The annual Harris Policy Innovation Challenge, first launched in the 2023-2024 academic year, offers graduate students across the University of Chicago an opportunity to apply their knowledge, insights, and skills to a complex, multi-faceted, contemporary public policy problem of local consequence. Student teams learn about the issue from authoritative voices across the Chicago business, government, and civic communities and submit evidence- and analysis-informed policy proposals to expert judges. The winning team is awarded a monetary prize of $10,000.
This academic year, the Harris Policy Innovation Challenge is focused on creating a thriving downtown for Chicago. Partnering with the Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation, the contest will, like the inaugural opportunity to address the local pension deficit, tackle an urgent problem of local significance.
In the four years since the COVID-19 pandemic forever changed how Americans work, urban downtowns have struggled to regain their former energy and economic power. Amid efforts to transform scores of now-vacant office buildings and combat crime, U.S. cities have yet to crack the code on how best to lure back business and tourism dollars.
The 2024-25 Harris Policy Innovation Challenge will focus on an urgent local issue: What can Chicago do over the next three years to create a thriving downtown for the next twenty years?
Graduate students interested in various policy areas, including economic development, affordable housing, crime, municipal finance, and urban policy, are encouraged to participate.
Students will be asked to create solutions to address three key outcomes, namely:
Over the past six months, student teams from across the University of Chicago have developed data-informed, evidence-based policy solutions to revitalize Chicago’s Loop—addressing key areas such as economic development, public safety, sustainability, and inclusiveness.
At the final event, the top three teams will present their proposals to a distinguished panel of expert judges before an audience of policymakers, civic leaders, media, and community members. A $10,000 prize will be awarded to the most compelling and impactful solution.
Come explore innovative ideas, hear fresh perspectives, and join an important conversation about the future of downtown Chicago.
Join us as the three final student teams present bold, actionable solutions to shape the future of Chicago’s urban core.
📅 Date: April 16, 2025
⏰ Time: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. (followed by a reception)
📍 Location: The Keller Center, 1307 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL 60637
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