Public policy problems
Many public policy problems are problems of there being too much or too little of something. This implies that policy solutions that address such problems can be designed to affect either the demand or the supply. For example, to address the problem of high gas prices, policymakers could try to increase the supply (e.g., offer incentives to increase domestic production, reduce/eliminate regulations aimed to protect the environment) or decrease demand (e.g., promote energy conservation, offer consumer rebates to buy electric cars).
Report on a current public policy problem (e.g., something discussed in the media) and propose at least two potential solutions to this problem. Explain clearly if your proposed solutions are designed to impact the demand or the supply side of the problem.
Sample Solution
One significant public policy problem currently facing our society is the lack of affordable housing. With rising rental costs and purchasing prices, many people are unable to find a safe and secure place to live that is also within their budget. To address this issue, policymakers must consider solutions that will reduce the demand for housing or increase the supply of available units.
The first potential solution would be to implement measures designed to decrease demand on the housing market. This could include instituting rent control policies in areas where rent prices continue to rise rapidly and offering tax credits or vouchers for renters who meet specific income requirements (Ruggles & Myung, 2019). These measures are designed to ensure that tenants can affordably access quality housing without being priced out due to increasing market costs.
The second potential solution would be aimed at increasing the supply of available units by providing incentives for developers building new residential properties or encouraging existing landlords/homeowners with unused space (such as basements) to open up those spaces as rentals (Kaufman & Turley-Ames, 2017). Additionally, local governments could offer free land grants in underdeveloped areas which would encourage builders and other industry professionals to invest in creating more affordable options for individuals seeking adequate shelter.
Overall, addressing the issue of inadequate housing requires policy makers and decision makers alike to consider both demand-side as well as supply-side interventions in order provide cost effective solutions that benefit all stakeholders involved.
