Our director, Chelsea Mauldin, spoke at the Grantmakers in Aging Conference on why policy and funding decisions should reflect the lived experience of communities.
Roque Barros, Carlene Davis, Tonya Williams, Kali Peterson, and “Jason,” of @thepeoplesayusa.bsky.social joined her in making the case!
We're joined by
@beeckcenter.bsky.social, @codeforamerica.org, @civilladetroit.bsky.social, and the Better Government Lab in this call, urging for SNAP to be fully funded now to prevent hunger, protect the most vulnerable, and provide economic stability.
Food is a basic human need. How we respond in this moment will define whether we care for our neighbors—or allow millions to go hungry.
A group of civic tech nonprofits is issuing a statement on recent SNAP disruptions.
Read here: beeckcenter.georgetown.edu/statement-on...
Members of The Lab @ DC and the Public Policy Lab in front of a painting of Washington, DC.
We were thrilled to host members of the @publicpolicylab.bsky.social (NYC) today. We chatted about current projects and shared lessons learned across our teams. This meeting built on connections made at #BenCamp2025 hosted by the @beeckcenter.bsky.social ✨
Green graphic with white and orange text, recognizing discounted rates for recently furloughed or fired civil servants for DotGov Design's upcoming Nov. 4th full-day conference. Illustration of a capitol building.
We know it's a challenging time – so we’re *honoring early bird 🎟️ prices for all furloughed or fired fed, state, & local civil servants.*
Our full-day conference's a safe space for designers + changemakers. 🔗 in bio, register w/code DG25FANDF #FederalWorkers #CivicTech #WeTheBuilders #BuiltToServe
Free webinar! Join PPL Midwest’s John Buckley and healing-centered design expert Mary Foyder for a crucial discussion on designing for care in an age of austerity. More information here:
www.eventbrite.com/e/designing-...
Whether you’re a policymaker, benefits administrator, technologist, or advocate, this report will empower you to protect user data and keep state systems secure—without creating barriers.
We're thrilled to have collaborated on this research with @digitalbenefits.bsky.social!
Does constituent engagement count as qualitative research? 🤔
In the latest Voice/Mail, we chat with @publicpolicylab.bsky.social's @chelseamauldin.bsky.social about how local insights shape better policy...if we let them surface.
voicemailgov.substack.com/p/meaningful...
We are thrilled to announce our Digital Benefits Ecosystem Directory + Map—a dynamic, open-source guide showing which orgs use tech to improve the delivery of public benefit programs and how they connect across shared focus areas.
digitalgovernmenthub.org/ecosystem/
@digitalbenefits.bsky.social
Are you a graduate student looking to spend your summer improving public services? Apply to be Public Policy Lab's next summer intern! All interns are paid, mentored by PPL staff, and contribute to all phases of project work. 💥
Applications due May 1st. www.publicpolicylab.org/announcement...
Social Security benefits provide vital income for #OlderAdults, yet fixed payments fall short of covering basic needs for many. To create meaningful solutions, policymakers must listen to first-hand stories of these struggles. Explore participants’ experiences with #fixedincome at thepeoplesay.org.
This week we had the pleasure of presenting our work to students at NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. We shared our approach to public policy work and answered many smart questions. Thanks Professor Hou for having us--we love exchanging ideas with the next generation of policymakers!
We're looking forward to this lecture next week and are thrilled to see Sylvia Harris--extraordinary design strategist, citizen designer, and PPL co-founder--represented! See you there!
We were featured in last week's Digital Benefits in the News for our recent EPIC article. Thanks for the shoutout @digitalbenefits.bsky.social!
www.epicpeople.org/the-people-s...
Stripes, dots, blocks, diamonds. ♦️ 🔸 🟣 Scenes from a colorful journey mapping session with our Prevention Pathways team. Check out our case study to learn how the team is working to improve referral pathways to ACS prevention services. t.co/N86BhQsf8F
We asked older adults what their aspirations are as they get older. One phenomenon that many people expressed is not 'feeling their age' because they're more energetic than they, or society, might've expected.
Our #EPIC2024 article is live! 'The People Say: How We Built a Groundbreaking Public Research Platform to Catalyze Human-Centered Policymaking' takes you through our process – from research activities to 'what's next' for the platform. t.co/zu7pH3Dwte
Calling all social workers, case planners, and direct service providers! Join the NYC Care Coalition for networking, resource sharing, and professional development opportunities. Bi-monthly Zoom meetings + annual in-person networking party! Interest form: publicpolicylab.typeform.com/to/F3Ryn5nP
Policies for #olderadults need to be informed by the real-world experiences of people like Christine. Visit thepeoplesay.org to learn more.
Meet Christine. In her late 70s living in rural Pennsylvania, if Christine had a magic wand to change one thing about the healthcare system, it would be: "Access. Access to all. Access to things that help people to age in place and make aging not feel like a downward spiral."
A round of crit to kick off the new year! We're putting our final touches on the Soul Care program, a multi-part mental health and well-being program that will be implemented in New York City foster care agencies. More updates to come!
Episode 1 of Design As is here: Host Lee Moreau sits down with @stsay.bsky.social, @geoffmulgan.bsky.social, and Chelsea Mauldin (@publicpolicylab.bsky.social) to explore how design drives innovation in local, national, and international policy. Listen now: designobserver.com/design-as-go...
The redesigned Owner Package helps property owners understand the Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) program and register through a welcoming and efficient smart PDF. Check out our recent webinar on the design principles we followed to create these materials: youtu.be/v8_Ho2c9k84
Congrats to our partners at NYC’s Dept of Housing Preservation and Development who launched new materials for the Section 8 program that assists 39,000 low-income New Yorkers in paying rent!
We’ve been speaking with formerly incarcerated people about their journey to higher education. For many, issues of identity and stigma are major roadblocks. Check out our website for information on our Higher Education in Reentry Reimagined project. www.publicpolicylab.org/projects/edu...
New Soul Care merch just dropped! 🌟📓🚰 We're almost ready to begin piloting the Soul Care program with young people in foster care across New York City. We're equipping participants with everything they need to succeed: water bottles, notebooks, stress stars, and a whole coaching program! Stay tuned.
Are you a graduate student looking to use your design and research skills to improve public services? 🎓 Apply to be Public Policy Lab's next spring intern! All interns are paid, mentored by PPL staff, and contribute to all phases of project work. 💥 www.publicpolicylab.org/announcement...
Read more on our Compass Pilot case study page! www.publicpolicylab.org/projects/com...
We're piloting a website to increase the success of historically underrepresented innovators. Features include:
👉 12 focus areas for innovator success, w 40 activities to advance their business
👉 A quiz to identify resources
👉 "Innovator Stories" offering insights, challenges, and inspirations
Attending a 🌟fascinating🌟 webinar hosted by @publicpolicylab.bsky.social about *designing forms* for social services and public benefits. This is SUCH important work — and a great example of how qualitative methodology has huge cultural, political, and economic implications!
