Independent public-education research helping citizens understand the systems shaping communities, housing, service industries, and modern marketplaces.
Our flagship reports provide in-depth analysis of the systems shaping modern service marketplaces, consumer decision-making, and public trust.
Comprehensive annual analysis of contractor marketplace dynamics, platform practices, and consumer outcomes across all 50 states.
Read ReportHow to choose a contractor without getting burned by lead marketplaces, fake reviews, or pay-to-rank platforms.
Get Free ReportExplains how contractor marketplaces, lead brokers, and recommendation platforms actually operate.
Get Free ReportFramework for evaluating contractors, comparing estimates, and hiring responsibly.
Get Free ReportAnnual index measuring contractor marketplace fairness, transparency, and consumer protection across regions.
View IndexAnalysis of lead generation practices, pay-to-rank models, and information asymmetry in home services.
Read StudyAdditional research reports examining specific aspects of modern service marketplaces and consumer decision systems.
Annual assessment of public trust in home services industries and the factors that build or erode confidence.
Read Report →Research on community trust in home services and how local knowledge networks function in digital environments.
Read Report →Analysis of pricing dynamics, platform economics, and market structure in local service industries.
Read Report →How digital platforms have transformed consumer trust in local service markets and what that means for communities.
Read Report →How search engines, apps, and digital platforms shape how consumers find and evaluate service providers.
Read Briefing →State-by-state contractor marketplace overview and regional variations in pricing and availability.
View Guide →The Public Lyceum is a public education initiative of Pieces of a Dream Foundation, a nonprofit organization. We do not sell leads, accept advertising, or promote specific contractors. Our research is made possible by foundations, institutional partnerships, and public support.