2024-25: The NJ Clemency Project

SPIA in NJ is partnering with the ACLU of NJ and the NJ Office of the Public Defender to assist State prison inmates seeking clemency pursuant to Executive Order #362, which establishes a statewide clemency initiative for individuals convicted of a crime for the duration of Governor Phil Murphy's term ending in 2025. Students interested in participating in this project will be supervised by Joe Krakora, a Princeton graduate and the newly appointed Faculty Fellow for SPIA in NJ. Joe worked for the NJ Office of the Public Defender for 34 years, serving as the head of the agency from 2011 to 2024. He has a State-wide reputation for excellence as a trial attorney, particularly in homicide and capital cases, and a national reputation for his role in spearheading NJ's model reform of its pretrial release system. 

Students will be assigned to assist inmates in the clemency application process. The goal will be to build the strongest possible arguments for individuals who meet the criteria outlined in the Executive Order. Students will have flexibility in terms of the time commitment required. 

We are accepting volunteers on a rolling basis, with a current cohort of 44 undergraduate and graduate students. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Joe Krakora at jkrakora@princeton.edu.

November 20: Where Do We Go From Here? Pursuing Rights, Justice, and Love as an Economic Goal for New Jersey and the Country

Part 3 of SPIA in NJ's Fall 2024 three-part series moderated by Brandon McKoy, President of the Fund for New Jersey, New Jersey and the American Economy: What’s Needed for the Garden State to Lead a Thriving Country. 

As big ideas like basic income and reparations evolve and advance, how do we think about them in a broader and holistic understanding of our economy that meets the tangible needs of our communities? The economy, after all, is people. This conversation explored the idea of an economics that promotes human rights, justice, and love as explicit goals when policymakers design and implement public policy. Featuring Doctoral student Asha Banerjee, Darrick Hamilton, Professor at The New School for Social Research, and NJ Institute for Social Justice Executive Director Ryan Haygood.

Co-sponsored by: Department of African American Studies, Julis Romo Rabinowitz Center for Public Policy & Finance (JRRCPPF), Labyrinth Books, Princeton Public Lectures, Princeton Public Library, and the Program for Research on Inequality (PRI).

November 20: Happy Hour @ SPIA DC

Faculty, researchers, students and alumni convened at SPIA in DC's office for an evening of networking, food, and connecting. In partnership with the Joint Degree Program (JDP) and the Center for Research on Child and Family Wellbeing (CRCFW). 

November 18: Meeting Behavioral & Mental Health Needs of Unhoused New Jerseyans

In collaboration with the New Jersey Coalition to End Homelessness (NJCEH). 

New Jersey is facing dual public health crises of soaring rates of homelessness and mental health needs. This discussion featured two panels of researchers, advocates, and people with lived experience recounting their experiences in public health work. Specifically, panelists focused on NJCEH's joint report with Mathematica highlighting the need for additional funding for and engagement with NJ's emergency shelters to provide targeted mental and behavioral health interventions and supports.

November 12: Can We Fix It? Yes We Can: New and Effective Ideas to Promote a More Inclusive, Productive, and Healthy Economy for All

Part 2 of SPIA in NJ's Fall 2024 three-part series moderated by Brandon McKoy, President of the Fund for New Jersey, New Jersey and the American Economy: What’s Needed for the Garden State to Lead a Thriving Country. 

As states across the country face unique and intensifying challenges, leaders and experts across sectors are imagining new and bold solutions that seek to address threats in an intersectional fashion. This conversation highlighted some of these new ideas including a guaranteed basic income and child care for all, and discussed how they can be implemented in New Jersey to boost our economy and help all in our communities lead healthy, thriving lives. 

Featuring Natalie Foster, President and Founder of the Economic Security Project and author of The Guarantee: Inside the Fight for America's Next Economy, Ilyana Kuziemko, Co-Director of the Griswold Center for Economic Policy Studies and Professor of Economics, and Nedia Morsy, Deputy Director of Make the Road NJ and SPIA in NJ Policy Fellow.

Co-sponsored by: Department of African American Studies, Julis Romo Rabinowitz Center for Public Policy & Finance (JRRCPPF), Labyrinth Books, Princeton Public Lectures, Princeton Public Library, and the Program for Research on Inequality (PRI).

November 12: Going Far Right: Extremism in New Jersey

Extremism is on the rise in New Jersey. Panelists discussed Project Extreme, an NJ.com investigative report on white supremacy and extremism throughout New Jersey, exploring efforts by far-right actors to take a forward-looking state back in time. Featuring Princeton's Bridging Divides Initiative (BDI), the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL) at American University, NJ Advance Media, Rutgers University’s Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling (ECPIP).

November 1: Great Neighborhoods for All Convening

In partnership with NJ Future.

