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Question 1) One of the first readings this semester was a chapter from the book Basic Methods of Policy Analysis and Planning (Sawicki, et. al.). What are the main arguments advanced by the authors in that chapter? As someone studying public policy analysis, explain what is useful (or not useful) about their approach to studying problems. What are the lessons that you take away from your reading of the book as you begin your career as a manager or analyst? What are Sawicki et al.’s Arguments? The study of “Basic Methods of Policy Analysis and Planning” by Sawicki, el. (2013) explores the complex dynamics and multidimensional field of policy analysis, investigating its challenges and ethical considerations to comprehensively understand efficient decision-making in policymaking processes. Sawicki et al. (2013) present a thorough synopsis of studying problems within public policy analysis, encompassing numerous characteristics crucial for understanding and performing effective evaluations. The study distinguishes between descriptive and prospective policy analysis, emphasizing the necessity of understanding past policies for designing and assessing future policies (Sawicki et al., 2013). Furthermore, the varied function of the policy analyst is defined, with categories encompassing technicians, politicians, and entrepreneurs, emphasizing the ethical aspects inherent in decision-making processes (Sawicki et al., 2013). Additionally, each category has practical competencies and methods; politicians are effective at managing policies but may prioritize their interests over policy objective analysis; meanwhile, technicians are skilled at analysis but may not be politically astute, and finally, analysts within an organization may find it difficult to be unbiased, favouring organizational viewpoints. The study also delves into ethical dilemmas in policy analysis, contending that normative moral theories may be utilized to overcome clashes between ethical/moral principles (Sawicki et al., 2013). It highlights ethical movements and the fiduciary model, emphasizing integrity in analyst-client relationships. This provides decision-makers with a framework with different viewpoints, emphasizing the benefit of organizations and the significance of making ethical decisions influenced by personal values and competing commitments (Sawicki et al., 2013). Beyond theoretical frameworks, the study delves into the practical aspects of the analytic process, outlining several models and approaches characterized as a combination of art, craft, compromise, argument, and persuasion that rely on the analyst’s skill, judgment, and intuition (Sawicki et al., 2013). Furthermore, a structured six-step approach for fundamental policy analysis is an asset for structuring decision-making, which incorporates defining the problem, establishing evaluation criteria, identifying alternative policies, evaluating alternative policies, displaying and distinguishing among policies, and monitoring policy outcomes (Sawicki et al., 2013). It stresses the importance of systematic research in giving policymakers well-informed suggestions while acknowledging the conflicts of real-world policy analysis, such as setting clear goals and navigating political obstacles. Furthermore, Sawicki et al. (2013) contend that policy analysis involves thoroughly comprehending previous policies through descriptive analysis and using prospective analysis, which includes predictive and prescriptive approaches, to foresee results and prescribe policymakers’ actions. This provides essential insights into the historical background and future policy implications (Sawicki et al., 2013). Additionally, the role of policy analysts in bureaucratic organizations is acknowledged, as are the limitations of preserving impartiality mainly, where political influence may override alternatives, stressing the significance of maintaining credibility through objective analysis, methods and models, and open communication. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of careful examination, moral reflection, and continuous improvement to address the complex societal issues in formulating and implementing policies. This advocates a thorough approach that assimilates ethical considerations and provides policy decision-makers with applicable and valuable information. Is the Approach Useful? The policy analysis and planning approach for examining issues in public policy analysis outlined within the study provides prospective analysts with several helpful insights, which enables an in-depth understanding of policy analysis and its uses. The focus on thorough analysis and continuing improvement highlights the significance of making effective decisions based on evidence and the requirement for continuous improvement of analytical techniques (Sawicki et al., 2013). Furthermore, ethical considerations at every stage of the policy analysis process emphasize how crucial accountability and integrity are to public policy formulation. Additionally, the distinction between descriptive and prospective policy analysis offers an organized framework for comprehending previous policy implementations and projecting future results, improving policy creation and assessment efficiency. In contrast, there are a few limitations regarding the framework. For instance, the division of categories of policy analysts into discrete groups may oversimply the practical competencies needed for effective analysis. Still, it may fail to adequately represent the multifaceted character of policy issues. Moreover, emphasizing quantitative analysis and cost-benefit