Policy Innovation Lab

Rooted in a commitment to Washington DC, the Policy Innovation Lab is a special initiative of the McCourt School of Public Policy that offers hands-on experiences to help students develop the skills to create policy that serves and responds to the needs of communities.

The Lab’s work is motivated by connections between public policy and the people and groups it is aimed to serve. “Putting people in policy” is our mantra.

As part of our mission, we develop relationships and strategic partnerships with local organizations and community members in Wards 7 and 8 – DC’s most marginalized and structurally oppressed communities.

Our Vision, Mission, and Values

We envision a city where every individual has equal opportunity to learn, grow, and lead a fulfilling life.

More about our mission

Our Work

We are working to advance social and economic justice through a racial equity lens. Our work centers around respect for communities, integrity, humility, and innovation.

More about our work

Our Partners

The Policy Innovation Lab works with multiple partners in Wards 7 and 8 and throughout the city.

More about our partners

Our Projects

As part of our mission, we develop relationships and strategic partnerships with local organizations and community members in Wards 7 & 8.

More about our projects

Lab Calendar

Check out the Lab’s current and past calendars or year in review slideshow to get a sense of the Policy Innovation Lab.

View the full Lab calendar
Jasmine Tyler Headshot

Professor Jasmine Tyler is the Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Lab and an Associate Professor of the Practice at the McCourt School. Professor Tyler is a DMV (VA) native with extensive experience working on federal and local policy issues ranging from criminal justice, public health, immigration, and national security. Personally and professionally, she practices abolition and harm reduction, proximity and truth-telling, as well as mindfulness and humor.

Learn more about Professor Tyler

Policy Innovation Lab News

Healy Hall Tulips

Student Experience

Proposals for Improving DC Social Policies to be Presented by Georgetown Students 

WHAT: Students from the Policy Innovation Lab at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy will present ideas to improve some of the District of Columbia’s signature social…

April 26, 2023

Student Experience, Uncategorized

Policy Innovation Lab hosts launch event for Counties for Guaranteed Income

The Policy Innovation Lab hosted the launch of Counties for Guaranteed Income on Feb 12, 2023 featuring Former Sacramento Mayor Michael Tubbs and President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, Toni Preckwinkle. The coalition seeks to promote the efforts of elected officials across the a who have led pilot programs providing cash assistance to bolster individual and household budgets. One of the PIL’s economic justice teams is focused on researching, evaluating, and monitoring Bread for the City’s cash assistance programs in DC.

February 22, 2023