“There are a lot of people who are more than happy to use AI for entertainment,” Samuel said. “But when it comes to decision making, a lot of people go back to fundamental information based, fact-based decision making.”
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Posts
AI in Your Municipality: Implementation and Govenance
ICMA’s February 2026 Public Management magazine ran an AI-themed issue featuring Bloustein School senior policy fellow Marc Pfeiffer on the cover. Marc’s article, “AI in Your Municipality: Implementation and Governance”, was written with acknowledged assistance from an AI Chatbot.
NJSPL: Electricity Bills and AI Data Centers
Considering the impact of AI on electricity bills, data centers in the Northeast could be part of the problem.
“Work Trends RU” Podcast with Beth Simone Noveck, Ph.D.
Listen to the latest episode of the Heldrich Center’s Work Trends RU podcast, featuring featuring Aaron Fichtner, Ph.D., President of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges. Dr. Fichtner discusses the role New Jersey’s 18 community colleges play in expanding access to higher education, developing a skilled workforce, and meeting the evolving needs of students, employers, and local communities.
Civic Engagement in an Era of Artificial Intelligence
This talk draws on Dr. Renee Sieber’s research at the intersection of tech and civic engagement.
Alum Renée Sieber, Ph.D. ’97 to Present Meck Memorial Lecture
The Bloustein School is pleased to have Bloustein alumnus Renée Sieber, Ph.D. '97, Associate Professor, Department of Geography, McGill University present the 2025 Stuart Meck Memorial Lecture, "Civic Engagement in an Era of Artificial Intelligence." The event was...
Rimshah Jawad (MPI ’26) Featured for National Student Parent Month
Rimshah notes that the student services staff at Bloustein— Dean Weston, Courtney, Greg, and Andrea— have been an incredible source of support. “From the very beginning, they welcomed me and guided me whenever I felt unsure. My advisor, Professor Clint, who invited me to his family picnic when he first met me with my kids, which meant so much. And my program director, Professor Jim Samuel, has always encouraged and appreciated me in ways that keep me motivated.”
Dr. Rushing Talks About AI for Sickle Cell and Beyond
Dr. Melinda Rushing recently appeared on the podcast Zora Talks. In this podcast, Dr. Rushing breaks down what sickle cell really is, why it disproportionately affects people of color, and how her team is developing a new approach called Clinically Guided AI to transform how doctors predict and manage care.
NJ’s credit rating just improved again. Here’s why it matters
The rating upgrade announcement is “very reputational,” said Marc Pfeiffer, a senior policy fellow at Rutgers University’s Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, who studies local government in New Jersey.
New city chatbot makes information more accessible, mayor says
“For local governments, chatbots create exciting opportunities to improve customer service, automate tasks and cut costs,” according to Marc Pfeiffer. “Residents routinely need information on topics like garbage collection, parking permits, construction projects and event schedules. Chatbots can provide 24/7 automated self-service for these frequent citizen inquiries.”