North Carolina Results First

The North Carolina Results First Initiative is a framework that relies on rigorous program evaluations and benefit-cost analysis. It is based on a model developed by The Pew Charitable Trusts and MacArthur Foundation and the Washington State Institute of Public Policy (WSIPP). The initiative helps North Carolina identify programs that generate positive outcomes and maximize the value of taxpayer dollars for North Carolina.

The Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) works with state agencies to collect and populate data to complete the inventory of currently funded programs, review which ones have evidence, and run the benefit-cost model. Once the benefit-cost analysis has been completed, OSBM and partner agencies review results and use them to inform how programs are designed and how resources are allocated across programs. 

NC Results First is one way OSBM is helping state agencies develop evidence-based policy decisions. 

For each policy area, OSBM publishes program inventories and reports.