Benny Docter

Benny Docter is a Senior Data and Policy Analyst at Poverty Solutions whose work focuses on the US labor market. Previously, Docter worked for three years as a quantitative researcher for the Urban Institute. Based in Urban’s Center for Metropolitan Housing and Communities, he gained extensive experience with designing data visualizations, conducting descriptive analysis, and applying quasi-experimental research methods. In addition to research work, Urban tasked him with providing technical assistance to place-based federal grantees. This assistance included advice and support to grantees designing data systems, conducting impact evaluations, and improving data-driven community engagement.

Prior to the Urban Institute, Docter worked for a Washington, DC-based affordable housing developer that specialized in improving and maintaining communities with Low Income Housing Tax Credits. After residents had moved into these subsidized units, he helped a team of community-based staff monitor and improve resident programs. Docter’s policy interests focus on housing, labor market policy, and welfare program design, with a passion for understanding how each these systems interact with one another. Docter holds a Bachelor’s in Economics and Social Studies from Wesleyan University and a Masters of Public Affairs from the University of Michigan’s Ford School of Public Policy.