On May 18, 2021 (16), the San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved recommendations on Launching a Comprehensive Approach to Evidence-Based Policy Making and Establishing the Office of Evaluation, Performance, and Analytics (OEPA). This action instructed OEPA to develop the County’s Annual Strategic Research Plan. The plan would identify the County’s most important research and policy questions and determine which key service areas and program models need evaluation.

The County’s first Annual Strategic Research Plan responds to direction from the Board of Supervisors. The plan was developed in collaboration with OEPA’s Internal Advisory Group which includes representatives from the County’s four Business Groups: Finance and General Government, Health and Human Services Agency, Land Use and Environment, and Public Safety. The public gave input as part of community engagement efforts for the County’s budget, and academic and technical experts also offered advice.

The research plan will be incorporated into the County’s strategic planning process. It has a five-year time horizon and will undergo annual revisions.