At the Goldman School of Public Policy, we look to the future with a sense of both urgency and excitement. Urgency because threats to democracy, the climate, equity, and peace are both multiplying and intensifying. And excitement because we’re equipping a generation of vibrant public policy leaders with the expertise, tools, and resilience to confront the enormous challenges ahead of us.
In 2023, we’ve been laser-focused on building the public policy school of the future–one that prioritizes creativity, innovation, justice, inclusion, and a spirit of shared success. We’ve invested in people, programs, and places to maximize our impact. We’re very proud of the work that we’ve done in 2023 – together.
Thank you for partnering with us on the urgent, exciting venture that is the Goldman School.
— Dean David C. Wilson
GROWING OUR FACULTY EXPERTISE
GSPP continually strives to enhance the student experience and to deepen our research impact. This year, we welcomed an unprecedented eight new faculty. With expertise in democracy, immigration, international development, criminal justice, technology policy, national security, and more, our new faculty have already given the school a fresh infusion of energy and brilliance.
PROVIDING STUDENTS WITH TRANSFORMATIONAL EXPERIENCES
This past March, twenty-five lucky students enjoyed unprecedented access to the FBI, CIA, Department of Homeland Security, and other pivotal institutions focused on security, thanks to Professor Janet Napolitano (former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Governor of Arizona, and UC President).
Drawing upon her extensive connections, Professor Napolitano and the team at GSPP's Center for Security in Politics created DC Immersion Week--a pioneering three-unit course and travel seminar designed to give students an up-close look at the inner workings of some of our top government agencies. After participating in site visits, expert panels, and meetings with top officials, students described the experience as "life-changing" and inspiring them to work in security and public service.
In response to the overwhelming popularity of the course, Professor Napolitano is planning a second DC Immersion Week for Spring 2024. GSPP is also exploring international immersion experiences in Mexico and Taiwan.
TAPPING INTO TECH TALENT
"Tech will both strengthen and weaken democracy, depending on how 'we' use it, and depending on how we define 'we.'" — Esther Dyson, Internet pioneer, journalist, enterpreneur
In recent years, the promises and perils of emerging technology have become a top concern for policymakers and governments. Launching the UC Berkeley Tech Policy Fellows program is one way that GSPP is trying to help. Our inaugural cohort of nine extraordinary fellows, selected from over 300 applicants, includes the former "Nerd-in-Chief" for the German Chancellery and the former head of Trust and Safety for Twitter. The non-residential fellowship program is part of our new Tech Policy Initiative, a collaboration between GSPP and the CITRIS Policy Lab designed to strengthen scholarly collaborations, foster tech policy education and innovation, and inform effective tech-related policy strategies across the public and private sectors.
FOSTERING COMMUNITY AND LEARNING
Just because you've graduated doesn't mean you can't come home to GSPP and UC Berkeley! On September 7-8, more than 500 GSPP alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends gathered on campus for the first annual Berkeley Public Policy Conference and Alumni Gathering. Workshops and panel discussions—many organized by GSPP faculty—spanned a wide spectrum of topics, including technology and innovation, democracy policy, the future of California, cash assistance for poverty alleviation, statewide criminal justice reforms, and much more.
Alumni awards and keynote discussions with luminaries such as San Francisco City Administrator and UC Regent Carmen Chu (MPP '03), Code for America founder Jennifer Pahlka, founder and CEO of Tipping Point Community Daniel Lurie (MPP '05), San Francisco Foundation CEO Fred Blackwell, and Cathy Cha, President and CEO of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, capped off a full and rewarding experience.
Mark your calendars for next year’s conference, Sept 12-13, 2024, in Berkeley!
AMPLIFYING OUR IMPACT
GSPP's reputation already extends beyond UC Berkeley and academic circles. Now it's getting extra oomph with this mini-documentary, produced by "Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid" as part of a feature on excellence in higher education. Catch the four-minute program on more than 200 PBS affiliate stations across the country.
BREAKING NEW GROUND
Finally, we are thrilled that the outdoor spaces at GSPP are getting a significant make-over, thanks to generous and continued support from the Lisa & Douglas Goldman Family Fund. Scheduled for completion in late Spring, our newly landscaped courtyard, expanded outdoor seating areas, improved accessibility, enhanced signage, and curb appeal will provide much-needed gathering spaces and also ensure that the vibrancy of our physical campus reflects the talent, innovation, and excellence within. We hope you will come visit us when the work is complete!