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Evans School of Public Policy & Governance

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Autumn Research Publication Roundup

Evans faculty Rachel Fyall and co-authors published, “Keeping Clean: A Qualitative Analysis of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Among Residents of Recreational Vehicles in Seattle, WA US,” in the International Journal on Homelessness.

Evans MPA student Hannah McKinley and co-authors published “Building community resilience to extreme heat: Lessons learned from Spokane, WA community conversations,” in Environmental Research Health.

Evans Ph.D. student Yu-Heng Jung and co-author Euipyo Lee, published “Linking innovation climate to innovative behavior in public organizations: Exploring the role of psychological needs,” in the International Public Management Journal.

Evans Ph.D. alum Matthew Fowle and Evans faculty Rachel Fyall published, “Evading the eviction moratorium: Changing patterns in formal and informal evictions and eviction tactics during the COVID-19 pandemic,” in the Journal of Urban Affairs.

Evans Ph.D. alum Gowun “Gonnie” Park and Evans faculty David Suárez, as part of a team of co-authors, published “Organizational Practices for Community Integration in Five Global Cities,” in Nature Cities.

Evans faculty Dafeng Xu published, “Effect of environmental regulation on sustainable household waste management in Nigeria,” in Utilities Policy.

Evans faculty Crystal Hall – along with a very distinguished group of UW scholars and Seattle community members – published, “Advancing Active Transportation Through Mobility Justice and Centering Community,” in Health Equity.

Evans Ph.D. alum Lizzy Pelletier, along with current Evans Ph.D. student Julia Karon, AU faculty Taryn Morrissey, and Evans faculty Scott Allard, published “The spatial inequality of early care and education centers,” in Early Childhood Research Quarterly.

Evans faculty Seba Bishu published a co-authored article, “Representative Bureaucracy in Property Assessment Appeals Administration: A Group-Level Analysis,” in Public Administration.

Evans research faculty Didier Alia and co-authors from the UW Department of Global Health, Kenya Ministry of Health and Medical Research & Programs Department, and Kenyatta National Hospital published, “Reimagining policy implementation science in a global context: a theoretical discussion,” in Frontiers in Health Services.

Evans faculty Karin Martin and co-authors published, “Estimated effect of fee repeal on family financial stress and juvenile probation outcomes,” in Psychology, Public Policy, and Law.

Evans faculty Steve Page published a book chapter, “Teaching with an Informed Mind and Relentless Curiosity,” in an edited volume, The Craft of Teaching in Public Affairs: Instructors Reflecting on the Tools and Tips of Their Trade, by William Hatcher, Beth M. Rauhaus, and Bruce D. McDonald III.

Evans faculty Ann Bostrom and Evans alum Deianna Madlambayan, along with a distinguished team of co-authors, published “Exploring NWS Forecasters’ Assessment of AI Guidance Trustworthiness,” in Weather and Forecasting.

Evans faculty Alison Cullen and Evans MPA alum, Brian Goldgeier, along with a team of co-authors published, “Characterising ignition precursors associated with high levels of deployment of wildland fire personnel, in the International Journal of Wildland Fire.

Evans faculty Crystal Hall co-authors new book on antiracist behavioral design

Antiracist by Design is a compact and informative guide for organizations, policymakers, and everyday people who want to use the tools of behavioral science in practical ways to design and implement policies and practices that drive racial equity forward.

Co-authored by Crystal Hall, an Associate Professor at the Evans School, and Mindy Hernandez, the Living Lab for Equitable Climate Action at the World Resources Institute, Antiracist by Design is a call to action, providing tools and a roadmap for an antiracist approach to applied behavioral science.

The book begins by tracing the history of applied behavioral science and how the field has historically shied away from tackling systemic issues. Hall and Hernandez then offer an antiracist framework for updating the mechanics of behavioral design, blending scholarly research alongside accessible stories, examples, and concrete steps for moving racial justice forward.

Reflecting on the process, Hall shared, “Mindy and I are thrilled for the release of Antiracist by Design. This book represents years of conversations and reflections on the missteps of the field (starting with our own!). My teaching and scholarship at the Evans School have been so influential throughout this process, especially my work with students. I’m so delighted that I’ll have the opportunity to celebrate the book and its implications with our community.”

Antiracist by Design will be released on November 19 by MIT Press. Hall will hold a hybrid book talk on December 11 as part of the Evans School’s Theory to Practice lecture series.

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A Call for Alumni Stories

I’m excited to introduce myself—my name is Justyn Jacobs, and I’m the Alumni and Community Engagement Manager here at the Evans School. As a Seattle native with over a decade of experience in community engagement, I’m thrilled to bring my skills and passion to the Evans School. My goal is to reconnect alumni with each other, the school, and to new opportunities, all while fostering stronger partnerships within our vibrant community.

 

One of the most inspiring parts of my job is getting to know our incredible alumni and hearing the unique paths you have taken since your time at the Evans School. As I continue to learn more about you and your work, I’d love to share your stories with the wider Evans School community.

