USC Price PhD candidate Naomi Lee is making waves in urban planning, winning the prestigious Charles M. Tiebout Prize for her groundbreaking research on e-scooter travel in Oakland and San Francisco. Her study examines how the pandemic-era "slow streets" programs launched to improve pedestrian, bicycle, and scooter travel safety shaped mobility patterns, offering key insights for the future of sustainable transportation. Learn more about her award-winning research and its implications for the future of mobility:

Californians are more worried about the economy than ever, with many feeling uncertain about their financial future despite positive economic indicators. In a new survey, @BedrosianCenter Senior Fellow and @PPICNotes Director of Research Mark Baldassare explores why economic anxiety remains high and what policies could help restore confidence. Learn more here:

Is home ownership still part of the #AmericanDream, or is it slipping out of reach? In the latest episode of PricePod, Richard Green, director of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate, breaks down the causes of the housing crisis and explores potential solutions. Tune in now wherever you stream your podcasts, or visit our website:

The Trump administration’s latest buyout proposal for federal employees may sound like a bold cost-cutting measure, but according to #USCPrice Professor William Resh, the numbers—and the logic—just don’t add up. In his @latimes op-ed, Resh breaks down the flawed math behind the administration’s claim of $100 billion in savings and warns of the devastating consequences of gutting the federal workforce. Read the full article:

Stay up to date with the latest from the #USCPrice School! From welcoming our new dean, Christopher Boone, to expert insights on L.A.’s wildfires, groundbreaking research on the housing crisis, and a No. 1 ranking in urban planning citations, there’s a lot to catch up on. Read the full newsletter to explore these stories and more:

Join us in celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth as we honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Black diaspora. Throughout February, communities across #USC will host events to commemorate Black History Month, including thought-provoking panel discussions, artistic performances, community gatherings, and celebrations of Black culture and history. Explore the full lineup of events by visiting:

Dr. Adam Rose shares his insights with @SpecNews1SoCal #on the impact of President Trump’s executive orders rolling back climate policies, including California’s electric vehicle mandates. With L.A. facing record-breaking heat and devastating wildfires, he discusses what these changes could mean for the state’s environmental future. Learn more by checking out the full story:

Congratulations to @DrShaunHarper on his incredible achievement of being ranked #8 overall—and #1 in the Government and Policy subfield—on @educationweek's 2025 list of the most influential education scholars! His dedication to advancing equity and social justice through research, policy, and advocacy continues to shape national conversations and drive meaningful change. We are #PriceProud to celebrate his impact and contributions to public policy, education, and beyond! Read more on Dr. Harper's achievements: @USCRaceEquity | @USCRossier | @USCMarshall | @SchaefferCenter

More than a decade after states began legalizing recreational #marijuana, businesses are enticing customers with unproven health claims, while largely escaping rigorous oversight. Rosalie Pacula, #USCPrice Elizabeth Garrett Chair in Health Policy and @SchaefferCenter senior fellow warns about the risk of such claims. “When companies make unproven health claims about their products, it can put consumers at risk," Pacula tells @nytimes and consumers who are exposed to more potent cannabis are more likely to experience serious health effects.” Read more about the future of the marijuana industry here:

After wildfires devastated parts of LA County, the path to recovery raises urgent questions about #policy, funding, and resilience. Jennifer Gray Thompson, #USCPrice alum and CEO of @AfterTheFireUSA, shares her expert insights on what local and federal leaders must do to support survivors and rebuild smarter:

Just days into his second term, President Trump ended the federal government’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, reversing decades of policy and sparking debate over its future. On @LAist's AirTalk, USC professor of education, public policy, and business Shaun Harper and @politico's Robert King explore the deep history of DEI, its evolution, and its impact on both government and the private sector. "Many people misunderstand DEI to be a sudden creation in the aftermath of Derek Chauvin's murder of George Floyd in 2020,"says Harper. "But the truth is, these policies and practices have been in place since the mid-1960's, and it's white women who have been the biggest beneficiaries of DEI programs and policies over those decades." Listen to the full conversation: @USCRossier @USCMarshall

Thousands of homes and businesses lost to this month’s devastating fires in Los Angeles County are set to be rebuilt, offering a chance to establish more resilient communities. Moderated by Sarah Pilla of @SpecNews1SoCal, #USCPrice's webinar Reconstruction Revival: How to Rebuild L.A. featured insights from experts on urban planning, real estate, and environmental resilience. Watch the full recording to explore the strategies and challenges discussed: @USCDornsife @LuskCenter

Join us in congratulating #USCPrice's Associate Dean for Advancement, Erika Bernal on her reappointment as Cultural Arts Commissioner of the City of Brea. The Cultural Arts Commission helps to identify cultural needs and interests of the community and recommends ways to broaden community participation in the arts for the city. #PriceProud ✌️

Wildfire smoke can take a serious toll on your health, but a few simple steps can make a big difference. Learn how to protect yourself with these tips from USC's @SchaefferCenter:

Offshore wind power along California’s coast is closer than ever to being cost-competitive with other energy sources, offering economic and environmental benefits. A new @USC-led study highlights the potential of this untapped resource to create jobs, reduce pollution, and help the state achieve its clean energy goals—despite barriers like infrastructure challenges and a temporary federal moratorium on new projects. “Offshore wind is a major untapped resource that holds significant economic and environmental promise, especially in California,” said #USCPrice professor Adam Rose. Learn more about the study by visiting our website:

Some prominent voices have claimed that the LAFD focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives among its ranks to the alleged detriment of the fire department's ability to fight fires. However, experts likes #USC's Shaun Harper argue this claim is "disgustingly opportunistic." "I just find it to be yet another window that conservative attackers are jumping through with no evidence, but they see it as an opportunity to further attack DEI," Harper tells @ABC. Learn more about other claims circling the LA wildfires, and what the data actually shows here: @USCRossier @SchaefferCenter @USCMarshall

The devastating #wildfires in Los Angeles County have destroyed over 10,000 homes, worsening California's already severe housing shortage. Despite efforts to remove barriers and accelerate construction, housing production remains far below the state's goal of 180,000 units per year—averaging only around 100,000 annually. According to Price Professor @ProfDowellMyers, the limited housing supply leaves #California vulnerable to disasters, further straining affordability and intensifying gentrification as displaced residents compete for scarce housing options. Read more here

RT @USCPolFuture: CPF's Pizza & Politics series returns for the Spring 2025 semester on Tue. 1/28 at 1PM. Enjoy free pizza & go deep on cur…

MPA or MPP: Which path is right for you? At USC Price, both the Master of Public Administration (MPA) and the Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs equip students with the tools to drive meaningful change—whether managing a city, crafting policy, or improving communities globally. Explore the unique focus of each program, from the MPA’s leadership and management expertise to the MPP’s analytical and policy design strengths, and discover which one aligns with your goals.

January 20th is a meaningful day to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s enduring legacy of equality and justice. As #InaugurationDay, it’s also a reminder of the promise of democracy and the strength found in unity. Today, as we honor Dr. King’s vision of equality and justice and observe the renewal of our democratic promise, let us recommit ourselves to building a future where the dreams of all can flourish through our shared dedication to progress and understanding. #MLKDay