evaluations may prioritize particular facts, potentially ignoring qualitative information and other points of view essential for comprehending policies’ social and human consequences (Sawicki et al., 2013). This limited focus on quantifiable outcomes may prevent analysts from addressing complex social concerns—justice, equity, and human rights—which are difficult to quantify. Lastly, relying on the framework may result in a gap between policy analytical alternatives and real-world implementation due to the failure to consider the organizational, political and societal effects on policy decisions. Key Takeaways It is crucial for planners who aspire to become managers or analysts, like me, to take away significant lessons from the study as the authors navigate the framework of policy analysis and planning terrain. It is critical to undertake thorough analysis and constantly enhance skills to address complex social concerns in forming and implementing policies. In other words, unbiased analysis is also required to conduct a thorough analysis, including both quantitative and qualitative findings, as well as continuous improvement of analytical abilities and commitment to ethical norms to maintain the integrity of alternatives (Sawicki et al., 2013). Moreover, it is crucial to comprehend the historical context of previous policy implementations through descriptive analysis since this will offer insightful information for developing and assessing future policies to ensure that the objectives are met (Sawicki et al., 2013). The study strongly emphasizes the ethical issues surrounding policy analysis, emphasizing the necessity of balancing competing obligations to different stakeholders and maintaining professional integrity (Sawicki et al., 2013). This speaks to me as a core value to maintain in my work, as successful policies and execution depend on the confidence and trust of the citizens. Moreover, upholding credibility through objective analysis and unambiguous communication is especially pertinent in the public sector, where accountability and openness are crucial (Sawicki et al., 2013). This allows me to make an effort to follow these guidelines. At the same time, I work with stakeholders and negotiate complicated policy problems to ensure that my analysis is reliable, trustworthy, and eventually effective in influencing policy choices. Question 2) Another reading this semester was the Five I’s of Failed Urban Planning (Nussbaum and Spessott). Identify a planning policy that in your mind represents an urban planning failure. Your policy should include at least 3 of the 5 “I’s” from the reading. Provide a short summary of the policy and detail how each “I” contributed to its failure. The Ontario government introduced Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, on October 25, 2022, as a proactive measure to address the housing crisis (Ontario Land Tribunal, 2023). This legislation aims to accelerate the province’s ambitious objective of building 1.5 million homes over the next ten years. It proposes numerous measures to promote the growth of various housing types across different communities, providing a variety of ownership and rental property alternatives, such as mid-rise apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes, to accommodate the wide range of demands of the people living in Ontario (Ontario Public Service, 2022). Additionally, it underscores the importance of addressing housing issues in urban, suburban, and rural areas for various demographic groups, including young people, newcomers, and seniors. Moreover, the Act calls for easing restrictive zoning, expediting the clearance process to speed up building, and supporting the development of “gentle density” housing, such as triplexes and garden suites (Ontario Public Service, 2022). The strategy consists of around 50 actions to address the housing crisis by diminishing government costs and expediting the process of obtaining building clearance (Ontario Public Service, 2022). Key measures include somewhat “affordable housing initiatives,” an increase in the Non-Resident Speculation Tax rate, a freeze on or reduction in government fees, encouraging residential density close to transportation, and enhanced consumer protection for homebuyers (Ontario Public Service, 2022). The provincial bodies have cited the Act as a reaction to the challenges of urban sprawl, particularly the housing crisis in significant cities. However, various practitioners have noted that the Act lacked transparency and received criticism. For instance, the gaps are evident within the openness of the negotiating and implementation process where community input is lacking. However, there have been cases where developers have not been held accountable for meeting their planning obligations effectively. Opposition parties and advocacy organizations have also expressed concerns about insufficient discussions and the possible detrimental consequences for tenants, affordable housing initiatives, and ecologically sensitive areas. Given the foregoing debate, the policy concerns surrounding the More Homes Built Faster Act may be categorized into the following I’s, which contribute to urban planning failure: 1) Influence: Powerful interest groups, notably those in the development business, are likely to have a significant influence (Media Relations, 2022). If the bill’s provisions promote high-rise zoning and boost development profitability, they appear to correspond with the goals of developers who typically focus on higher-end buildings (Media Relations, 2022). These organizations may have fought for these regulations to maximize their revenues, possibly at the