Newark, NJ
Policy Process
This page includes a sample of work products that demonstrate the second core competency of the MPA program: To participate in, and contribute to, the policy process.
Policy Problem Memo: Recycling Crisis in Massachusetts
The purpose of this memo is to bring the public problem of the recycling crisis in Massachusetts to the attention of key leaders in state environmental policy-making. Recycling costs are on the rise for municipalities, forcing some to consider eliminating recycling programs. The first half of the memo provides important background information about the recycling crisis. The second half of the memo examines the affect that the crisis is having in cities and towns across the state. Finally, the memo concludes with a call for state policy makers to take up this issue and develop solutions to avoid a state-wide environmental disaster. It is important to note, this memo was prepared for a course assignment and was not actually sent to the named recipients.
This memo is a revised version of an assignment completed for The Public Policy Process in the Spring, 2020 semester.
Policy Memo: The National Opioid Epidemic
The purpose of this memo is to evaluate the existing public policy surrounding the opioid epidemic in the United States and explore alternative policy options through the use of an outcomes matrix. Opioid addiction is a national public health crisis in the United States. This memo begins with a brief overview of the history of the opioid crisis and its economic, social, and political impacts. It then transitions to an analysis of current public policy surrounding this issue. Finally, the memo concludes with an examination of five potential policy alternatives for federal lawmakers to consider. An outcomes matrix attached to the memo as an appendix explores the potential impact of the policy alternatives. It is important to note, this memo was prepared for a course assignment and was not actually sent to the named recipients. Work sample A links to the memo and work sample B links to a narrated PowerPoint summarizing the memo.
This memo and presentation are revised versions of assignments completed for The Public Policy Process in the Spring, 2020 semester.