Book
Democracy Reinvented is the first comprehensive academic treatment of participatory budgeting in the United States, situating it within a broader trend of civic technology and innovation. This global phenomenon, which has been called “revolutionary civics in action” by the New York Times, started in Brazil in 1989 but came to America only in 2009. Participatory budgeting empowers citizens to identify community needs, work with elected officials to craft budget proposals, and vote on how to spend public funds.
Brookings Institution Press, 2016
Policy Brief
This policy brief examines how states can strengthen partnerships between postsecondary institutions and state election officials to build sustainable civic infrastructure.
Commentary
Election night 2026 produced a remarkable roll call of historic firsts. From the first Black woman elected governor of a U.S. state to the first Muslim elected to the Senate, voters broke barriers across state and party lines.
Policy Brief
A new policy brief explores how civic culture can reshape social norms, encourage collective action, and drive lasting behavioral change.