The Metropolitan Center is the leading urban “think tank” in South Florida and an applied research unit in the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) at Florida International University. Since 1997 the Center has accumulated an impressive track record of local, regional and statewide public opinion and other types of survey research. The Center is engaged in the study of the demographics, economics and politics of South Florida. The overall goal of the Center is to provide decision-makers with the best possible information to forge solutions to the problems confronting South Florida's urban areas. Toward that goal, the Center provides research, training, and technical assistance to governmental and nonprofit organizations in South Florida.