Policy Highlights from NBER Summer Institute 2026
Tariffs, health care, safety net access, labor
Briefing Book
The economic analysis policymakers get, from their expert former staffers
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Wanted: New Voices, New Ideas
The first Briefing Book call for proposals - send us yours, no policy experience required!
Quick hits: The 2026 Social Security Trustees Report
As the Social Security trust funds get closer and closer to depletion, the window for gradual reforms is closing quickly.
The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Falls Short—But It Could Do Better
Increased generosity and better targeting at adult caregivers would make a difference
Do Group Unemployment Rates Send Warning Signs about the Broader Labor Market?
Labor market commentary often discusses unemployment rates for certain groups as potential leading indicators for the overall unemployment rate. I test that idea for several commonly mentioned groups.
The Great Crime Decline
Homicides just hit their lowest level since 1900. The decline over the past 3 years is the fastest 3-year decline since records began. The federal stimulus during Covid may help explain why.
Rezoning The Rust Belt
As Congress debates a housing law, zoning reform should be an important goal—even in some of the nation’s shrunken cities
Why Economic Policy Analysis Needs a Regional Lens
Without regional analysis, even well-funded policies can miss their goals
Putting a Price on Permitting
When anyone can say no to new housing, developers will pay up for an automatic ‘yes’.
Recent SNAP Changes will Cost the Feds Less by Putting the Burden on Families and States
The One Big Beautiful Bill will cost states more while SNAP participants will receive less