expense of affordable aims. Their influence may sway decision-making favouring policies prioritizing luxury or high-end developments, increasing land prices and rendering inexpensive or missing middle-class homes financially unsustainable (Media Relations, 2022). Furthermore, different parties, such as developers, may influence policy without adequately prioritizing community well-being or addressing the financial issues that municipalities confront due to development (AMO, 2022). For instance, the bill’s provision to exclude developers building affordable housing units from development charges, parkland dedication fees, and community benefit charges may reflect the developers’ influence in shaping the policy to reduce their financial responsibility (AMO, 2022). As a result, governments and taxpayers may incur a disproportionate burden. Moreover, the Act proposes modifications limiting the areas that conservation authorities may examine when granting development permits, possibly undercutting environmental protections and neglecting community concerns regarding sustainability (Jones, 2022). This elucidates that the Act may fail to appropriately consider local communities’ opinions instead of emphasizing the interests of developers and stakeholders, exacerbating the sense of injustice and inequality in the process (Nussbaum & Spessot, 2017). 2) Inertia: Various stakeholders, including municipal legislators, municipal governments, developers, and the community, may experience ​reluctance to change regarding the housing policy under the Act due to the existing established policy structure (AMO, 2022). This elucidates that these stakeholders may be reluctant to accept substantial changes regarding the Act as they are used to the existing planning regulations, community structure, and spatial dynamics (Nussbaum & Spessot, 2017). In particular, the Act proposed changes to zoning regulations, including removing exclusionary zoning, which limited residential development to single detached homes per lot (Ontario Public Service, 2022). The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) expressed concerns, demonstrating the slowness among municipalities in embracing these reforms (AMO, 2022). AMO opposed shifting the development expense onto municipalities and voiced concerns about the changes’ potential financial effects. Moreover, the Act aims to expand the housing stock but lacks effective methods to address affordability. Concerns over affordability decreased as developer profits and high-rise zoning took precedence (Media Relations, 2022). Even if more rental and affordable housing is needed, it was still challenging to amend the Act to prioritize inclusion and affordability (AMO, 2022). 3) Illiteracy: The Act aims to implement “gentle density,” incorporating triplexes and garden suites (Ontario Public Service, 2022). However, illiteracy may have spurred opposition based on an erroneous assumption that increased density is ineffective (Ontario Public Service, 2022). Lacking a comprehensive knowledge of the positive implications of such approaches regarding the Act, the public may oppose them due to erroneous concerns. Additionally, it has the power to distort public opinion and persuade certain politicians to side with the position that lacks supporting data, which may result in opposition to the Act (Ontario Public Service, 2022). Furthermore, the Act recommends alterations to zoning regulations and development charges to stimulate housing construction. This may hinder the implementation of initiatives aimed at mitigating the housing crisis since municipalities may have opposed the changes due to illiteracy, despite their need to fully comprehend their justifications (Nussbaum & Spessot, 2017). Without clear communication, misunderstandings persist, which increases the possibility of opposition to the Act’s provisions (Nussbaum & Spessot, 2017). Question 3) Read the attached editorial from the USA Today (Attachment 1) that debates using incentives for boosting organ donation and answer the following questions. a) Provide a one sentence definition of the problem as framed by the pro and con side of the editorial (i.e., two different sentences that reflect their respective definitions of the problem). Pro: The shortage of organ donors, which causes annual needless deaths, may be alleviated by offering financial incentive programs to promote more donations. Con: Educational campaigns regarding organ donation in communities are preferred over financial incentive programs, which can commodify human life, diminish altruism, and raise ethical problems such as the black market. b) Identify 5 1-sentence alternatives mentioned in the editorials that address the problem. 1. Offering families of brain-dead donors death benefits of $5,000 or $10,000 in exchange for the utilization of healthy organs. 2. Providing a $ 10,000 tax credit to the estate of a donor. 3. Offering organ donors a “funeral benefit.” 4. Public educational campaigns to spread awarness about organ donation and transplant. 5. Compensating living donors’ travel, accommodation, expenses or lost income. c) Identify 5 1-sentence alternatives that are not mentioned in the editorials (they don’t have to be plausible so you can be creative) that can address the problem as defined above. 1. Provide lifetime healthcare insurance benefits for registered organ donors and their families, with particular benefits for dental care, vaccines, and certain drugs. 2. Develop the national registry with information on donors and recipients to assist authorities in determining the number of organs available for donation or those in need (Norris, 2020). 