Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy

Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy A community dedicated to the public good at the world-class University of Michigan. Leaders rooted in service, policy grounded in evidence. 〽️

We believe in the Ford School Difference:

Making a real and lasting difference in the world through game-changing discoveries; actionable policy solutions; rigorous, applied courses; and our powerful and growing network of alumni.

ICYMI: Is Michigan ready to govern responsibly? Molly Kleinman, Managing Director of the Science, Technology, and Publ...
05/29/2026

ICYMI: Is Michigan ready to govern responsibly?

Molly Kleinman, Managing Director of the Science, Technology, and Public Policy program, spoke to Michigan Advance about the promises and pitfalls of AI adoption in Michigan's state agencies.

One of her key insights: the people most at risk from poorly designed AI systems are those who are already vulnerable. And right now, states are "woefully behind" on the regulations needed to keep those harms in check.

Read more: https://myumi.ch/bDZx3

Advanced coursework shouldn’t be out of reach. Rohan Dharan (BA ’13) led DC Public Schools (DCPS) initiatives to expand ...
05/28/2026

Advanced coursework shouldn’t be out of reach. Rohan Dharan (BA ’13) led DC Public Schools (DCPS) initiatives to expand access to advanced and enriched academics.📚

Now he directs AP instructional services at the College Board. “Anything I can do to make teachers’ lives easier and set students up for long-term success—that's my guiding principle, every day.”

Read “Pathways for student success” in State & Hill: https://myumi.ch/G2mg4
Check out the full edition: https://myumi.ch/8qpd2

"Visual art is a powerful way to share a critique or vision," said Assistant Professor Devin Judge-Lord. "What we were d...
05/28/2026

"Visual art is a powerful way to share a critique or vision," said Assistant Professor Devin Judge-Lord. "What we were doing here is 'evidence-based art'—with each student choosing a policy they care about."

Students in PubPol 475/750 recently exhibited original work at the “Art for Policy Change” exhibit, each piece grounded in social science research on how protest movements shape policy. Developed in collaboration with UMMA: University of Michigan Museum of Art's American Sampler exhibit, the course had students tackle disability justice, climate change, housing, immigration, and imperialism.

Read the story: https://myumi.ch/gkjDZ

Catch up with and learn about professional and personal accomplishments! Read the Class Notes in the spring edition of...
05/27/2026

Catch up with and learn about professional and personal accomplishments!

Read the Class Notes in the spring edition of State & Hill: https://myumi.ch/jV4wN
Check out the newest edition:https://myumi.ch/8qpd2

How do authoritarian regimes make and enforce policy? Graduate students are deepening their understanding of autocratic ...
05/26/2026

How do authoritarian regimes make and enforce policy?

Graduate students are deepening their understanding of autocratic governance in Ann Lin’s new section of PubPol510, a foundational course that focuses on the political processes and institutional structures for successful decision-making. 📓

“Policy professionals may not be able to change their governments, but they can choose to support and strengthen transparent and stable laws, voice and responsiveness, and accountable governance that works for the common good,” says Lin.

Read “Policy under autocracy”: https://myumi.ch/P3yg1
Check out the latest edition of State & Hill: https://myumi.ch/8qpd2

The Older Americans Act (OAA) is the overlooked legislation that is changing lives for older adults. Michael Costa (MPP ...
05/25/2026

The Older Americans Act (OAA) is the overlooked legislation that is changing lives for older adults.

Michael Costa (MPP ’82) goes beyond the headlines to explain why the OAA is critical to helping people age with independence.

Read “The overlooked legislation changing lives for older adults”: https://myumi.ch/6Pj36
Read the full edition of State & Hill: https://myumi.ch/8qpd2

ICYMI: The nuclear family model is no longer the default for many Americans. Associate Professor Natasha Pilkauskas spok...
05/25/2026

ICYMI: The nuclear family model is no longer the default for many Americans. Associate Professor Natasha Pilkauskas spoke with Business Insider about multi-generational living. 🏡

"A lot of it is driven by changes in family structure," she says. "You do see that there are much higher rates of multigenerational households among divorced families than among married families."

Between July 2023 and June 2024, 17% of all US home buyers purchased a multigenerational home—up from 14% the year before. Rising housing costs, childcare expenses, and shifting family structures are pushing more Americans to live together across generations.

"I still think people would desire the 'Leave It to Beaver' lifestyle," Pilkauskas notes. "I think that this is coming from necessity, more than preference."

Read more: https://myumi.ch/Z8kpG

“Policy can only be effective if it’s shaped by the people it affects. It can’t be created in ivory towers.” - Alexandr...
05/24/2026

“Policy can only be effective if it’s shaped by the people it affects. It can’t be created in ivory towers.” - Alexandra Citrin (MPP/MSW '12)

During her early years in direct practice, Citrin had a striking realization: families routinely faced policy barriers that made it difficult to care for their children. The systems designed to help families were failing.

Citrin and her team are collaborating with policymakers, system leaders, communities, and young people to advance and child welfare reform that center around families. 🏠

Read “Families at the center of welfare reform” in State & Hill: https://myumi.ch/2rVAm
Dive into the full edition: https://myumi.ch/8qpd2

Congratulations to Professor Don Moynihan for receiving the prestigious 2026 George Fredrickson Award for Career Contrib...
05/23/2026

Congratulations to Professor Don Moynihan for receiving the prestigious 2026 George Fredrickson Award for Career Contributions from the Public Management Research Association! 🏆

Moynihan’s groundbreaking work has shaped public administration globally. From advising the UN, World Bank, and WHO to having his research cited in presidential budget proposals and major outlets like The New York Times.

This honor follows his recent Guggenheim Fellowship, adding yet another milestone to an incredible career dedicated to government accountability and efficacy. Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved recognition! 👏
Read more: https://myumi.ch/9J9N3

More than 50% of immigrants surveyed from Michigan have or know someone who has avoided everyday activities due to fear ...
05/23/2026

More than 50% of immigrants surveyed from Michigan have or know someone who has avoided everyday activities due to fear of drawing attention to their immigration status. This finding comes from a new study by the Center for Racial Justice (CRJ) and Immigration Policy Lab at Stanford University, using data from the Detroit Metro Area Communities and the Michigan Metro Area Communities Studies.

"These fears have moved far beyond the border—they’ve entered the doctor's office and the school parking lot," says Mara Ostfeld, associate research professor.

They also found:
📊 6 in 10 reported having seen or heard of ICE activity in their local community.
📊 Nearly 3 in 4 reported that current federal policies are harmful to some degree.
📊 Nearly 1 in 4 respondents reported experiencing discrimination or mistreatment in just the last six months.

Read more: https://myumi.ch/4xebw

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