DPI-325: Urban Politics Field Lab
DPI-325: Urban Politics Field Lab
Change the future of urban governance.
See how public opinion, community voice, and real-world constraints interact to shape city decisions.
Over 80% of Americans live in urban areas. City and town governments shape daily life for millions, making critical decisions about climate action, housing, business, and more. Yet, while national politics capture headlines, local governments often lack the tools—and attention—to solve today’s most pressing urban issues.
Ready to be part of the solution? This course is an immersive, hands-on lab where you’ll join a student team to tackle live policy challenges for local government clients.
What You’ll Do
- Partner with real cities and towns: Work directly with municipal clients and departments to address urgent issues like transportation, climate impacts, and affordable housing.
- Apply real skills to real problems: Use the analytical tools you’ve learned—like GIS mapping, data visualization, and survey design—on projects that matter, delivering tangible benefits to communities.
- Lead research and engagement: Assess the political climate through original public opinion polling, focus groups, interviews, and behavioral A/B testing to understand and influence real-world outcomes.
- Go beyond the classroom: Expect extensive fieldwork, including site visits and hands-on collaboration with government partners.
- Connect practice with policy: Discussion sessions blend cutting-edge research with rigorous, applied learning.
What Makes DPI-325 Distinct
- Public opinion measurement and political strategy
- Community engagement and stakeholder dynamics
- Qualitative research methods
- Survey design and polling analytics
- Political feasibility assessments
- Communication strategy for urban policy
DPI-325 trains students to navigate the politics around policy, helping governments understand how to build support, anticipate resistance, and make decisions that communities can embrace.
