Public Affairs 513: Policy Analysis

 "Using logic and evidence to inform policy or

management decisions."

Marieka Klawitter

Time

Outcomes Outcomes

Activities, Policies, and Programs

Before During After

What should we do?: · Policy Analysis · Benefit-cost analysis · Cost-Effectiveness · Needs assessment

What was the impact?: · Outcome evaluation · Performance

Measurement

What are we doing? How does it work?:

· Process Evaluation

Policy Analysis can use the logic of the logic model:

From: W.K. Kellogg FoundationLogic Model Development Guide

Policy Analysis can use the logic of the logic model:

From: W.K. Kellogg FoundationLogic Model Development Guide

Policy Analysis Redux

Policy Analysis Redux

Logical

Thinking!

Policy Analysis Redux

Data and

Quantitativ

e

methods

Policy Analysis Redux

Search fo

r

informatio

n

Policy Analysis Redux

Careful

Narrativ

e!

Policy Analysis Redux

Creativity

!

Policy Analysis Redux

Caring and

Justi

ce!

Matrix is the key summary tool

• Policy options• Criteria• Predictions

Student examples:http://courses.washington.edu/pbaf513m/assignments.htm

Professional Examples:http://courses.washington.edu/pbaf513m/Resources.htm

My philosophy of doing Policy Analysis:

• Strive for objectivity and full information• It’s not a sales pitch for "your" policy• But know your role (a la Weimer and Vining)

– Objective technician– Client’s advocate– Issue advocate

• Do the best analysis with what you can get• Use the best info you can find • Take responsibility for getting the best info • Be cognizant of when more time or analysis is

critical to the analysis

• Context is everything• Who is your client? What values and powers do

they have?

• Understand institutional and organizational context of the issue

• History, politics, laws, administrative culture matter

• What’s in place now, what’s been tried already? (implemented or proposed)

• Take responsibility for presenting a clear and concise product

• Process is different than product--Policy analysis is a messy process

Use nonlinear thinking, linear writing

The Trouble with Greenlake:

• What is the problem at Green Lake?

• What types of strategies should the city consider for dealing with this issue?

• What criteria should the city consider in choosing a response to this issue (outcomes, resources required)?

• Create a matrix with Strategies and criteria and fill in your best guesses about how each strategy would rate on each criterion.

History of Greenlake: http://www.mygreenlake.com/2011/06/bicycle-speed-green-lake-loop/