90-873 Local Policy Power, Context, and Impact
6 units, Carnegie Mellon University
Have you ever wondered why some cities, like Washington, D.C., have thousands of permitted dockless electric scooters, while Pittsburgh once had 1,000 and now has zero? Cities and towns across the country are experimenting with bold policy initiatives. A new bike network promises safe travel for all ages, a climate plan commits to cutting emissions, and a housing ordinance seeks to protect affordability. Local nonprofits mobilize for equity, business groups push for growth, and community members raise their voices in debates about who benefits and who bears the costs. But while the announcements are ambitious, the outcomes often depend on a simple set of questions: Who is the champion? What is the context? What impact will it have? This course equips students with the frameworks, tools, and experiences needed to turn local policy into action. We will examine the political, financial, and community contexts that shape decision-making; study the role of champions in advancing initiatives; and practice measuring both the positive and negative impacts of local policies. While every place is unique- many of the variables that influence decision-making and investment are shared. Nobody has all of the answers- but this course will teach students how to ask the right questions and how decisions are made in the absence of perfection. Students will learn to anticipate risks and design strategies to make initiatives succeed, while also mapping out the roles of local governments, nonprofits, and business improvement districts. Case studies—including a comparison of Washington, DC and Pittsburgh—will ground these lessons in real-world practice. Instruction will combine interactive lectures, discussions, and applied exercises, with assessments modeled on professional practice: policy memos, stakeholder engagement maps, and impact analyses.
Prerequisites: none listed
Offered: Spring 2027, Spring 2026
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