SPIA in N.J.
At the Princeton University School of Public & International Affairs, we are committed to the place we call home. We recognize New Jersey as an ideal laboratory for connecting the theory and practice of public policy, consistent with multiracial democracy.
Our five core pillars are designed to advance this commitment through:
- Engagement, service, and outreach beyond the gates
- Convening power to support evidence-based policy locally, statewide, and nationally
- Rigorous research development and sharing to inform equitable and fair public policies
- Centering students to develop future leaders and practitioners in public policy
- Academic offerings that bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application
July 3: Tackling Healthcare Reform at the State Level – With an $8.8 Million Grant Renewal
The passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010 set off a whirlwind of activity among the states, which would be responsible for enacting many of the law’s provisions. With numerous legal and healthcare complexities looming, state governments were faced with a lot of regulatory work to do and not much expertise with which to do it.
June 23 Op-Ed: New Jersey must act to protect public health from federal sabotage
Professor Eddy Bresnitz of Rutgers School of Public Health, Professor of the Practice Heather Howard at Princeton's School of Public and International Affairs, and President of NJ Healthcare Quality Institute Linda Schwimmer discuss federal impacts on New Jersey's reproductive rights space.
May 22 Op-Ed: Federal budget bill could devastate Planned Parenthood services in NJ
Professor of the Practice Heather Howard discusses federal impacts on New Jersey's reproductive rights space.
May 11 Op-Ed: In the Garden State’s service and the service of humanity
2024-25 Garden State Fellows Lauren Aung (Politics '24), Madison Linton and Olivia Ragan (SPIA '24), discuss their experience in NJ's policy sphere and how the University can continue leveraging their resources and connections for a better New Jersey.
April 21: SPIA in NJ Lends a Hand to New Jersey Clemency Initiative
Before New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed an executive order last June to increase petitions for clemency and expedite the clemency process, his staff reached out to Princeton School of Public and International Affairs faculty member Heather Howard, special advisor to the School’s SPIA in New Jersey initiative.
March 24 Op-Ed: The Affordable Care Act at 15 years old — successful, but facing challenges
Professor of the Practice Heather Howard and MPA Student Rachel Morrow reflect on the ACA on its 15th anniversary.
March 18: Congestion Alleviation and Public Policy for Sustainability
Alum discussed NYC's congestion pricing system, presenting data that reveals it mainly affects middle- to upper-class drivers, who have adapted to the $9 fee without issue. Just three months after its implementation, MTA Deputy Chief of Policy and External Relations Juliette Michaelson (99') shared there has been a noticeable reduction in traffic congestion, allowing drivers to regain time otherwise spent in gridlock. Despite some opposition at the federal level, the fee is gaining increasing support across various communities, sectors, and socioeconomic groups. The conversation featured Tom Wright ('91) of the Regional Plan Association, one of the key architects of the congestion pricing plan, and Karthik Sastry ('16), Assistant Professor of Economics and Public Affairs, who shared insights on markets and sustainable economic investments. The discussion was moderated by Razia Iqbal, John L. Weinberg/Goldman Sachs & Co. Visiting Professor and Lecturer and former BBC News special correspondent.
WATCH: January 30th - Latinas/os in New Jersey panel
Ulla Berg and Aldo Lauria Santiago discuss their recent publication, Latinas/os in New Jersey: Histories, Communities, and Cultures with panel members Kathleen López and Melanie Plasencia. Moderated by Princeton University Professor of Sociology Patricia Fernandez Kelly.
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Research & Reports
New Jersey Future on Great Neighborhoods for All
Unfortunately, the reality is that New Jersey’s growing housing crisis threatens our state and its residents. Too many people cannot find an affordable, stable home in a neighborhood that meets their needs, and their numbers are growing.
Princeton’s SPIA in New Jersey Initiative Names Inaugural Garden State Fellows
The Princeton School of Public and International Affairs’ SPIA in New Jersey initiative has named three recent graduates as its first cohort of Garden State Fellows. Lauren Aung, Madison Linton, and Olivia Ragan, all of whom graduated from Princeton in May, are the inaugural participants in a fellowship program that was created to enhance capacity in New Jersey’s public interest sector, to address critical statewide issues, and to launch young practitioners into public policy careers.
SPIA in NJ takes a justice-centered approach to the public policy questions that matter to New Jerseyans.
Whether it’s climate, healthcare, housing, immigration, education, finance or any number of other issue areas — SPIA faculty, students and researchers are teaming up with partners statewide to ask hard questions and work together to find policy solutions.