This half-day, invite-only convening explored an action agenda focused on the housing crisis that threatens New Jersey cities, towns, and suburbs–and its residents.

October 30: The Drive to Repair Our Economy: Understanding What’s Broken, Why It Broke, and How We Can Fix It

This panel discussion kicked off SPIA in NJ's Fall 2024 three-part series moderated by Brandon McKoy, President of the Fund for New Jersey, New Jersey and the American Economy: What’s Needed for the Garden State to Lead a Thriving Country. 

The concept of reparative justice has taken hold in various policy circles, but with so much to heal and repair, how do we make progress without feeling overwhelmed? As the old saying goes, you can’t eat a whole elephant in one bite. This conversation explored how America’s and New Jersey’s economies withhold opportunity, why it’s been difficult to address what’s broken, and what we can do to fix it so all residents can thrive. Featuring Associate Professor of Sociology & Public Affairs Adam Goldstein, NJPP Senior Policy Analyst Marleina Ubel, and President of The Roosevelt Institute, Felicia Wong.

Co-sponsored by: Department of African American Studies, Julis Romo Rabinowitz Center for Public Policy & Finance (JRRCPPF), Labyrinth Books, Princeton Public Lectures, Princeton Public Library, and the Program for Research on Inequality (PRI).

October 2: Dinner Lecture with Dr. Dalia Fahmy

In partnership with Princeton University's Muslim Life Program.

Dr. Dalia Fahmy, Associate Professor of Political Science at Long Island University, discussed trends in Muslim voter turnout data, including a look at what the 2024 Presidential election will look like for Muslim voters.

September 26: SPIA in NJ Open House

SPIA in NJ staff and affiliates welcomed students, faculty and staff back for the 2024-25 academic year. Attendees learned more about SPIA in NJ's projects including the Garden State Fellowship, The NJ Clemency Initiative, research and engagement opportunities and support, and upcoming programming. Community partners, such as NJ Future and NJ Department of Labor, presented their current policy work and ways to get involved. 

September 18: Beyond the Election: Local Lessons, Statewide Strategies

In partnership with Princeton University's Muslim Life Program.

This panel explored the impact of Muslim voter turnout in New Jersey's local and national elections. Panelists discussed lessons learned, successful strategies, and post-election actions aimed at strengthening Muslim civic engagement and advocacy in future elections. Featuring Former Assemblywoman Dr. Sadaf Jaffer and Cranbury Township Mayor Eman El-Badawi.

September 17: Hope as a Policy Priority - Exploring What's at Stake Ahead of Nov. 5th

A lively conversation between two of the brightest minds on the frontlines of democracy focused on the challenges and opportunities of the contemporary moment — including voting rights, reproductive freedom, government transparency, federalism, civil liberties, and more — with an emphasis on what’s at stake in NJ and the nation ahead of November 5th. This panel featured Amol Sinha, Executive Director of the ACLU of NJ & SPIA in NJ Policy Fellow, and Taifa Butler, President of Demos.

Co-sponsored by: SPIA Public Affairs, Center for the Study of Democratic Politics (CSDP), and P*Law.

May 10: Meet the Fellows

SPIA in NJ’s Policy Fellows presented their work to graduate students in a workshop with robust conversations with current students on tax and budget, community organizing, neighborhood ownership, and the role of narrative to follow. In collaboration with the Joint Degree Program.

May 2: COVID-19 Response: Looking Back in NJ To Move Forward

Democracy in Action Series

This discussion focused on Paul Zoubek’s (SPIA ‘78) independently drafted report on the state’s COVID-19 response, joined by Professor Heather Howard and SPIA in NJ Faculty Fellow, John Farmer, and co-sponsored by the Center for Health and Wellbeing.

April 26: Legislative Policy Briefing

SPIA-NJ & the Center for Research on Child and Family Wellbeing hosted faculty researchers across disciplines presenting ready-to-implement policy ideas on family, education, housing, and health and wellbeing to state policymakers and their staff.

A special thanks to our presenters: Professor Kathy Edin; Carl Gershenson, Sally Mabon, and Professor Bryant Adibe.

April 19: Collective Ownership and Wealth-Building

Democracy in Action Series

In partnership with the Black Farmer Fund, Chordata Capital and Kensington Corridor Trust, this panel examined the rise in alternative ownership models and shared ownership structures, and explored the transformative power of collective action and communal investment, challenging traditional notions of individual wealth accumulation.

Co-sponsored by ProCES, Eviction Lab, Program for Research on Inequality, the Department of African American Studies.

April 12: The Future of Journalism and Media Literacy in New Jersey

Democracy in Action Series

This panel highlighted efforts to enhance civic engagement and provide communities, especially those underserved and marginalized, with platforms to voice their stories and concerns. In partnership with the Civic Information Consortium and the Center for Cooperative Media and Montclair University. Co-sponsored by Black in Jersey, ProCES, and the Department of Journalism.

