Policy on the Rocks is an event series that brings our community together to connect, network, and exchange ideas in a relaxed setting.
Over drinks and hors d’oeuvres, participants hear from leading experts on today’s most pressing public policy and management challenges. Hosted at the Washington, D.C. metro area offices of APPAM institutional members, Policy on the Rocks was created to foster face-to-face interaction and meaningful networking opportunities.
Upcoming Event
SAVE THE DATE:
Local Governance in a Shifting Political Landscape
Tuesday, November 11, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM PT
University of Washington, Evans School - Parrington Hall – Room 360 (Forum)
Description: Join us for an engaging conversation on how recent political and administrative shifts at the federal and state levels are shaping governance and decision-making at the local level. This event will bring together a panel of experts, including local government scholars, elected officials, and senior administrators from across Washington. Panelists will share their perspectives on how the current administration’s policies are impacting local policy development, public management, and service delivery. The discussion will also explore opportunities for research and the role of evidence-based practices in informing local governance.
Moderator: Jodi Sandfort, UW Evans School Dean
Panelist: Angela Birney, Mayor, Redmond, Washington
Panelist: Alexis Mercedes Rinck, Councilmember, Seattle City Council
Panelist: Christine Rolfes, County Commissioner, Kitsap County, Washington
Co-hosted by: University of Washington, Evans School of Public Policy
Parking and Transportation:
Locating the Evans School on the Map: You can find Parrington Hall, home of the Evans School of Public Policy, on the university map linked here.
Campus Parking: The Central Parking Garage will be ungated and free for guests on the day of the event (11/11) due to the holiday. Guests should have no issues entering or exiting the garage.
Public Transit: With two light rail stations and more than 60 bus routes serving the University District, it's easy to get to the University of Washington by bus or train. On the Link light rail, the University of Washington Station is on the southeast side of campus, near Husky Stadium and UW Medical Center - Montlake. The U District Station is on the northwest side, near the UW Tower and the Burke Museum. For an interactive map showing bus stops on and around campus, see Bus stops & light rail.
Coming from the airport? Link light rail provides direct service between Sea-Tac Airport and the UW station.
Additional Resources:
For general parking information: https://www.washington.edu/facilities/transportation
A map of the University of Washington Seattle campus: http://www.washington.edu/maps/
A list of Gatehouse locations: https://www.washington.edu/facilities/transportation/park
Pay by phone https://transportation.uw.edu/park/visitor/pay-by-phone-parking
Interested in Hosting?
Hosting requirements:
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Must be an APPAM institutional member. Unsure? Check here.
- Event space for a panel with seating for 100 attendees
- Adjacent or nearby reception area
- On-site A/V with technical staff
- Complimentary space rental
- Metro or public transportation accessible
APPAM covers all direct expenses, including catering, staffing, cleaning, and other reasonable costs. Since the event is free to attendees, we work to keep expenses modest. Hosts collaborate with APPAM staff and Policy Council representatives to shape content, recruit speakers, and market the event. APPAM manages registration, program logistics, and on-site operations.
For more information, contact Samantha Oliver Thomason at [email protected].
Interested in Becoming a Sponsor?
Sponsorship is a great way to connect with 100+ policy researchers and practitioners across the D.C. metro area. Each Policy on the Rocks event offers up to two sponsorship opportunities: $2,000 each for APPAM institutional members ($2,500 for non-members). Sponsors receive prominent branding, recognition in all event materials, a display table, and the opportunity to welcome attendees personally.
For more information, contact Samantha Oliver Thomason at [email protected].
Previous Events
September 2025
AI in Public Policy
At our second Policy on the Rocks event, we'll explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way research is conducted and public policy decisions are made. The event will bring together policymakers, technology leaders, and academics to discuss the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into public governance. From ethical frameworks and algorithmic transparency to smart infrastructure and data-driven decision-making, discover how AI is reshaping the public sector — and what it means for democracy, equity, and accountability. Stick around for a Q&A with our panel and a networking reception afterwards.
Featured Speakers:
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Zachary Arnold, Senior Director for Programs and General Counsel, Horizon Institute for Public Service
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Denise L. Baer, President and Founder of Strategic Research Concepts, Adjunct Faculty, George Washington University
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Justine Gluck, AI Legislation Fellow, US Legislation Team at the Future of Privacy Forum
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Caroline Jeanmarie, Interim Director of U.S. AI Governance, The Future Society
Moderated by:
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Erdal Tekin, Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Policy Analysis and Management (JPAM) and Fotis Family Distinguished Professor of Health Policy, School of Public Affairs, American University.
May 2025
Where Are We Now? Policy Analysis and Management Under a Trump Administration
Seismic shifts have occurred half a year after the plenary at our Fall Research Conference, where panelists offered their thoughts on the incoming administration's effect on policy, management, and research. For Policy on the Rocks, we've brought back several panelists from our initial discussion and invited new scholars from various backgrounds to share their thoughts on how these changes have reshaped the policy landscape–and what is still yet to come.
Featured Speakers:
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Joan Alker, Executive Director of the Center for Children and Families, Georgetown McCourt School of Public Policy
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Don Moynihan, Professor of Public Policy, University of Michigan, Former APPAM President
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Michael Strain, Director of Economic Policy Studies, American Enterprise Institute
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Christina Yancey, Vice President, Workforce Development, American Institutes for Research
Moderated by:
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Ingrid Gould Ellen, Professor of Urban Policy and Planning and Director for Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy, New York University, APPAM President