New Mexico to Become First State Offering Free Universal Child Care

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NBC reports that New Mexico will become the first state in the U.S. to provide free universal child care, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced. The program, expanding an existing initiative, will cover all families starting in November, regardless of income, saving households an average of $12,000 per child per year. The expansion also includes a $13-million fund to build, expand, and renovate child care facilities.

The initiative reflects New Mexico’s ongoing commitment to early childhood education, following the 2019 creation of the Early Childhood Education and Care Departmen.

“New Mexico is creating the conditions for better outcomes in health, learning, and well-being,” said Neal Halfon, UCLA Luskin professor of public policy, calling the program “a model for the nation.”

Centering Youth Voices in Policy: MPP Student Theresa Willmott-McMahon on Her Summer with Young People to the Front

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What organization or agency are you working with this summer, and what are your primary responsibilities day‑to‑day? 

This summer I’m working with Young People to the Front (YP2F), a research and policy lab focused on amplifying youth voices and strengthening systems to make youth homelessness as rare and brief as possible. This internship sits perfectly at the intersection of my career interests, combining policy research with the ways we disseminate and consume information as humans, all centered around a social issue I’m passionate about.

My day-to-day responsibilities span several areas. I primarily work on research and policy reports. This includes writing, creating data visualizations, and implementing creative design that help tell compelling stories with the findings. I also contributed to YP2F’s annual impact report and have taken the lead on creating a zine about the inaugural YP2F Youth Homelessness Research Conference. On the communications side, I support media strategy development that makes YP2F’s work accessible to broader audiences.

headshot of theresa willmott-mcmahon

What’s one insight or perspective you’ve gained that surprised you, shifted your thinking, or changed how you approach public policy? 

Working at YP2F has fundamentally shifted how I think about research communication and approachability in policy work. I’ve learned that sharing research effectively means making it truly accessible and tailored to the communities it aims to serve, especially young people. Rather than relying solely on traditional policy reports, YP2F combines narrative with data, using creative formats like zines, social media, and podcasts.

In an era where data and scientific evidence face constant challenges, we must adapt our communication strategies to maintain the foundation of evidence-based policy. Narrative is the most powerful tool for persuasion and YP2F’s model of weaving youth voices throughout every aspect of the research process, not just as subjects but as collaborators and storytellers, has shown me how policy work can be both rigorous and deeply human.

How has this experience shaped your career goals or next steps at Luskin? Any advice for peers seeking similar internships or research opportunities? 

YP2F represents exactly the kind of organization I want to work with long-term because it uniquely combines research, communications, and advocacy. This integrated and community-forward approach to policy work is what I hope to pursue in my career. I first discovered YP2F through their podcast, Young People to the Front (you should check it out). I continued following their work because their approach to policy aligned so well with my goals. When it was time to find an internship, YP2F hadn’t posted any openings, but I reached out directly to their team, secured external funding, and made it work because I knew it would be an ideal fit.

My advice for peers seeking similar opportunities is to be proactive and strategic. Follow organizations in your areas of interest even when they’re not actively recruiting and don’t limit yourself only to posted internship opportunities. If you find an organization with a mission and approach that resonates with you, reach out directly. In my experience, particularly in LA’s homelessness policy space, the community is incredibly connected and collaborative. People genuinely want to help each other, so even if your first contact doesn’t pan out, they might connect you with other opportunities. The key is demonstrating genuine interest in the work and being willing to take initiative to make connections

Theresa stands in a room speaking in front of a group of colleagues at her summer internship.

From the Chicano Moratorium to Today: Zepeda-Millan on Boyle Heights’ Legacy

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Chris Zepeda-Millan, UCLA associate professor of public policy and Chicana/o and Central American Studies, emphasized the Chicano Moratorium’s role in shaping immigrant rights activism in a recent article by Boyle Heights Beat. He explained that Boyle Heights–based organizers like Bert Corona and Chole Alatorre developed strategies to defend undocumented communities and trained activists to see migrant rights as human rights.

“Chicanos and Mexican immigrants in Boyle Heights can be credited for laying the foundation for the modern-day national immigrant rights movement,” Zepeda-Millan said, underscoring the community’s pivotal role.

He pointed to young people continuing this legacy: “Today’s activists in Boyle Heights and the broader East L.A. area are carrying on that legacy of fighting to protect and expand the rights of all members of our community, regardless of their citizenship status.”