April 5: Queer Black Advocacy in New Jersey

Democracy in Action Series

SPIA in NJ hosted Garden State Equality and Bridges4Life for a conversation about the diverse experiences of queer communities, the effectiveness of grassroots initiatives, and the power of storytelling in driving policy and advocacy efforts.

Co-sponsored by ProCES, Black in Jersey and the Program in Gender and Sexuality Studies.

April 3: 56th Anniversary of Dr. King’s “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop”

SPIA in NJ, United Black Agenda and Trinity Church of Princeton hosted a reception and showing of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s last speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop”, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A.

A special thanks to our speakers: Reverend Eric Dobson of the United Black Agenda; Reverend Paul Jeanes III of Trinity Church; Dr. Christina Jackson of Stockton University; Dr. Janice Johnson Dias of CUNY/John Jay College; Reverend Dr. David Latimore of Princeton Theological Seminary; Brandon McKoy from the Fund for New Jersey; Wesley Rowell of Trinity Church of Princeton; Kevin Walsh, Acting Comptroller for the State of NJ, and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.

March 29: Policy Hackathon

In an inaugural, cross-institutional collaboration with Rutgers University’s Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy and Princeton University, students from both universities worked together to develop a policy for the organized retreat of communities from New Jersey’s shores. The winning team took home $500.

Hosted in collaboration with C-PREE, Rutgers-Bloustein, Rutgers University State Policy Lab, and The Fund for New Jersey. Special thanks to our judges: Rudisha Okezie, NJ Conservation Foundation; Alex Ambrose, NJPP; Justin Zimmerman, NJ DOBI; Preethy Thangaraj, NJ Governor’s Office; Eric Tate, C-PREE; Garin Bulger, Center for Urban Policy Research, Rutgers University - Bloustein; Dan Fatton, NJ EDA - Offshore Wind Sector

March 26: Refugee Welcome Kits Service Project

In support of the International Rescue Committee and in partnership with ProCES and student groups across campus, students assembled hygiene and scholastic kits which will primarily be used by newcomers from Haiti and Cuba.

Special thanks to alumna Sally El-Sadek (‘02) for liaising!

March 22: Abolishing Immigration Detention: A Teach-In on the Elizabeth, New Jersey Detention Center

Panelists from Detention Watch Network, Movimiento Cosecha, Unidad Latina en Acción, SPIA in NJ, and Rutgers University discussed the criminalization and mass incarceration of immigrants and the ongoing effort by advocates and officials in NJ to shut down the Elizabeth, New Jersey Detention Center.

March 22: Another World is Happening: From Extractive to Restorative Economics

Democracy in Action Series

The New Economy Coalition, Chordata Capital, and Kensington Corridor Trust explored the growing field of restorative economics in the U.S. and shared the strategic impacts of their work on individual communities. Co-sponsored by ProCES, Eviction Lab, and the Program for Research on Inequality.

February 23: Finance for Justice in New Jersey and Beyond

Democracy in Action Series

Continuing the Democracy in Action Series, SPIA in NJ hosted a panel discussion on redefining risk and deploying capital to advance racial, economic, and environmental justice. Nia Evans from the Boston Ujima Project and Lynne Hooey from the Kataly Foundation joined SPIA in NJ Policy Fellow and Executive Director of the Kensington Corridor Trust, Adriana Abizadeh. Co-sponsored by ProCES and Eviction Lab.

February 22: Developing an Agenda for Equitable Sustainable Housing in New Jersey

SPIA in NJ hosted New Jersey Future’s Equitable Sustainable Housing in NJ Advisory Committee convening to establish the Committee’s action items, which included: improving local planning for land use & infrastructure; undoing the segregation of communities and schools; and, modifying government authority over land use decisions.

February 21: New Jersey’s Place in Black America

SPIA in NJ hosted the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice for a Black History Month dialogue and reception, celebrating 25 years of NJISJ and looking ahead to an equitable future for Black New Jerseyans.

Special thanks to Dr. Taja-Nia Henderson, Dean, Graduate School of Rutgers University-Newark; Christina Swarns, Executive Director, The Innocence Project; Brandon McCoy, President, The Fund for New Jersey; Ryan P. Haygood, CEO & President, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, and Keith A. Wailoo, Henry Putnam University Professor of History and Public Affairs, Princeton University.

November 17: Making the Decision Makers Make the Right Decisions: How Temp Agency Workers in NJ Won Historic Protections in 2023

Democracy in Action Series

Make the Road NJ outlined the multi-year grassroots campaign for protections for New Jersey’s temporary and agency workers, including methods to hone campaign messaging, organize effectively and persuade policy makers.

