Democracy that Delivers

This paper uses qualitative evidence to make the case that government agencies can cultivate more responsive, effective, and democracy-enhancing social programs by more consistently and thoughtfully engaging the people they serve.

This white paper examines Pennsylvania’s recent success in responding to concerns from citizens that it took too long for a business, nonprofit or individual to receive a permit, license or certificate they had applied for.

Governments have long been attentive to regulatory burdens placed on private businesses, and are now increasingly considering administrative burdens experienced by members of the public. Such burdens can significantly worsen people’s experience of government, and limit access to valued resources, especially for those who most need government help. What would it look like if governments tried to build a policy framework that took burdens seriously? This white paper by Donald Moynihan and Morten Hybschmann dives into just that.