Designing Patient-Centered Care: Jenny Gao’s Policy Internship with Kaiser Permanente

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From classroom to care strategy: A Luskin Public Policy student’s summer at Kaiser Permanente shaping patient-centered health policy.

Where are you working this summer and what are your primary responsibilities or focus areas day-to-day?

I’m working at Kaiser Permanente this summer as a Care Delivery Strategy Intern on the National Clinical Services team. Our team consists of specialists from multiple disciplines to design care that is more personalized, predictive, and coordinated for patients and members. We focus on creating seamless experiences across settings, from prevention and early intervention to acute care and long-term support. Our work spans a range of areas, from kidney care services to national initiatives like improving end-of-life care through the Dignified Journeys program. In my role, I contribute to multiple projects within these portfolios, supporting strategies that advance our goal of ensuring that patients receive the right care at the right time in the right place.

Have you drawn on any skills, concepts, or lessons from your Luskin coursework in your summer role? If so, how have they come into play?

One of the most valuable skills I’ve been able to apply from my Luskin coursework is stakeholder engagement. At Kaiser, this takes on a unique context because the organization is both the insurance plan and the care provider. My projects have involved collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders that include operations leaders, managerial consultants, project managers, physicians, nurses, and more. Through these projects, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how each stakeholder’s background, training, and responsibilities shape the way they approach challenges. 

Drawing on what I’ve learned at Luskin, I’ve practiced actively listening to their perspectives while identifying common priorities and finding ways to cater towards different viewpoints to move projects forward. I’ve also been able to apply lessons on decision making analysis, particularly around balancing multiple priorities such as efficiency, equity, and cost. Our Luskin coursework has given me the lens to carefully consider how each decision impacts our overall goal of optimizing the quality of care and quality of life for patients and members.

Describe a specific project, interaction, or milestone this summer that made you think, “Yes, this is why I chose this field.” What did you take away from that moment?

One of my goals this summer has been to connect with colleagues across Kaiser and learn from their career journeys. A memorable conversation I had was with a senior operations leader working on a falls prevention initiative. He shared his journey from starting out as a physical therapist to now leading national research and advocacy efforts to reduce falls, while still working directly with complex case management. Hearing the statistics behind this initiative was compelling, for example, in older adults, a serious fall can increase mortality rates by nearly 50%. In more complex cases, families and clinicians face difficult decisions about whether surgery will improve quality of life, given the risks of recovery. What inspired me was how he balances both the individual impact of serving vulnerable patients with the large scale change of shaping policy and strategy within Kaiser. His work showed me that improving care for vulnerable populations requires both empathy and strategy, understanding lived experiences while building solutions that can optimize their quality of life. Witnessing how much meaning he finds in connecting direct patient care with national strategy deeply inspired me and reinforced why I want to dedicate my career to advancing health policy. 

 

Jennifer Gorman MPP ’26 Drives Hydrogen Innovation at Honda As a summer intern on Honda’s Hydrogen Solutions Team, Gorman conducted market research, regulatory analysis, and workforce planning.

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Jennifer Gorman MPP ’26 reflects on her summer with American Honda Motor Co.’s Hydrogen Solutions Team, where she gained firsthand insight into how corporations, policymakers, and implementers collaborate to advance clean energy solutions.

Where are you working this summer and what are your primary responsibilities or focus areas day-to-day? 

This summer I interned at American Honda Motor Co. on their Hydrogen Solutions Team within the Sustainable Business Development Unit. One of my main projects was a market validation analysis, where I mapped regulatory requirements, reviewed decarbonization plans across California, and interviewed potential public sector offtakers to help Honda assess fuel cell market demand and shape its commercialization strategy. I also created a workforce development strategy for internal use to guide the company’s efforts to build a skilled workforce capable of servicing its fuel cells. Together, these projects helped Honda better understand where demand for fuel cells is strongest and how to support the workforce needed to scale its hydrogen business. 

What’s one insight or perspective you’ve gained that surprised you, shifted your thinking, or changed how you approach public policy? 

Through conversations with transit agencies, cities, and energy service providers, I realized how critical it is to include implementers in policy design. Too often, policies are developed at a high level without fully accounting for the realities faced by those responsible for executing them. For instance, California’s Innovative Clean Transit rule requires transit agencies to purchase 100% zero-emissions buses by 2029, but currently, only one zero-emissions bus model meets the range needed for most routes. Engaging implementers can reveal practical challenges and opportunities that aren’t apparent from a pure policy or analytical perspective. Policymaking must be a collaborative process that integrates the expertise of those who will bring policies to life on the ground.  

