On September 7-8, 2023, the Goldman School of Public Policy hosted its inaugural Berkeley Public Policy Annual Conference and Alumni Gathering. The event brought together alumni, faculty, staff, students,and public policy leaders to delve into topics such as climate change, emerging technologies, poverty, and the looming housing crisis. Discussions on the resilience of democracy—now under a magnifying glass in these tumultuous times—echoed through the halls, as participants sought actionable solutions to uphold its pillars.

The event opened on September 7 with a conversation between Dean David C. Wilson and the San Francisco City Administrator, Carmen Chu (MPP ‘03). The next day, to kick off a day full of plenary sessions, Dean Wilson shared the achievements and aspirations of the Goldman School, setting the tone for the content that followed. He shared the stage with Daniel Lurie (MPP ‘05), Founder and CEO of Tipping Point Community, and Richard Lyons, UC Berkeley’s Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Lunchtime brought an enlightening discussion on philanthropy. Foundation presidents Fred Blackwell and Cathy Cha, alongside moderator Angela Glover Blackwell, discussed their journeys of building meaningful, lasting partnerships and forging paths to bring about tangible change in communities.

The event capped off with an engaging dialogue with Jennifer Pahlka, a vanguard in governmental digital transformation. In conversation with Kiran Jain, Pahlka recounted her time as the former Deputy CTO for the U.S. and what led her to write, Recoding America: Why Government Is Failing in the Digital Age and How We Can Do Better.

Workshops and panel discussions spanned a wide spectrum of topics—from data-informed decisions for public welfare to cash assistance for poverty alleviation, and criminal justice reforms in California. Dignitaries such as former Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano shared the stage with their impressive network to explore emerging topics in security.  Passionate discussions were had on the future of policy analysis, the evolution of health policies post the federal public health emergency, and the symbiotic relationship between policy and innovation, among many other riveting subjects. 

Looking back, the conference wasn't just an event; it was an experience—a profound journey of discovery, learning, and connection, intertwining the rich history, vibrant present, and hopeful future of public policy. See you next year!

The Goldman School extends its gratitude to our conference sponsors: Dipaola Foundation; Zorya Energy Advisors; Hewlett Foundation; The Ergo Group.