Some personal news

A new chapter in my career

Just under seven years ago, I joined the Niskanen Center to launch its Poverty and Welfare program. Over that time, Niskanen has given me an amazing platform to advance policies ranging from supersonic aviation to a Child Tax Credit reform that (at least temporarily) cut child poverty in America by over 30%. Most gratifying of all, I've had the opportunity to explore big picture and agenda-setting ideas while building my social policy dream team — helping us become known as "the most interesting think tank in America."

Yet all good things must come to an end. Today was my last day with Niskanen. Starting Monday, I will be a senior economist for the Lincoln Network, an organization dedicated to bridging Silicon Valley and the tech world with the DC policymaking process. My work there will focus on innovation and science policy, state capacity, and the impact of disruptive technologies like AI on US institutions. If you’d like to connect on these or related topics, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or slide into my Twitter DMs.

Meanwhile, Niskanen's social policy program is now in the capable hands of its new director, Josh McCabe. Josh’s book, The Fiscalization of Social Policy, is the single best book on the political origins of the Child Tax Credit. I'm confident Niskanen’s social policy team will continue to put wins on the board under his leadership, including in new focus areas like housing and health care. Be sure to sign-up for their biweekly digest if you don’t already. I'll also be retaining an affiliation with Niskanen as a senior fellow, and hope to continue to contribute to the Center's growth and development in the years ahead, including by writing for the site from time to time.

Last but not least, Vance Crowe recently invited me on his podcast to discuss my thinking on social policy, including many of the topics discussed here at SecondBest. It’s a great encapsulation of the ideas animating my career thus far. Do give it a listen!