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

Quantitative

methods

Policy Analysis Redux

Search fo

r

information

Policy Analysis Redux

Careful

Narrative

!

Policy Analysis Redux

Creativity!

Policy Analysis Redux

Caring and

Justice!

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 processUse 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/