USC Price School of Public Policy

Giving community members center stage after disasters: Santina Contreras The USC Price assistant professor has spent her career helping voices of community members be heard in the wake of disasters.

#USCPrice’s Santina Contreras is rethinking disaster recovery — making sure community voices shape how we rebuild and plan for a more just, resilient future.

From wildfires in L.A. to solar canals and urban trees, her work is turning research into real impact. 💡🌍

uscprice.page/3ZQfnzJ

USC Price School Rises to No. 3 Ranked Public Affairs School U.S. News & World Report has ranked the USC Price School among its top 5 public affairs schools since 2016 and among its top 10 since 2008

📣 Big news! USC Price has climbed to No. 3 in the nation in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings for public affairs schools.
We're proud to continue our tradition of excellence in shaping future leaders and driving impact through policy.
priceschool.usc.edu/news/us-news...

How capping NIH indirect costs on scientific experiments could impact the Connecticut economy The NIH has proposed capping indirect costs to universities at 15%, which experts say could impact the Connecticut economy.

Capping NIH indirect costs risks jobs, research, and top talent. USC Price’s Alexandra Graddy-Reed warns of major economic fallout for CT and beyond:
www.nhregister.com/connecticut/...

Brookings president to deliver USC Price Commencement keynote speech Cecilia Elena Rouse, a former White House economic adviser and now president of one of the nation’s top think tanks, will be the keynote speaker at the 2025 Commencement ceremony for the USC Price Sch...

We’re thrilled to welcome Cecilia Elena Rouse — labor economist and president of @brookings.edu — as our 2025 Commencement speaker!

A trailblazer in public service, her leadership and insight will inspire the next generation of changemakers. 🎓

Learn more: priceschool.usc.edu/news/brookin...

Looking fwd to Jeff Jenkins' PIPE workshop on 4/15 at @priceschool.usc.edu w/ @nicholasnapolio.bsky.social as discussant.

I'll present a new @usc-clear.bsky.social paper on the impact of genAI on the U.S. fed civil service (arxiv.org/abs/2503.09637).

The qualities overlooked by Doge Plus, a round-up of the latest work and careers content

I was happy to contribute to the following piece by Bethan Staton at @financialtimes.com on the things that are escaping #DOGE in their attempts at "reform."

on.ft.com/3R0vZ35

USC Price Policy Perspectives: Navigating AI in American Governance YouTube video by USC Price

USC Price recently hosted a compelling discussion on AI’s impact on policymaking, public administration, and ethics. Moderated by @billresh.bsky.social, the panel explored AI’s challenges and opportunities in governance.

Missed it? Watch the full recording now: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUKl...

DOGE's attempt to be a force for genuine reform will depend on its decision-making COMMENTARY | The Elon Musk-backed efficiency initiative should rely on sound decision-making as well as selecting sustainable preferences, argue two scholars.

USC Price Prof. Frank Zerunyan highlights the need for transparency, accountability & ethical leadership in DOGE’s reforms—ensuring sustainable governance over partisan shifts.
Read more on the importance of sound decision-making in government efficiency:
uscprice.page/43tMufw

Seven leading research universities are collaborating to advance solar arrays over California’s canals.

Full press release: drive.google.com/file/d/17qFI...

This Is What California's Crowded Governor's Field Could Learn From Gavin Newsom's Tenure: Professor Christian Grose, a political science professor at the University of Southern California, joined "Forbes Newsroom" to discuss the state of California's governor race.

California's governor's race requires candidates to navigate one of the most diverse political landscapes in the nation.

"There are all of these different demands and policy views, and it’s very hard to balance," @christiangrose.bsky.social tells @forbes.com.

www.forbes.com/sites/forbes...

USC Price Policy Perspectives: Navigating AI in American Governance

Join @priceschool.usc.edu in DC March 18 at 6pm for an engaging discussion on AI in Governance in the federal government and beyond.

I'll be moderating a discussion with three esteemed experts in this field: Taka Ariga, Diana Gehlhaus & Dan Chenok.

Come network, drink, eat & engage!

RSVP here:

Promotional graphic for a panel discussion at USC Capital Campus in Washington D.C. titled 'Navigating AI: Policy Perspectives in American Governance.' Features an image of the U.S. Capitol building with overlay text detailing the event information happening on March 18th, 2025.

Join the USC Price School for an engaging panel discussion about the role of artificial intelligence in American governance and how it is shaping #policymaking, public administration, and ethical decision-making at the USC Capital Campus!

RSVP Here: uscprice.page/4iaWD4P

Photo of USC Price dean Chris Boone being applaued by a standing crowd as he walks down a conference room aisle. A caption in the corner reads: Price News: Sustainability leader Chris Boone installed as USC Price dean

Picture of USC Price Dean and C. Erwin and Ione L. Piper Chair, Chris Boone with the following quote: "At Price, we have engaged in scholarship and activities for policies, and plans and guidelines that are responsive to immediate needs — but also anticipate future needs. Our goal is to solve problems, and there are plenty to solve. But our goal should also focus on problem avoidance."