As a policy student, what insights have you gained about how large companies like Honda navigate government regulations, environmental standards, or energy policy? 

Working at Honda showed me that corporate sustainability strategy isn’t just about following regulations; it’s also about anticipating policy trends to guide strategic planning and investments. Companies actively advocate for policies and programs that align with their business goals, monitor emerging standards, evaluate potential market opportunities, and plan technology and workforce development accordingly. This experience gave me a new perspective on how policy impacts real-world outcomes: it shapes the pace of innovation, and the practical steps companies take to implement cleaner energy solutions.  

Any advice for peers seeking similar internships or career paths? 

Don’t be afraid to explore careers or internships beyond the traditional government or nonprofit paths. The private sector plays a critical role as both an advocate and implementer in policy processes. Experiencing policy from this perspective can reveal how decisions are put into practice, how incentives shape behavior, and ultimately how change happens. These insights can help you become a more thoughtful and effective policy practitioner in any context. 

UCLA MSW Student Francisco Villarruel’s Summer in the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office Francisco Villarruel applied his social work training to policy and community engagement at his summer internship.

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by Francisco Villarruel

This summer, I had the privilege of serving as an intern at the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Economic and Opportunity, under the leadership of Deputy Mayor Brenda Shockley. My primary role was to oversee the Early Childhood Education Student Advancement Program (ECE-SAP) for participants aged 50 and older. This work encompassed recruitment, outreach, data tracking, and cross-sector collaboration with both public and private partners. One highlight was coordinating the culmination ceremony for a graduating cohort—a celebration of perseverance and community impact.

The Mayor’s Office provided me with a front-row seat to the intersection of policy, systems thinking, and social work. Much of our work involves analyzing how local, national, and global models—such as theories of change and return on investment (ROI)—can be adapted to Los Angeles. A defining moment this summer was engaging in critical discussions about how to improve employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals, including the push to revitalize California’s Clean Slate Act (SB 731). Another milestone was attending an all-staff meeting with Mayor Karen Bass, whose passion for defending democracy and serving Angelenos reaffirmed why I chose this field.

Beyond Los Angeles, I had the honor of representing UCLA Luskin’s MSW program at a global gathering in New York. Meeting delegates from across the world provided fresh perspectives and long-lasting connections. It was striking to hear how leaders from other countries view the challenges facing the United States, and how our own struggles compare with nations still ravaged by war.

I was particularly inspired by conversations about Mexico City’s innovative approach to reducing cartel recruitment. Before becoming President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo served as Mayor of Mexico City, leading policies that offered annual scholarships to students for each grade completed. This strategy dramatically decreased cartel recruitment among youth. As mayor, she also lowered the city’s homeless population to roughly 30,000—remarkable progress for a city of over 20 million residents. In contrast, Los Angeles, with a population of 3 million, faces over 43,000 unhoused individuals in the city and more than 72,000 across the county. These comparisons highlight the potential of evidence-based, people-centered policy to create lasting change.

This summer deepened my belief in being a multi-layered professional—combining policy work, community engagement, and future aspirations in clinical social work, forensic gang expertise, and global consulting. Whether in Los Angeles, New York, or learning from Mexico, the mission remains the same: to foster systems that uplift communities, dismantle barriers, and create sustainable opportunities for all.

UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge Report Highlights Surge in Non-Criminal Immigration Arrests in Washington State New report documents rising arrests of non-criminal immigrants and disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities

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A new analysis from The Seattle Times shows that immigration enforcement in Washington state shifted significantly during Donald Trump’s presidency. Arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) grew more aggressive, with an uptick in people detained who had no criminal record. Data reveals that while deportations declined nationwide in recent years, the share of arrests in Washington involving individuals without prior convictions rose sharply, heightening fears within immigrant communities. Advocates warn that such tactics have lasting impacts on public safety and family stability.

The UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge contributed crucial data to the report, offering a detailed breakdown of arrest patterns and demographic impacts. Their analysis helped quantify how enforcement priorities changed under the Trump administration and illuminated disproportionate effects on certain immigrant groups in Washington. By mapping these shifts, UCLA CNK’s research provided a factual foundation for understanding how federal policy translated into local consequences.

Jorja Leap on Building Trust and Lasting Change in Watts 60 Years After the Riots Leap underscores the need for genuine respect and trust-building, rather than symbolic gestures alone.

