The second core competency set forth by NASPAA is the ability to participate in and contribute to the public policy process. This involves: the ability to analyze policy outcomes and how they affect communities; the ability to apply budget techniques, such as cost-benefit analysis, to evaluate the feasibility of projects in these times of increasingly constrained resources; the willingness to involve stakeholders, especially the general public, in the policy-making process; the skill and willingness to stimulate and encourage cooperation among organizations, in government, the non-profit and business sectors, and civil society; and an understanding of the policy process sufficient to bring policy proposals to fruition. To illustrate this competency, I've chosen the following coursework:

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1 | POLI 7050 - State Politics | State Policy Paper

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Policy Analysis | Research | Cross-State Comparison

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Dr. King's class centered around understanding why state policies can differ so greatly. I looked at different state specific ADA codes and the reasons why only a few states had them, as well as why Florida, California, and Texas have their own stricter versions of the ADA. Diving into research that focused so intently on state policies helped me gain the ability to analyze policy outcomes and how they affect communities, the disability community in this case. I was able to connect the stakeholders who catalyzed these stricter ADA codes to the policy outcomes, and that gave me a much deeper understanding of the policy process. It also helped me understand the importance of including citizens and stakeholders in the policy process.

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2 | Independent Research Study | Final Research Paper

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Data Visualization | Problem Solving | Data Analysis

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Last semester I was able to participate in an independent research study with Dr. Hale. After my summer internship with the Jefferson County Board of Registrars, I realized that there was no data about the typical accommodations associated with the different types of poll sites to ensure Election Day accessibility for all citizens. I analyzed the data from both Jefferson County, Alabama and Cook County, Illinois and I was able to find commonalities in the typical accommodations per type of poll site. Although both counties had a very different makeup in terms of poll sites, there were connections that could be made between them. Working with Dr. Hale throughout the semester and being able to develop a deeper and more ingrained understanding of the research and policy process. This also helped me realize the importance of involving local government, non-profits, and civilians if this research were ever to be translated into policy and practice.

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