Data-Driven Methods for Policy Evaluation

Catalog description

Data-Driven Methods for Policy Evaluation equips students with the tools to design, analyze, and assess public policies using data-driven approaches. Focusing on urban issues such as housing, economic development, environment, and climate, the course explores evidence-based methods for policy creation, monitoring, and evaluation. Students examine if/how data-centric technologies enable retrospective and prospective analysis, detect discriminatory practices, and audit algorithmic systems for fairness. While these innovations offer opportunities for greater efficiency, equity, and transparency, they also raise complex legal, ethical, and social questions. Students will research, design, and present a policy performance dashboard and participate in student led discussions and in-class scenario analyses to better understand the dynamic relationships between law, policy, and data in addressing today’s urban challenges.