A year ago, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), with the help of Public Policy Associates, Inc. (PPA), set out to create a new strategic plan that would respond to racial inequities and affordable housing needs, while positioning MSHDA to be a leader in its field. Then, the pandemic hit. MSHDA is the state’s … Continued
Public Policy Associates (PPA) would like to invite Michigan 9th-12th grade school leaders and teachers, Kindergarten-12th grade parents, and community leaders to answer a few questions about how school districts are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a challenging time for all communities and, while we know you have many important priorities right now, … Continued
Schools have always played an important role in ensuring children have access to enough of the healthy foods they need to learn and grow. When school is in session, students may eat up to three meals a day at school and two thirds of their daily nutritional needs.[1] Sadly, food insecurity has increased in the … Continued
Policymakers, funders, and practitioners often turn to research and evaluation to learn about the outcomes and impacts of their efforts to make positive change. To ensure maximum insights, evaluation and research must be designed using a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) lens. To encourage thoughtful and effective evaluation practice, Public Policy Associates worked with numerous … Continued
In April, Public Policy Associates, Inc. (PPA) released an issue brief analyzing the digital gap for Michigan students. The brief, Digital Inequities and Disparities: Technology Access for Michigan Students, examined the disparities in access between rural and urban students, White students and students of color, and those in low-income families and others. Using data from … Continued
Those with missions to serve the public–government agencies, philanthropies, community-based organizations, and others—are faced with increased demands due to the pandemic. Organizations must tackle the immediate challenges, but they can also anticipate the longer-term consequences of the economic, social, and health impacts. Based on best practices and PPA’s experience in consulting, we offer these suggestions … Continued