 

Whether you’ve tackled a big project, led innovative initiatives, or celebrated a major life moment, sharing your experiences can inspire and support others while also giving you the opportunity to reconnect and find community within the Evans School network.

Please take a moment to share your story!

 

Your story may be featured on our blog, in our enewsletter or via social media.

Thank you for being a part of the Evans School community. I can’t wait to read your stories and continue building these connections together!

Nurturing Tomorrow’s Public Leaders: The Evans School Junior Summer Institute

The 2024 JSI cohort poses together on the steps in front of the red brick of Parrington Hall

The Evans School of Public Policy & Governance at the University of Washington, in partnership with a national program, has once again demonstrated its commitment to shaping the next generation of public policy leaders through its Junior Summer Institute (JSI). This intensive summer program offers a unique blend of academic rigor, practical experience, and inspirational encounters that prepare aspiring public servants for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Over seven weeks, JSI Scholars have been immersed in a diverse array of activities designed to broaden their understanding of public policy and governance. From engaging seminars on pressing issues like environmental justice and criminal legal reform to workshops on research design and nonprofit management, the program provides a comprehensive foundation for future policymakers.

A standout feature of the JSI program is its emphasis on hands-on community engagement. Scholars volunteered at the U-District Food Bank, putting into practice the principles of community service, and gaining firsthand experience in addressing food insecurity.

The program’s commitment to addressing contemporary issues is evident in its seminar topics. Discussions on climate-induced migration, housing insecurity, and food security highlight the institute’s focus on preparing scholars for the complex, interconnected challenges of our time. By bringing in experts from various fields, including representatives from nonprofit organizations and government agencies, the program ensures that the Scholars receive a well-rounded perspective on these critical issues.

One of the hallmarks of the JSI program is its emphasis on real-world perspectives. The institute has hosted numerous panels featuring distinguished alumni, seasoned professionals, and current policymakers. These sessions offer the Scholars invaluable insights into various career paths and the realities of working in public service. For instance, a panel on city administration brought together officials from Tacoma and Kirkland, providing students with a ground-level view of local governance challenges and triumphs.

A particularly impactful component of the JSI experience is the opportunity for the Scholars to engage directly with high-level public officials. The field trip to Seattle City Hall exemplifies this, where scholars had the chance to meet with Mayor Bruce Harrell and participate in discussions with Deputy Mayor Adiam Emery and other city leaders. Such experiences not only inspire but also provide tangible examples of public service leadership in action.

The JSI program also recognizes the importance of practical skills in policy work. Workshops on law and op-ed writing, crafting public service narratives, and career development equip scholars with tools essential for effective communication and professional growth in the public sector.

Throughout the program, the value of diversity and inclusion in public policy is consistently emphasized. Panels and discussions frequently touch on the importance of considering multiple perspectives, addressing racial disparities, and ensuring equitable approaches in policy-making. This focus prepares the Scholars to navigate the complex social landscape they will encounter in their future roles.

Junior Summer Institute is more than just an academic experience. It’s a transformative journey that challenges the Scholars to think critically about public policy issues, exposes them to the realities of public service, and inspires them to make a difference in their communities.

The Evans School’s JSI program stands as a testament to the power of experiential learning in public policy education. By combining academic rigor with real-world exposure and community service, the program not only prepares scholars for future careers but also instills in them a deep sense of purpose and commitment to public service.

As these Scholars move forward in their academic and professional journeys, they carry with them not just knowledge and skills, but also a network of peers, mentors, and inspirational figures who will continue to support and guide them. The Junior Summer Institute is planting the seeds for a new generation of innovative, compassionate, and effective public servants who will shape tomorrow’s policies.

Evans School Launches Public Service ReDesign Toolkit

Many of today’s practices, programs, and policies were designed narrowly to respond to a need, crisis, or a subset of the population. They don’t take into consideration the complexity and interconnectedness of various systems and the communities they affect. The fragmented thinking and the operational realities that grow from it significantly limit the effectiveness of publicly funded services. Current operations do not respond to what people need when they turn to governments or nonprofits for assistance.

To make intentional systemic improvements, the Evans School believes it is important to have a clear methodology of change making. A methodology is an articulation of why – why is this work carried out in this way? It provides underlying concepts that clarify purpose and allow intentional application of a particular method or tool.

In winter quarter of 2024, the Evans School launched the Public Service ReDesign Toolkit as a public collection of what we use in practice to facilitate conversations, prototype, and document learning. The toolkit is organized into sections that correspond to the three-phase iterative approach to human-centered design processes we use in working with complex systems that focus on action and inquiry:

  • Situational Analysis: understanding ‘what is’
  • Generate & Refine Ideas: explore what ‘might be’
  • Prototype & Assess: create & test what ‘can be’

So far we have actively used this as a resource in our new Leading Public Innovation certificate program, documented tools and methods from engagement trainings within the public health sector, and recorded how tools and methods were implemented by Evans’ policy lab – EPIC (Evans Policy Innovation Collaborative) in recent engagements. As the Toolkit continues to be used, we continue to iterate to meet emerging needs.

