News
Stamato Commentary: Who cares? A murderer roams free, courtesy of Trump’s deportation policy
The Trump administration is exporting people from America not because they committed a crime, although, admittedly, some have, but because he needs “the numbers” — so ICE aims, even, now, at courthouses, to grab those that are in the process of following the legal route to acceptance, a process that can take years, adding to their vulnerability, because the nation has too few immigration judges.
Edwards: Disability, Job Satisfaction, and Accommodations
A new paper co-authored by Renée Edwards, Ph.D., Assistant Director at the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development and Managing Director of the Employer Disability Practices Center, examines the extent to which job satisfaction, requests for accommodations, and the likelihood of a request being granted vary by disability status. We further analyze whether being granted workplace accommodations moderates the relationship between work satisfaction and disability.
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.”
New Report – State of the Climate: New Jersey 2024
New Jersey 2024 Summary of Climate Trends The year 2024 was the warmest on record globally and the second warmest year on record in New Jersey. This year represented a continuation of the long-term climate change trend in global temperatures that drives regional effects and hazards in New Jersey. As such, this report focuses on changes in temperature, sea-level rise, precipitation, and extreme events in New Jersey.
Dean Shapiro Comments on Trump’s Firing of BLS Official
“The Trump administration … has made no secret about its desire to get rid of people who are trained in their jobs if they are not loyal to the current president,” says Stuart Shapiro, dean of the public policy school at Rutgers University and author of “Trump and the Bureaucrats: The Fate of Neutral Competence.”
NJSPL: How E-Bikes Could Bridge the Healthcare Gap
E-bikes offer a promising alternative solution for individuals to access healthcare more easily, including reaching preferred providers. Researchers’ analysis found that, with an e-bike, nearly every census tract can reach at least one primary care physician within 30 minutes.
From Planned Community to Community Planning
“My interest in planning stems from a desire to strengthen the communities where I live and work. I love that I am entering a career where I can serve the public good and work to improve the quality of life of my community members. I came to Bloustein specifically looking to build technical planning skills while maintaining a people- and policy-focused approach. Every course I have taken—whether centered on spatial analysis, technical skills, or planning theory—has focused on the real-world impacts of the tools we learn.”
Transforming Transportation From A Single Traffic Light
“During my internship, I saw firsthand how crucial urban planners’ decisions are. Urban planning is a field that makes real, tangible impacts on people’s daily lives. Planners have so much power, whether we know it or not. These decisions need to be made with a critical eye and to really think about the short-term, long-term, and unintended impacts of planning decisions. If you want to be a transportation planner—which I do—Bloustein is the best school for you.”
Channeling Research Into Policy Reform
“Think about what truly excites you and what kind of impact you want to make in your career. Not just in terms of job titles, but in the difference you want to create. Public policy and public service can sometimes move slowly, but they offer a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful change. It can be incredibly rewarding, so if it’s something that inspires and motivates you, it’s absolutely worth pursuing.”
From Teaching Lessons to Learning New Ones: A Second Chance to Do More
“I’ve seen firsthand the barriers that exist in developing countries, and I know this is my chance to do more than what I was doing before. I want to keep learning, keep growing, and use data not just as numbers but as a way to solve real-world problems in meaningful ways. The Master of Public Informatics degree isn’t just a career move for me, it’s a second chance to build the kind of impact I’ve always dreamed of.”
Transit, Community and a Passion for Urban Connectivity
“I want to work on projects that enhance public transit, walking, and cycling, and I feel invigorated to apply everything I’m learning at Bloustein to foster better urban connectivity. My dual concentration in transportation and environmental planning allows me to explore how sustainable mobility can also promote environmental resilience, linking efficient transit systems with healthier, greener cities. Bloustein offers great resources, helpful professors, and a welcoming community. Be open to learning anything and everything you can. Even if you have some concrete ideas on the area of planning you’d like to focus on, it is helpful to be exposed to the different aspects of planning.”
Paving the Way for Equitable Environmental Policy
“I wanted a graduate school that would challenge me intellectually while preparing me for a leadership role in public service. Through family and campus visits, I found that Bloustein stood out as a top choice for both public policy and a public service education. I’m passionate about environmental justice, community engagement, and helping underserved populations. The Bloustein School aligns with all of those goals.”