The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public policy think tank with a focus on policy solutions for Black communities. Founded in 1970, the Center conducts research and sponsors policy round-tables and publications on innovative research and strategic communication designed to support Black communities and its extended network of allies.
The Center does work on a range of public policy issues to support communities of color with a variety of focus areas. The Black Talent Initiative was created to identify a pool of top Black candidates for government positions that could affect long-term systemic change in federal policies and practices. The Joint Center's Economic Policy program engages with policy debates concerning workplace, small business, economic development, tax policy, and household economic security while centering Black communities as the focus. Their Hill Diversity initiative does research on members of Congress concerning diversity. The Center's Technology Policy program is focused on detailing the impact of new technology on Black communities and policy solutions to improve the lives of community members. Lastly, their Workforce Policy program discusses policy debates concerning the future of work, workforce development, and access to good jobs from the perspective of Black workers.