Join us in celebrating an exciting new chapter in the Trojan Community as the USC Price School proudly congratulates Dean Christopher Boone on his recent official installation!

Read about the event:
today.usc.edu/sustainabili...

California faces 'unprecedented' population shift A dramatic increase in the older adult population by 2040 is expected in California, according to a new report.

CA’s aging population is growing fast. By 2040, over 22% of residents will be 65 or older, reshaping the workforce, economy, and politics.

USC's Dowell Myers emphasized a need to invest in today's schoolchildren to prepare them as the future workforce and taxpayers: www.newsweek.com/california-p...

Wanted: Senator, No Experience Necessary Increased polarization is leading to a growing number of U.S. Senators who have no elected experience, undermining the chamber’s effectiveness.

More senators than ever are taking office with no prior political experience.

A new study presented at USC’s PIPE Collaborative breaks down why this is happening and how it’s changing the Senate.

Learn more here: priceschool.usc.edu/news/senate-...

Rightsizing Government - United States House Committee on Oversight and Accountability United States House Committee on Oversight and Accountability

USC Price's William Resh (@billresh.bsky.social) testified at a House Committee hearing on Rightsizing Government, tackling a critical issue as policymakers consider changes to the federal workforce: the capacity of the federal workforce.

Watch the full hearing: oversight.house.gov/hearing/righ...

Why are Californians so pessimistic about the economy? Mark Baldassare – Senior Fellow at the USC Price School’s Bedrosian Center on Governance – surveyed Californians to better understand their views on the economy.

Californians are more worried about the economy than ever, with many feeling uncertain about their financial future.

In a new survey, USC Bedrosian's Mark Baldassare explores why economic anxiety remains high & what policies could help restore confidence: uscprice.page/4hsVu8E

Opinion: Why the federal worker buyouts are no panacea for the U.S. budget The Trump administration's proposal, led by Elon Musk, is a dangerous attempt to shrink a workforce that provides key services and public oversight.

In his @latimes.com op-ed, Price Professor William Resh (@billresh.bsky.social) breaks down the flawed math behind the Trump administration’s claim of $100 billion in savings and warns of the devastating consequences of gutting the federal workforce:
www.latimes.com/opinion/stor...

How policymakers can help the L.A. wildfire recovery USC Price alum Jennifer Gray Thompson, a leading expert on wildfire recovery, explains what local and federal officials can do to rebuild L.A.

After wildfires devastated parts of LA County, the path to recovery raises urgent questions about policy, funding, & resilience.
#USCPrice alum & CEO of After The Fire USA Jennifer Gray Thompson shares what local & federal leaders must do to support survivors & rebuild smarter: uscprice.page/4aENtv1

Harper Ranked Nation’s Top Education Policy Scholar - USC Race and Equity Center The field’s 200 most influential professors are ranked in Education Week each year. More than 20,000 education researchers work at U.S. colleges and universities […]

Congratulations to Professor Shaun Harper on his incredible achievement of being ranked #8 overall—and #1 in the Government and Policy subfield—on Education Week’s 2025 list of the most influential education scholars!
uscprice.page/40B0SQ2

Remote control: How Trump’s return-to-office mandate will short-circuit federal talent This ham-fisted approach to government management will likely prove counterproductive, undermining the very efficiency and accountability it claims to promote.

@priceschool.usc.edu doctoral candidate, Eli Joun, and I have a commentary on the Trump administration's anti-remote work dictates up at the Federal News Network. Our work at the @usc-clear.bsky.social CLEAR Initiative (clear.usc.edu) is highlighted, as well as recent work from OPM researchers.

On @laist.com's AirTalk, #USC professor of education, public policy, and business Shaun Harper and @politico.com's Robert King explore the deep history of #DEI, its evolution, and its impact on both government and the private sector:
uscprice.page/4jFN5jZ

@uscrossier.bsky.social

Join us in congratulating #USCPrice Associate Dean for Advancement, Erika Bernal on her reappointment as Cultural Arts Commissioner of the City of Brea. #PriceProud ✌️

Reconstruction Revival: How to Rebuild L.A. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Homes and businesses lost to this month’s devastating fires in #LACounty are set to be rebuilt, offering a chance to establish more resilient communities.

#USCPrice's Reconstruction Revival: How to Rebuild L.A. featured insights from experts: uscprice.page/42sbFyB

How policymakers can help the L.A. wildfire recovery USC Price alum Jennifer Gray Thompson, a leading expert on wildfire recovery, explains what local and federal officials can do to rebuild L.A.

One of the nation’s leading experts on wildfire disaster recovery and @priceschool.usc.edu alum, Jennifer Gray Thompson weighs in on rebuilding L.A. and the role of FEMA.

Welcome to the official USC Sol Price School of Public Policy Bluesky Account!

@usc.edu