3. Schools and vulnerable communities areas in collaboration with social media healthcare/advocates agencies platforms to increase educational donor awareness with registration forms. 4. Provide scholarships, grants, and awards to the most vulnerable university students who are members of the direct dependent family of registered donors. 5. Offer support groups incorporating donor survivors and registered donors?? d) Based on the arguments in the editorial, identify the three evaluative criteria that you feel are the most appropriate for evaluating alternatives you proposed to address the problem. Be sure to briefly explain your rationale for each. 1. X 2. X 3. Question 4) Read the article “A City’s Wrenching Budget Choices” from the New York Times (Attachment 2). Imagine you are working as a chief budget analyst for the city responsible for giving policy advice to the Mayor, Council, and City Manager. Based on what you have read this semester, how would you frame and prioritize the problems identified in the article. How would you prioritize the city services deserving funding during difficult budget times? Do you think the Mayor and Council are approaching the problems properly? Be sure to use concepts from your readings to support your arguments. Framework to Prioritize the Problems faced by the City of Wilmington As the chief budget analyst for the city, tasked with providing strategic guidance on budgetary matters to the Mayor, Council, and City Manager, my approach to framing and prioritizing the issues outlined in the article starts with identifying the key decision criterion (Sawicki et al., 2013). This includes determining whether the significant focus should be on reducing costs, increasing fund efficacy, or widening the scope of benefits, as well as recognizing the ramifications of prioritizing one criterion over another. To further define the prioritization issues, I will differentiate them into monetary direct and indirect policies (Sawicki et al., 2013). Additionally, direct monetary strategies may incorporate investing in safety equipment and infrastructure upkeep, acquiring necessary vehicles such as fire trucks and cruisers, and adopting technology updates such as car-mounted cameras meanwhile, indirect monetary measures may incorporate exploring raising property taxes to boost revenue streams (Sack, 2011). This will enable me to make informed recommendations grounded in quantitative analysis by assessing numerous possibilities, such as directly delivering services, outsourcing services, administering taxation, granting subsidies, or enforcing restrictions (Sawicki et al., 2013). Additionally, qualitative variables will be explored to ensure a thorough knowledge of the situation. This entails scrutinizing numerical data to better understand resource allocation, cost consequences, and possible advantages. Following that, by utilizing a range of analytical techniques, I will be able to provide the Mayor, Council staff, and the City Manager with recommendations supported by facts and evidence rather than relying only on my instincts and accurate information on strategic planning in the face of uncertainty with the consideration of radical planning (Canadian Urban Institute, 2021). This entails exploring several possible futures to identify possibilities and obstacles while incorporating disaster planning literature to center community knowledge, openly address systematic injustice, and connect with various theoretical perspectives (Jacobs, 2019). For instance, emergency response capabilities may be jeopardized if the city prioritized postponing the purchase of a new fire truck despite pressing demands (Sack, 2011). This can successfully foresee and handle obstacles by contrasting and comparing the possible outcomes of various prioritization decisions (Canadian Urban Institute, 2021). This builds confidence in our judgements and ensures resilience for long-term survival (Canadian Urban Institute, 2021). Prioritize Framework for the City Services Deserving Funding Using the Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA) approach has aided me in prioritizing city services during difficult budget times (Thompson, 2011). I weighed the BATNA of every choice made on financing for community involvement, staff morale, infrastructure maintenance and services, and public safety against the possible repercussions of skipping out on necessary services. I identified the best feasible funding allocation to guarantee the city’s well-being while balancing budgetary restrictions by analyzing the long-term effects of various allocations and comparing them to the BATNA. With the budget constraints, this method enabled well-informed decision-making that prioritized necessary services and attended to community demands while considering the city’s long-term funding policy (Thompson, 2011). Below is the top to low-priority ranking after using BATNA: 1. Essential Maintenance of Infrastructure and Services: Funds should be allocated primarily for infrastructure services and maintenance, emphasizing maintaining necessary components such as roads, sidewalks and street resurfacing. This enhances all individuals’ quality of life and overall street livability while guaranteeing the safety of firemen and citizens. 2. Public Safety Service: Allocation funds should be used to purchase required vehicles such as fire trucks and cruisers and implement technology upgrades such as car-mounted cameras, police protection, and garbage pickup to assure the city’s protection in sustaining law enforcement. 