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SPIA in N.J.

"SPIA in NJ" in bubble letters made up of pictures taken over the last year

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:

  1. Engagement, service, and outreach beyond the gates
  2. Convening power to support evidence-based policy locally, statewide, and nationally
  3. Rigorous research development and sharing to inform equitable and fair public policies
  4. Centering students to develop future leaders and practitioners in public policy
  5. Academic offerings that bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application
headshots of MPA student Rachel Morrow and Professor Heather Howard

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.
panelists sitting at table in center of room with a slide behind them including the event name and poster

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.
poster with talk details and cover of book

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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NJ Future logo

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 Tiger

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.