Research contributes to our efforts to better understand and address consumer issues that impact Oregonians. 

The same court order that led to OCJ's creation also outlined a partnership with the University of Oregon that led to the establishment of the Oregon Consumer Protection Fund. The results of this research aim to enhance consumer protection across the state, strengthen consumer educational resources, and foster collaborations between academia and consumer advocates. Annually, a committee consisting of UO faculty and staff, OCJ staff, and community leaders assesses applications and distributes up to $300,000 in research grants to faculty and graduate students (which can include alumni). This year, grants were awarded to twelve projects, covering a wide array of topics related to consumer protection. 

Take a look at short descriptions of the projects:

Faculty Awards

1. Land Use Law, Climate Hazards, and Property Investment Risks for BIPOC and Low-Income Oregonians.
   This project will examine how local land use laws and the distribution of climate hazards affect property investments for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and low-income communities in Oregon. It will identify legal attributes that drive investments into properties located in hazard-prone areas and explore state law reforms to address these risks. The project aims to ensure that impacted communities are not disproportionately affected by climate-related property risks and to engage the public and policymakers in potential legal reforms.
2. Trading in the Dark.
   This project will investigate equity market activities outside of normal trading hours, focusing on the protection of retail investors. It aims to document the size of after-hours trading and analyze the effects on market liquidity and investor outcomes. The study will highlight the potential risks retail investors face when trading during these times without regulatory protections and suggest possible improvements to ensure fairer market practices.
3. Government Protections for People Excluded from the Housing Market in Oregon: HB 3115 and Measure 110.
   This project will explore the impacts of consumer protections for people without housing in Oregon, focusing on local regulatory changes under HB 3115 and Measure 110. The research will involve interviews with houseless individuals to understand their experiences and service needs. The findings will be considered with policy analysis and existing data to evaluate how these protections affect the most vulnerable populations in the housing spectrum.
4. Protecting Consumers’ Face Biometric Data in Financial Services.
   This project aims to develop robust facial recognition technology that protects consumers' facial biometric data in financial services. It will propose a new approach, the FBD-policy, which prevents financial service providers from misusing or leaking biometric data while allowing consumers to benefit from facial recognition technology. The research will include developing anti-spoofing detection models and secure biometric systems resistant to advanced computing threats.
5. Online Pharmaceuticals and Counterfeit Medicines: Developing Argument Strength Models for Addressing Consumer Attitudes, Perceptions, Behaviors.
   This study will address public health issues related to counterfeit medicines and the use of online pharmacies. It will develop and test communication strategies to raise awareness about counterfeit medicines and discourage their purchase. The project will focus on diverse consumer groups in Oregon, aiming to improve public knowledge and decision-making regarding online pharmaceutical purchases to enhance safety and trust.
6. Influence of Political Polarization on Consumer Decision Making.
   This project will examine how political polarization affects consumer decision-making, particularly in using consumer protections and susceptibility to scams. It will explore how political beliefs influence decisions on climate-related risks and other consumer behaviors. The research will help identify ways to improve consumer education and communication to reduce the negative impacts of political polarization on decision-making.
7. High Stakes: Examining the Impact of Integrated Sports Betting Platforms on Consumer Behavior.
   This project will investigate the impact of integrated sports betting platforms on consumer behavior. It will study how consumers perceive and respond to sports betting information from different media sources, including those with their own sportsbooks. The research aims to understand the influence of media-integrated betting platforms on gambling behavior and assess the potential for increased problematic gambling due to media influence.

Graduate Student Awards

1. Assessing the Impact of Mortgage Forbearance on Oregon Consumers and Communities: Closing the Wealth Gap with Income Shock Protections for Historically Disadvantaged Homeowners.
   This research will examine the effects of federal mortgage forbearance policies on Oregon homeowners, focusing on low-income and minority groups. It aims to identify the impact of forbearance on wealth accumulation and housing stability among disadvantaged populations. The project will use data from various sources to analyze the outcomes of forbearance policies during economic shocks, providing insights for future consumer protection measures.
2. Advancing Health Relevant Information and Services Among Oregon Temporary H2 Workers.
   This project aims to address healthcare access and information gaps for temporary H-2 visa workers in Oregon. It will document health and illness experiences among these workers and assess their knowledge of the US healthcare system. The research will focus on consumer education and building awareness with local organizations to improve healthcare access and outcomes for temporary migrant workers.
3. How Responsive is Airbnb Supply to Surges in Travel Demand?
   This project will analyze how Airbnb supply responds to changes in travel demand, particularly in housing-constrained markets. It will study the impact of short-term rentals on long-term rental availability and affordability. The research will use data from state COVID-19 restrictions to estimate property owners' responsiveness to demand surges, providing insights for policymakers on managing the effects of short-term rentals on local housing markets.
4. Fiduciary Duty and Financial Adviser Misconduct.
   This study will investigate the impact of fiduciary duty regulations on financial adviser misconduct. It will analyze whether imposing fiduciary duties on brokers reduces conflicts of interest and improves financial advice quality. The research will use data on adviser misconduct and financial product recommendations to evaluate the effectiveness of fiduciary duty rules in protecting consumers and promoting ethical behavior among financial advisers.