We invite you explore this Toolkit! As you browse through, remember – the resources shared here alone won’t make change. Clarify the underlying methodology of change, as it is the foundation for what other elements will be used and how.

Explore the Toolkit

New Research: Self-perception of Climate Vulnerability Among Fishing Communities of the U.S. West Coast

A study conducted in partnership between The Nature Conservancy and the University of Washington was published today in the journal PLOS Climate. Led by Dr. Laura Nelson, the study asked fishers operating in the California Current along Washington, Oregon and California, about their perceptions of climate vulnerability, inquiring about the degree to which they felt that they are personally, and the industry is able to respond and adapt to climate change.

This article is part of an ongoing research series funded by Lenfest Ocean Programs and spearheaded by Dr. Phillip Levin at The Nature Conservancy and University of Washington, and Dr. Alison Cullen, University of Washington, which takes an interdisciplinary approach to studying the social and ecological vulnerability of fishing communities along the U.S. West Coast to changing ocean conditions.

The study provides a previously missing piece of the insight into climate communications, potential barriers to adaptation, and approaches for equitable and effective climate adaptation in the fisheries industry. Researchers surveyed 162 respondents working in fisheries across California, Oregon, and Washington and found that perceptions of climate vulnerability differed widely based on fundamental beliefs about whether or not climate change is occurring, and that people who fished on larger vessels felt they had a greater ability to adapt to climate change. In addition to climate impacts, survey respondents named operational costs, regulations, and habitat loss as key concerns; factors that if left unaddressed could present barriers to long-term adaptation.

Perceptions of climate vulnerability play an important role in behavior and will be a factor in how and to what extent individuals take action to adapt to climate change. Insight into these perceptions can be applied to climate communications within the fisheries industry as well, as policy actions that improve the ability of fishers to adapt to climate change can increase overall resilience, and the benefits outside of climate adaption need to be clearly articulated. As the industry and fisheries management work to support fishers in the future, understanding the concerns of fishers and how they perceive climate risks is valuable and essential to inform climate adaptation efforts moving forward.

This paper builds on recent research also conducted by the TNC and UW partnership and published in PLOS One, which developed a framework to assess community vulnerability by quantitively analyzing factors such as species exposure and sensitivity to changes in climate, economic reliance, and community social factors that are indicators of a communities’ ability to adapt to climate change.

Together, these studies provide a holistic understanding of climate vulnerability and adaptation potential for the fisheries industry in the California Current which fisheries managers and regional governing bodies can apply to create equitable and effective climate adaptation measures that benefit both people and marine ecosystems.

Simultaneous Occurrence of 75th Percentile Fires Correlation between the Northwest and other US Regions

Correlation between the number of large fires (i.e., greater than the historic 75th percentile of size in that region) occurring per month in the Northwest Geographic Area Coordination Center ( NW GACC) and in other GACCs. Both maps are divided into regions, with each region representing one GACC. The NW GACC, is indicated in black, while all other GACCs are indicated in a color that represents the Kendall correlation between number of simultaneous fires in GACCs. Red shades indicate a positive correlation and blue indicate negative correlation. Statistical significance is denoted with asterisks, (*) corresponds to p < 0.05, (**) corresponds to p < 0.01 and (***) correspond to p < 0.001. Note: only positive correlations were statistically significant in this analysis. Data on simultaneous wildfire occurrence come from the Monitoring Trends and Burn Severity (MTBS) project . This visualization was made as part of NSF Growing Convergence Project 2019762.

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Projected seasonality of simultaneity comparing 1985-2015 and 2030-2060

Change in the number of simultaneous 1000+ acre wildfires in each Geographic Area Coordination Center (GACC) in the Western US comparing 1985-2015 and 2030-2060. These results are projected by a statistical model applied to fire indexes output from regional climate models (RCMs) from the NA-CORDEX data archive. Each panel shows boxplots, for an ensemble of 13 RCM simulations, of the probability of exceeding the 1-year return level in simultaneity for that GACC on a biweekly basis. This visualization was made as part of NSF Growing Convergence Project 2019762.

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Timing of Peak Wildfire Simultaneity in US Regions



A decade to decade comparison of expected number of Geographic Area Coordination Centers (GACCs) that have peak simultaneity during the same calendar month. Peak simultaneity is defined as the greatest number of simultaneous fires occurring during the same calendar month in a calendar year. Each shape corresponds to a fire size definition: 1000+ acres (all large fires, or ALF) are circles, 75th percentile (very large fires, or VLF) are triangles, and 90th percentile (extremely large fires, or ELF) are plus signs. Percentiles are determined within-GACC. For 2009-2019 (right) on average more GACCs experienced simultaneity at the same time in summer months than occurred in 1984-1994 (left). Data on simultaneous wildfire occurrence come from the Monitoring Trends and Burn Severity (MTBS) project. Approach is based on Podschwit & Cullen (2020) https://doi.org/10.1071/WF19150. This visualization was made as part of NSF Growing Convergence Project 2019762.

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