November 15: Fusion Voting: Restoring Real Choice at the Ballot

Experts from across the political spectrum explored how New Jersey can revive politics and protect a democratic future in this half-day conference.

November 7: Garden State Fellowship Open House

SPIA in NJ met with seniors interested in the Garden State Fellowship, a 12-month fellowship for Princeton students interested in advancing New Jersey public policy.

November 3: Centering Community in Public Safety

Democracy in Action Series

SPIA in NJ hosted Equal Justice USA, a national organization that works to transform the justice system by promoting responses to violence that break cycles of trauma, to discuss community-based approaches to public safety, including centering the needs of individual communities over procedure.

October 27: OPRA as a Tool for Accountability

Democracy in Action Series

In partnership with New Jersey Monitor and the Justice Gary S. Stein Public Interest Center, Dana DiFilippo and CJ Griffin discussed the role New Jersey’s Open Public Records Act (OPRA) can have in holding government agencies and officials accountable to their work and commitments.

October 6: The New Jersey Reparations Council and the Future Promise of a New New Jersey

Democracy in Action Series

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Economic Justice Program co-hosted a discussion on the priorities of the state’s Reparations Council, highlighting gaining public support for state-funded reparations for Black New Jerseyans.

September 29: Converting Research into Policy Wins in the NJ Budget

Democracy in Action Series

In partnership with New Jersey Policy Perspective’s Peter Chen and Louis Di Paolo, this workshop focused on leading policy-making efforts with data analysis and research, specifically within the Garden State’s budget.

September 15: Freedom Isn’t Free: State Budgets as a Tool for Democracy

Democracy in Action Series

SPIA in NJ kicked off the Democracy in Action Series with the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities’s State Fiscal Policy Team’s workshop on utilizing New Jersey’s budget to advance democratic values and equitable policy.

Matt Mleszko, Eviction Lab PhD Student

Matt Mleczko is a doctoral candidate in Population Studies and Social Policy and a Prize Fellow in the Social Sciences at Princeton University. He primarily studies housing inequality and housing policy, with a particular interest in policies that promote affordable housing and integrated, cohesive communities. His dissertation explores the evolution of residential integration in the 21st century and its connection to zoning and land use policy. Matt is also a graduate student researcher with the Eviction Lab and a member of the Princeton Affordable Housing Board. 

Sam Wang, Professor of Neuroscience

Addressing gerrymandering and improving representational democracy across the country.

Christine Blumauer, Princeton SPIA Alum, MPA '18; Executive Director, Office of Policy, New Jersey Department of Labor

Christine Blumauer’s MPA Lunch Series Talk centered around big initiatives at the New Jersey Department of Labor, namely the work force development programs and grant making initiatives to support different worker populations. Blumauer says her passion lies with wage and hour advocacy for worker populations who can’t speak up for fear of being fired. These populations include older workers, undocumented workers, and workers of immigrant descent who face systemic barriers for coming forward on issues of overtime eligibility and wage theft. Blumauer spoke about how the Covid-19 pandemic “cut through the red tape” for many industries, particularly for migrant and seasonal workers. Blumauer spoke about her experience proposing legislation through the Governor’s Office and how she helped draft the bill for the creation of the Office of Strategic Enforcement with a commitment to equity and which codifies a data driven approach to increase workers’ power. During her talk, Blumauer addressed maternal health, mentioning New Jersey as being a leader in the modernization of Family Leave Insurance, as one of less than 10 states which has temporary TDI/Family Leave Insurance of anywhere between 12 weeks and 6 months, following a European standard of paid leave. The Office of Apprenticeships at the New Jersey Department of Labor leads in the country for building a model for those workers who do not want to go the college route to earn a living. This office provides employers who take apprentices with grants. Blumauer proposed a culture shift on at will employment, advocating for employment contracts, which provide employees with a profound safety by binding worker to employer.

Graduate Policy Workshop on Mercer Community College James Kerney Campus Visioning Project

Undergraduate Policy Task Force on Maternal Equity in New Jersey

Undergraduate Senior Theses:

                Ella Gantman: Jail Based disenfranchisement in NJ in 2022 (advisor Udi Ofer)

                Abdelhamid Arbab: Religious Accommodations for Incarcerated Muslims in the NJ State Prison System (advisor Udi Ofer)

Undergraduate Policy Advocacy Clinic: Working with ACLU NJ on civilian oversight of police

Grad Course: Identity, Power, and Policy (SPI 531) Devanne Brookins (Associate Research Scholar) and Keith Wailoo – Site visit to Camden, NJ, re: residential segregation

Career Development Office in Partnership with Steven Strauss (John L. Weinberg/Goldman Sachs & Co. Visiting Professor) Management Conference: Public Sector Leadership, Innovation and Management in the Digital Age; several NJ state gov’t officials