What's Happening?
University of Chicago MSCAPP students Luis Santos Burgos and Max Manalang interned in the Chicago Mayor’s Office, applying data and policy analysis to real-world city government operations. Santos Burgos, a Policy Research Fellow, analyzed proposed ordinances
and legislation, assessing their feasibility and impact on issues like pharmacy access, gun violence reduction, congestion pricing, and FY27 strategic priorities. Manalang focused on using data to inform public decisions, working on rapid-response assignments and longer-term policy questions, including preparing materials for City Council hearings, analyzing alderpeople's questions, supporting budget discussions, and modeling revenue for potential waste fees and advertising signs. Both students emphasized the immediate and direct impact of their work on people's lives and the complexities of city policymaking, which involves legal authority, City Council approval, business interests, and public opinion.
Why It's Important?
This initiative highlights the practical application of academic knowledge in addressing urban challenges and improving governance. By integrating data analysis and policy research directly into the Mayor's Office, the program helps bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and practical implementation. The students' work on diverse issues such as gun violence, public health, and economic policy directly contributes to informed decision-making that affects Chicago residents. Their experience also underscores the importance of understanding the multifaceted constraints—political, legal, and public—that shape policy outcomes. This collaboration between academia and local government serves as a model for developing future public servants who are equipped with analytical skills and a realistic understanding of policy development.
What's Next?
The experiences of Santos Burgos and Manalang suggest a continued emphasis on data-driven policy within the Chicago Mayor's Office and potentially other city departments. The insights gained from their work on revenue modeling, legislative analysis, and public engagement could inform future policy initiatives and operational strategies. For the students, this practical experience will likely shape their career paths, encouraging them to pursue roles where they can apply their analytical skills to social impact. The University of Chicago's MSCAPP program may continue to foster such internships, strengthening the pipeline of analytically skilled professionals entering public service and contributing to more effective and evidence-based governance in urban centers.
Beyond the Headlines
The internships reveal a deeper understanding of policy-making beyond theoretical ideals, emphasizing that effective policy is not just about good ideas but also about navigating complex constraints and stakeholder interests. The students' realization that 'good policy ideas aren’t enough on their own' highlights the political and practical realities of governance. This experience also touches upon the ethical dimensions of data use in public policy, as analysis must consider not only efficiency but also equity and public perception. The program fosters a new generation of public sector leaders who are not only technically proficient but also acutely aware of the social, economic, and political contexts in which policies are implemented, promoting a more holistic approach to urban problem-solving.