3. Professional Employee Morale: Despite financial constraints, funds should be allocated to prioritize staff, notably police officers and firefighters, who endure stagnating incomes and increased workloads. This can be improved through benefits, increased paid vacation based on status, and more opportunities to enhance their morale, resulting in more effective public service work and effective maintenance of infrastructure and services and public safety service. 4. Community Programs: While it is easy to overlook equity when evaluating financial constraints, the subsidized funding should go towards supporting various community programmes that interact with people to improve transportation communication and make sure that budget decisions are in line with community priorities for a range of demographic groups, such as seniors, young people, and newcomers. Are the Mayor and Council approaching the problems properly? Resolving budget limits while fulfilling ethical commitments is challenging, especially in adverse conditions requiring ethical judgements to navigate the city’s financial issues due to funding shortfalls and limited fiscal powers. Allocating funds for successful services in the face of economic constraints requires balancing operational, maintenance, and community demands. Specifically, they assessed the risks posed by budget limits in relation to other budgetary goals before selecting how to allocate available resources. They prioritized funding for essential services, such as providing police cars with car-mounted cameras. That said, the Mayor and Council’s approach may be enhanced. They could have improved resource allocation and lowered expenses while maintaining service quality by simplifying revenues within city agencies. To effectively address this, it may be necessary to create performance measurement planning, conduct performance audits, and deploy technology advancements. Streamlining funding streams/revenues among city agencies and using performance monitoring methodologies may enhance resource allocation and service quality while reducing costs (Canadian Urban Institute, 2021); (Carmona & Sieh, 2008). Additionally, exploring new income streams, such as user fees and public-private partnerships, can help maintain long-term financial stability. The mayor and councils should leverage adequate financial resources by facilitating the uptake of innovative financial mechanisms, exploiting specific financial instruments, and leveraging private sector investments that do not impact the community and services (OECD, 2020). This allows them to adopt more extensive and aggressive post-recovery initiatives that fulfil the city’s demands. Furthermore, creating explicit goals and tracking progress using performance indicators promotes accountability and alignment with community priorities, allowing for more informed decision-making in local government. (Carmona & Sieh, 2008). References AMO. (2022). Unpacking Bill 23 – More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022. Retrieved from https://www.amo.on.ca/advocacy/health-human-services/unpacking-bill-23-more-homes-built-fa ster-act-2022 Canadian Urban Institute. (2021). The Case for the Core: Provocations for the future of Canada’s downtowns. Retrieved from https://canurb.org/wp-content/uploads/CUI_Case_for_the_Core_Sept_21.pdf Patton, C. V., Sawicki, D. S., & Clark, J. J. (2013). Basic methods of policy analysis and planning (3rd ed.). Pearson. Ontario Land Tribunal (2023). More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022. Retrieved from https://olt.gov.on.ca/blog/news/more-homes-built-faster-act-2022/#:~:text=On%20October%202 5%2C%202022%2C%20the,over%20the%20next%2010%20years. Media Relations. (2022). Q and A with the experts: More Homes Built Faster Act, or Bill 23. Univeristy of Waterloo. Retrieved from https://uwaterloo.ca/news/media/q-and-experts-more-homes-built-faster-act-or-bill-23#:~:text=O verall%2C%20the%20Bill%20may%20fail,due%20to%20high%20land%20costs. Jones, A. (2022). Ontario passes housing bill amid criticism from cities, conservation authorities. CBC. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-passes-housing-bill-23-1.6666657 Ontario Public Service. (2022). Ontario Taking Bold Action to Build More Homes. Retrieved from https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1002423/ontario-taking-bold-action-to-build-more-homes Nussbaum, T., & Spessot, M. (2017). The five i’s of failed urban planning. Policy Options. Retrieved from https://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/november-2017/the-five-is-of-failed-urban-planning/ Municipality of Leamington. (n.d.). About Bill 23, The More Homes Built Faster Act. Retrieved from https://letstalkleamington.com/bill-23-more-homes-built-faster-act-summary-and-implications#: ~:text=In%20November%20of%202022%2C%20the,homes%20in%20Ontario%20by%202031. Sack, K. (2011). A City’s Wrenching Budget Choices. In The New York times (p. A1). Jacobs, F. (2019). Black feminism and radical planning: New directions for disaster planning research. Planning Theory (London, England), 18(1), 24–39. Thompson, Leigh. L. (2011). The mind and heart of the negotiator (3rd ed.). Pearson/Prentice Hall. Carmona, M., & Sieh, L. (2008). Performance Measurement in Planning—Towards a Holistic View. Environment and Planning. C, Government & Policy, 26(2), 428–454. OECD. (2020). Policy Responses to Coronavirus (COVID-19): Cities Policy Responses. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org/coronavirus/policy-responses/cities-policy-responses-fd1053ff/ Norris, S. (2020). Organ Donation and Transplantion in Canada. Retrieved from https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2018/bdp-lop/bp/YM32-2-2018-13-eng.pdf

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