Foundations of Public Policy
Enhance your capacity to engage effectively in the policy process
Fiscal
crises force us to examine our priorities and consider trade-offs among various
policy problems and alternatives. In such times, it is more important than ever
for policy actors in local and state government to understand how to
effectively engage in the process-whether your role is developing policy
options, responding to proposals from the policy community or implementing
policy changes. This distinctive program exposes you to disciplinary tools and
concepts that inform the policy process, and provides opportunities to apply
your learning to contemporary issues and problems facing California. Learn from
experts with direct experience in public policy and hone your capacity to:
- Ask the right questions and identify the strategic issues involved in complex policy problems
- Envision a comprehensive range of policy options
- Understand how to evaluate the expected benefits of various policy alternatives
- Anticipate issues likely to arise during policy deliberations
- Deliver effective public testimony
Designed for professionals like you
This
program is designed for those who work directly or indirectly in the
policy sphere and would benefit from a broader foundation in public
policy as a discipline and a process. We especially invite
participation from department and agency directors, branch chiefs,
program directors and managers, program consultants, fiscal and budget
officers, finance analysts, public affairs officers and legislative
staff.
Agenda
Friday,
October 12
Minding the Process and Content of
Policy
Peter Detwiler
Understand when an idea’s time has come and how you
can influence agendas and alternatives.
Explore frameworks to guide your thinking about both the process and
content of policy.
Economics and Public Policy
Robert. W. Wassmer
Analyze the principles of economic reasoning and
their application to public policy.
Learn why markets sometimes fail, mechanisms for government
intervention, and how to compare and prioritize policy options using economic
analysis. Emphasis is on underlying
economic concepts as well as specific techniques for analyzing policy from an
economic lens.
Paying for Public Services in a Voter-Constrained
Environment
Marianne O’Malley & Brad Williams
Examine the principles of public finance, including
different mechanisms for funding public services and the rationale and
requirements for their use. Understand
the current state budget context in California, key dimensions of state-local
fiscal relations, and potential fiscal reforms.
Saturday,
October 27
Using Research to Effectively Guide
the Policy Process
Steve Boilard
Explore the use and misuse of research in the policy
process, and discover how well-designed research helps to define problems,
identify potential solutions and guide effective implementation. Emphasis is on being an effective consumer of
data generated by the policy research community.
Jeff Loux
Learn theory, approaches and techniques for how
collaborative policymaking can be used to develop lasting agreements in
contentious and complex environments.
Designing an Effective Policy
Proposal
Peter Detwiler
Learn why some proposals succeed when others fail,
how to anticipate objections and how to successfully communicate your own
policy proposals verbally and in writing. Gain hands-on practice in policy memo
writing, as well as an insider’s view on how the legislative process really works.
Mock Hearing
Ken DaRosa
This session will be held at the State Capitol
Hone your skills in delivering effective testimony
in a realistic and non-threatening environment. Participants are assigned to
represent a specific policy proposal as a team, and gain critical feedback from
capitol insiders with extensive legislative hearing experience.
Learn from policy insiders
We've assembled an exceptional team of speakers never before available in a single program to provide a range of perspectives that will enrich your learning experience.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Please notify me the next time this course is offered.
Download the course brochure.
(273 KB)testimonials
"I would recommend this class to anyone who wants a better understanding of public policy. It's truly an excellent foundation for understanding the process."
-Larry Womac, senior compliance representative, Franchise Tax Board
"This program provided me with an additional and thorough perspective in relationships among law, politics and policy. I learned a great deal!"
-Maureen Sullivan, Policy Counsel, Health Policy Associates
"Great combination of practice and theory. Wonderful, engaged instructors who know the topic and are good at sharing their enthusiasm."
-2009 Public Policy program participant
