including the 2025 Vintage Population Estimates and the 2024 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates. This session provides a comprehensive update on what’s new across demographics, the economy, housing, and social characteristics, and what these data mean for communities and organizations.
- Josie Gatti Schafer, Ph.D., Director, University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research
9:45-10:45 A.M. – Building and Sharing Local Data
This panel brings together experts in the development and dissemination of local data. Learn how they identify local data needs, design systems for data collection and analysis, and ensure information is accessible and useful for community stakeholders.
- Mallory Bateman, M.Sc., Director of Demographic Research, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at The University of Utah
- Scott Hunzeker, Research Administrator, Nebraska Department of Labor
- Catherine Harvey, Senior Policy Program Manager, Research to Action Lab at the Urban Institute
- Moderator: Josie Gatti Schafer, Ph.D., Director, University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research
10:45-11 A.M. – Break
11 A.M.-12 P.M. – Local Data Needs Across Nebraska
This panel of leaders from across Nebraska will reflect on the most pressing local data needs in the state. The discussion will explore why these data matter, how gaps limit decision-making, and what communities, policymakers, and organizations could do with stronger local data infrastructure.
- Teliza V. Rodriguez, Creative District Coordinator, Nebraska Arts Council
- Kellie Johnston Dorsey, AICP, Deputy Planning Director, Housing and Community Development, City of Omaha Planning Department
- Dena Beck, M.S., Central Regional Navigator, 6 Regions, One Nebraska
- Moderator: Josie Gatti Schafer, Ph.D., Director, University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research
12 P.M. – Closing Remarks
Note: The University of Nebraska at Omaha will be taking photos/video at this event for use in advertising and other promotional materials, whether in print, electronic, or other media.
Presenters
| Presenter Photo | Presenter Name, Title, Place of Work | Presenter Biography |
 |
Josie Gatti Schafer, Ph.D. Director University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research |
Schafer joined the University of Nebraska at Omaha as the director of the Center for Public Affairs Research (CPAR) in 2018, drawn to its strong history and reputation as Nebraska’s go-to source for expert data and analysis, particularly in their role as the Stata Data Center for the United States Census Bureau. In this role she has also focused on advancing the organization by growing the budget, fueled by cultivating community-engaged research projects, expanding community and professional development events, and committing to a communications strategy that aligns with CPAR’s action-oriented approach. CPAR focuses on three main areas of research, workforce access and equity, community and economic development, and data for policy and decision makers. Prior she was faculty at Kansas State University and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. |
 |
Morgan Vogel, Ph.D. Assistant Director University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research |
Vogel is the assistant director and senior research associate at the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She works on community-engaged research projects with state and community partners on a wide range of topics, including workforce access and equity, entrepreneurship, rural transit, organizational dynamics and decision-making, and policy learning. Vogel is also a Strategic Data Project Fellow, a program of the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University. Her research has been published in International Public Management Journal, State & Local Government Review, Public Integrity, and the Journal of Public Affairs Education. |
 |
Mallory Bateman, M.Sc. Director of Demographic Research Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at The University of Utah |
Bateman is the director of demographic research at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at The University of Utah. Mallory uses her expertise in Census Bureau data and products to share insights with diverse public, private, and media audiences. She has a bachelor’s degree in urban planning from the University of Utah and a master’s degree in social policy and planning from the London School of Economics. |
 |
Scott Hunzeker Research Administrator Nebraska Department of Labor |
Hunzeker is a seasoned labor market research professional with over 25 years of experience analyzing employment, wage, and industry trends. He leads the Nebraska’s Labor Market Information division, overseeing federal–state statistical programs and producing local data and publications that guide policymakers, businesses, educators, and the public. Scott has been involved in multiple national organizations dedicated to improving and modernizing labor market information systems and data. |
 |
Catherine Harvey Senior Policy Program Manager Research to Action Lab at the Urban Institute |
Harvey is the senior policy program manager at the Research to Action Lab at the Urban Institute where she translates research into actionable solutions. For nearly 20 years she has advanced public policies and programs to improve households’ financial wellbeing. She previously held policy and research roles at AARP and UnidosUS, the largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States. She is a systems thinker with a passion for strengthening cross-sector collaboration in Nebraska. |
 |
Teliza V. Rodriguez Creative District Coordinator Nebraska Arts Council |
Rodriguez is a curator, arts administrator, and artist advocate with more than 25 years of experience in the Midwest arts community. Raised in a small Nebraska town, she brings a deep understanding of rural values and the transformative power of the arts. She specializes in artist relations, project planning, and community development, with a mission to bridge art and economic development in communities both urban and rural. From 2005 to 2020 she served as curator at the Museum of Nebraska Art, organizing more than 250 exhibitions. She later coached and connected entrepreneurs and communities through Rural Prosperity Nebraska at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Today, Rodriguez serves as creative district coordinator for the Nebraska Arts Council, leading data collection efforts to produce legislative reports that secure continued funding for Nebraska's growing Creative Districts program. |
 |
Kellie Johnston Dorsey, AICP Deputy Planning Director Housing and Community Development, City of Omaha Planning Department |
Johnston Dorsey is a deputy director in the City of Omaha’s Planning Department. She oversees the Housing and Community Development Division, which efficiently and effectively deploys over $100 million in federal grant funds. Previously, Johnston Dorsey worked for the City of Kansas City, Missouri, for 11 years creating and implementing community development plans. She earned her master’s degree from Kansas State University, bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University, and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. |
 |
Dena Beck, M.S. Central Regional Navigator 6 Regions, One Nebraska |
Beck is a returner to her hometown of Minden, Nebraska, and has a 25-year background in regional community and economic development including lending, philanthropy, chamber, and one-one-one technical assistance. She earned her bachelor’s degree in horticultural therapy from Kansas State University, a master’s degree in organizational management with minors in entrepreneurship and economic development from Peru State College, holds a Certificate in Community Development Finance from the University of New Hampshire’s Carsey School of Public Policy, and is certified in mediation and conflict resolution from the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center. Beck is working with the Central Region’s 25 counties to leverage the assets and economic resources to create tailored, data-driven action plans for regional benefit in the areas of housing, workforce, and childcare. Dena and her spouse, David, live on the Beck Ranchette, 20 acres North of Minden and have two grown daughters, a Great Pyrenees, and two Irish Wolfhounds. |
Questions? Contact unocpar@unomaha.edu or 402.554.7533.
UNO is an AA/EEO/ADA institution. For Title IX concerns, please contact the Title IX Coordinator (phone:402.554.2120). For ADA/504 accommodations or assistance, please call/contact the ADA/504 Coordinator (phone 402.554.2463) or the Accessibility Services Center (phone: 402.554.2872).