Public Policy

FACULTY: Palak Kaushal

TEAM: Neneh Balde, Emma Dunn, Laila Jones, Bryan Matthew

The Greater Newark Conservancy (GNC) addresses public health and education through school food systems, launching the Coalition for Healthy Food in Newark Schools (HFiNS) to transform Newark’s school food system by ensuring access to fresh, healthy, and culturally relevant meals. Persistent gaps in funding, eligibility barriers, and lack of inclusive meal options underscore the need for equitable nutrition policies in Newark schools. The Capstone team was tasked with identifying research-based solutions to create healthier, inclusive, and academically supportive lunch environments for students. They conducted qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys to analyze needs and propose policies, including plant-forward and gluten-free meal initiatives. Though data revealed that plant-based and gluten-free options are not current priorities for school administrators, the report recommends strategies to increase student engagement and urges administrators to prioritize these options to advance equitable nutrition policies.

FACULTY: Karin Sommer

TEAM: Nanda Deopersaud, Delia Liu, Jessica Meng, Destiny Mingo

The New York City Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV) administers the Home+ program, launched in 2021, which partners with five community-based organizations citywide to reduce domestic violence through flexible funding, locksmith services, and the Personal Emergency Response System (PERS). This work matters because PERS—a safety device for survivors—directly impacts survivors’ physical safety, emotional, physical, and mental well-being, which is critical for breaking cycles of abuse. The Capstone team evaluated PERS outcomes to assess its effectiveness in enhancing survivor safety and holistic wellbeing. To do this, the team analyzed client surveys, conducted a survivor focus group, and interviewed ENDGBV staff and partner organizations. The final report provided actionable recommendations to strengthen PERS implementation, ensuring the program better meets survivors’ needs and aligns with ENDGBV’s mission to combat domestic violence and gender-based violence.

FACULTY: Alexander Shermansong

TEAM: Fiorella Beccaglia-Naranjo, Owen Brady, Adam Dore-Young, Eri Hirose, Dane Nielson

New York City Council Member Alexa Avilés represents the 38th District, including Red Hook and parts of Park Slope, Sunset Park, and Dyker Heights, and serves as Vice-Chair of the Brooklyn Marine Terminal (BMT) task force, guiding the Economic Development Corporation’s plans. As waterfront development progresses, balancing community needs with flood resilience and maritime industry priorities is critical. The Capstone Team was tasked with assessing the feasibility and desirability of a waterfront park in Red Hook adjacent to the BMT. They conducted desk research on the flood-mitigation benefits of wetlands parks and interviewed stakeholders, including environmental scientists, maritime experts, local planners, and educators. The final report outlines a four-step framework for launching the project, addressing financial guidelines, community needs, site selection, and maritime integration, with recommendations to align the park’s design with flood resilience and local priorities.

FACULTY: Palak Kaushal

TEAM: Alex Denholtz, Seoyeon Lee, Gabriella Must, Yuan Xu

The "New" New York Panel, a joint initiative by Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams, seeks to promote equitable economic development by revitalizing public spaces. The initiative engaged the NYU Wagner Capstone Team to identify strategies for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) to implement New York City’s trash containerization mandate equitably. The report focuses on three midsize BIDs—Columbus-Amsterdam (Manhattan), Bed-Stuy Gateway (Brooklyn), and 82nd Street Partnership (Queens)—and employs a mixed-methods approach. This includes qualitative interviews with BID leaders and city officials and quantitative analysis of municipal financial data (FY2019–2023) via the Capstone Dashboard. Key findings indicate that containerization compliance costs will significantly burden districts relying on the assessment tax funding model. The report recommends a multi-pronged approach: establishing a needs-based grant program for high-burden BIDs, facilitating peer learning opportunities, and creating a framework for long-term public-private partnerships.

FACULTY: Karin Sommer

TEAM: Jessica Allardice, Julia Farley, Jinyan Liu, Kayla J. Merriweather, Erin Unger

The Legal Aid Society’s DNA Unit advocates for ethical oversight of forensic DNA technologies in criminal investigations. It focuses on six emerging tools: DNA indexing, rapid DNA, familial search, phenotyping, infant blood-card use, and Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG). The growing use of these technologies risks privacy violations, biased outcomes, and misuse without accountability. The Capstone team was tasked with analyzing their national deployment and developing policy strategies to regulate their use. The team reviewed literature, built a dataset of 400 laws/policies/funding streams, and interviewed legal, forensic, and civil liberties experts. The final deliverables—a dataset and policy roadmap—provide actionable recommendations for transparency, oversight, and advocacy to ensure ethical, accountable use of DNA technologies.

FACULTY: Palak Kaushal

TEAM: Amisa Ratliff, Sonya Woolward, Haoran Lu

The Trenton Animal Shelter protects and cares for animals in Trenton, serving as the last resort for stray and surrendered dogs. They collaborate with local businesses, rescue groups, and community partners to host adoption events, provide veterinary referrals, and support fostering programs. The shelter’s effectiveness directly impacts public health, animal welfare, and regional jurisdictions. The Capstone team was tasked with providing actionable recommendations to improve shelter operations and community animal welfare practices. The team conducted a needs assessment, analyzing internal operations and interviewing stakeholders. The final recommendations prioritize three solutions: a mobile veterinary clinic partnership to expand affordable care access, public education programs and community adoption events to boost engagement, and enhanced staff training and data management systems.