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Nearly six decades after the 1965 Watts Riots, sparked by a routine traffic stop that spiraled into six days of violence and civil unrest, the South Los Angeles community has seen pockets of progress, from improved healthcare access to innovative community policing efforts. Yet, for many residents, deep challenges remain: fragile trust with law enforcement, persistent violence, and limited pathways to economic opportunity.

While demographics have shifted and some progress has been made, Watts continues to struggle with issues of poverty and underfunding, with local leaders emphasizing that real change requires sustained public investment,

UCLA Luskin social welfare professor Jorja Leap, who is on the board of the Watts Gang Task Force and Chair the Research and Evaluation Center, stresses that meaningful progress in Watts requires far more than community events like National Night Out or youth outings organized by law enforcement. For there to be meaningful change, “the LAPD and the Sheriff’s Department have to stop being badge-heavy,” Leap told the Los Angeles Daily News. “Day in and day out, they have to act as respectful partners. As long as we have people being stopped without cause, whether they are Black or Brown, we have a problem. And all the National Nights Out isn’t going to matter.”

Summer Job Diaries: Margaret Saunders MPP ’26 From the Classroom to NASA: A Summer at the Intersection of Data, Policy, and the Planet

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Margaret Saunders, a Master of Public Policy student at UCLA Luskin, spent her summer with NASA’s DEVELOP program researching how California’s redwood forests are impacted by and recover from wildfires, using Earth observation data to inform environmental understanding and policy.

What organization or agency are you working with this summer, and what are your primary responsibilities day‑to‑day?  

This summer, I participated in the NASA DEVELOP program. DEVELOP is part of NASA’s Earth Sciences Division’s Earth Action program and works with participants and partner organizations to address important environmental issues using NASA Earth Observations. Throughout the course of 10 weeks, our team has been working remotely to conduct a research project which assesses how redwood forests are impacted by wildfires in Santa Cruz, California and investigate how they recover after fires. Day to day, myself and my team are using Earth observations to investigate this issue and creating science communications to explain our findings!

Which Luskin course, concept, or skill have you found yourself using the most so far—or what public policy concepts and theories have you seen up close and personal?  

During my first year in the Luskin Public Policy program, I learned how to use RStudio for policy-related work. Seeing how this is used for Earth Observations has reinforced how vital this tool is for addressing a range of environmental concerns. Working with partner organizations has been particularly valuable, as it has given me in-depth insight into the impact of fires on redwood forests, people, and the economy—crucial issues for policy.

How has this experience shaped your career goals or next steps at Luskin? Any advice for peers seeking similar internships or research opportunities?  

This experience has had a huge impact on my career goals. It has always been important to me to pursue work that makes a difference to people and the planet, and seeing the impact DEVELOP projects can have on real organizations and communities has reinforced that goal. From a skills perspective, experiencing the technical side of this work has shown me a new way to achieve this goal and the program has built my skillset massively. For anyone who is passionate about environmental change and wants to expand their skillset my advice is to seek and say yes to opportunities that challenge you and expose you to new environmental concerns because that is where the most growth happens. Every new experience expands both your skills and your network which helps you to develop personally and professionally!

How has working on Earth science and geospatial projects with NASA DEVELOP shaped your perspective on the role of data in driving policy decisions, and has it influenced your future career goals?

Data is vital for policy decisions. While NASA DEVELOP doesn’t prescribe policy, working on this project has shown me how using data to highlight issues can provide important guidance for decision-making. In particular, data and maps are a great tool for visualizing a problem or providing a holistic yet detailed view of a situation. In a policy context, data makes the background for policy issues accessible for a range of people across different fields and areas of expertise which is important for making decisions that support all relevant stakeholders!

Michael Manville Critiques L.A.’s Vision Zero: Progress ‘Incredibly Disappointing” Urban planning expert Michael Manville says Los Angeles’ Vision Zero traffic safety initiative has failed to deliver

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The Los Angeles Times article examines the harsh reality of implementation challenges for ambitious urban goals like phasing out gas-powered vehicles or becoming a fully interconnected Smart City. Most notably, the Vision Zero initiative—the city’s pledge to end traffic deaths by 2025—has stumbled amid funding shortfalls, political inertia, fragmented coordination, and a lack of accountability.

On Vision Zero’s failure, UCLA professor and chair of urban planning Michael Manville didn’t mince words: “Incredibly disappointing,” he said. “The city remains incredibly dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians.”

Despite these setbacks, Los Angeles has committed significant resources to Vision Zero. In the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the city approved a budget of $100 million for Vision Zero initiatives, including road redesigns, improved signage, and enhanced lighting in high-risk areas.