USC California Policy Institute A Progress Report Walter A. Zelman Director

Perceived Need Policymakers and researchers have different perceptions of: need, timing, career advancement, preferred means of communication, etc. Barriers emerge that inhibit development of productive relationships between the two communities. Policymaking could benefit from enhanced, effective participation of research and researchers.

Perceived Need Term limits and other developments have undermined the capacity of policymakers to utilize research-based information Pro-active efforts are needed to improve relationships between research and policymaking communities.

Mission Improve the Sacramento policymaking process by enhancing communication and institutionalizing relationships and networks between California’s research and policymaking communities.

Core Activities Create partnering opportunities for researchers and policymakers. Disseminate research findings to the state capital policymaking community. Disseminate research selectively, via means and in formats that make use of the information most likely.

Core Activities Advise the research community of the research needs of the policymaking community. Assist researchers in contacting foundations, government agencies and others who may have interests in their areas of expertise.

Core Values Political neutrality. The promotion and distribution of high quality research from all research sources. Collaborative, cross-disciplinary approaches to the analysis of major, complex public policy issues.

Core Values The promotion of theoretical, as well as applied analysis as a means of better understanding practical options. The development and, where possible, institutionalization of partnerships between the research and policy communities.

Initial Areas of Focus Health Education Governance Others to be added depending on interest and financing

Three Central Questions Special focus on the potential impacts of policy options on: Underserved populations and populations with special needs The California economic and business climate The California state budget

USC Partners: Health Care School of Policy, Planning, and Development School of Social Work School of Dentistry School of Pharmacy Leonard Davis School of Gerontology Center for Health Policy, Financing and Management Institute for Prevention Research (School of Medicine) Department of Family Medicine (School of Medicine)

USC Partners: Non-health Rossier School of Education Viterbi School of Engineering Annenberg School for Communication Lusk Center for Real Estate The Tomas Rivera Policy Institute (School of Policy, Planning and Development)

Four Unique Qualities Multi-issue Partnerships across the university Collect, disseminate, not produce research Entrepreneurial promotion and delivery of policy-relevant research

Immediate Next Steps Open early November Form USC-based and other advisory boards Expand USC partnerships Consider non-USC relationships

Contact Walter Zelman, Director edu