Many policy analysts and urbanologists are interested in the role that cultural institutions play in cities, and this report from the RAND Corporation explores the interaction between these institutions and the different cities in which they are located. Released in March 2007, this 124-page report was authored by Kevin F. McCarthy, Elizabeth Heneghan Ondaatje, and Jennifer L. Novak. After starting their research in Philadelphia, this team of researchers moved on to study systems of support for the arts in eleven different metropolitan areas, including Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Phoenix, and Pittsburgh. Their findings include the observation that while the nonprofit arts sector flourished over the past decade, the sector continues to face a number of challenges, including shifting funding patterns and a public that is skeptical of government growth or increased taxes. As one of the authors commented in the report, "It is crucial that cities like Philadelphia realize how much the arts can contribute to other city goals, such as economic competitiveness, tourism, and quality of life."