Public Policy Lab
@publicpolicylab.bsky.social
We design policy and services that help the American public build better lives. Nonprofit and nonpartisan. Visit us at www.publicpolicylab.org.
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!
Roque Barros, Carlene Davis, Tonya Williams, Kali Peterson, and “Jason,” of @thepeoplesayusa.bsky.social joined her in making the case!
November 4, 2025 at 5:00 PM
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!
Roque Barros, Carlene Davis, Tonya Williams, Kali Peterson, and “Jason,” of @thepeoplesayusa.bsky.social joined her in making the case!
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...
A group of civic tech nonprofits is issuing a statement on recent SNAP disruptions.
Read here: beeckcenter.georgetown.edu/statement-on...
November 3, 2025 at 11:31 PM
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...
A group of civic tech nonprofits is issuing a statement on recent SNAP disruptions.
Read here: beeckcenter.georgetown.edu/statement-on...
Reposted by Public Policy Lab
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 ✨
October 15, 2025 at 4:06 PM
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 ✨
Reposted by Public Policy Lab
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
Our full-day conference's a safe space for designers + changemakers. 🔗 in bio, register w/code DG25FANDF #FederalWorkers #CivicTech #WeTheBuilders #BuiltToServe
October 20, 2025 at 12:30 PM
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
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-...
www.eventbrite.com/e/designing-...
Designing for Care in an Age of Austerity
Healing-centered design expert, Mary Foyder, and PPL's John Buckley share insights & approaches to support resilient, equitable communities.
www.eventbrite.com
September 18, 2025 at 8:12 PM
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-...
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!
We're thrilled to have collaborated on this research with @digitalbenefits.bsky.social!
New Report! Digital Doorways to Public Benefits: User Experiences with Digital Identity.
Our latest research outlines how state agencies can address challenges with digital identity processes among public benefits recipients while maintaining security.
beeckcenter.org/DigitalDoorw...
Our latest research outlines how state agencies can address challenges with digital identity processes among public benefits recipients while maintaining security.
beeckcenter.org/DigitalDoorw...
Digital Doorways to Public Benefits: Beneficiary Experiences with Digital Identity - Digital Government Hub
Sources Cited
beeckcenter.org
September 9, 2025 at 6:12 PM
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!
We're thrilled to have collaborated on this research with @digitalbenefits.bsky.social!
Reposted by Public Policy Lab
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...
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...
Meaningful Knowledge: Constituent Engagement as Qualitative Research
My interview with Chelsea Mauldin, Executive Director of The Public Policy Lab
voicemailgov.substack.com
August 4, 2025 at 2:10 PM
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...
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...
Reposted by Public Policy Lab
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
digitalgovernmenthub.org/ecosystem/
@digitalbenefits.bsky.social
July 22, 2025 at 12:31 PM
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
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...
Applications due May 1st. www.publicpolicylab.org/announcement...
Graduate Intern Summer 2025 – Public Policy Lab
The Public Policy Lab is accepting submissions for graduate interns until 5 p.m. on December 2nd.Interns are current and recent graduate students who will be in New York City this spring.
www.publicpolicylab.org
April 15, 2025 at 2:25 PM
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...
Applications due May 1st. www.publicpolicylab.org/announcement...
Reposted by Public Policy Lab
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.
February 5, 2025 at 5:15 PM
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!
March 20, 2025 at 2:32 PM
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!
Tues 2/11! Join us for a FREE online lecture, Design Pioneers: African American Graphic Designers You Should Know with Glenford Laughton, founder of Laughton Creatves.
Free to attend: letterformarchive.org/shop/design-...
Free to attend: letterformarchive.org/shop/design-...
February 7, 2025 at 3:56 PM
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...
www.epicpeople.org/the-people-s...
February 3, 2025 at 2:50 PM
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...
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
January 29, 2025 at 3:37 PM
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
Reposted by Public Policy Lab
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.
January 27, 2025 at 4:50 PM
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
January 27, 2025 at 4:38 PM
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
January 15, 2025 at 10:52 AM
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
Reposted by Public Policy Lab
Policies for #olderadults need to be informed by the real-world experiences of people like Christine. Visit thepeoplesay.org to learn more.
The People Say
The People Say is a qualitative database designed to help policymakers hear the voices of the public when shaping policy. The database features first-hand insights from a diverse group of older adults...
thepeoplesay.org
January 11, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Policies for #olderadults need to be informed by the real-world experiences of people like Christine. Visit thepeoplesay.org to learn more.
Reposted by Public Policy Lab
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."
January 11, 2025 at 2:19 PM
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!
January 11, 2025 at 2:44 PM
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!
Reposted by Public Policy Lab
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...
January 7, 2025 at 5:48 PM
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...
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!
December 11, 2024 at 3:00 PM
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...
December 9, 2024 at 9:22 PM
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.
November 20, 2024 at 10:05 PM
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...
November 20, 2024 at 10:02 PM
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...