#publicpolicy — Public Fediverse posts

'University of Melbourne architect and the lead author of the study, said animals were seeking out buildings as substitute habitats as their natural homes and hollows disappeared'

#polycrisis #clusterfuck #habitat #publicPolicy

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/06/possums-in-the-roof-koalas-in-bed-study-shows-how-animals-resort-to-australian-homes-after-habitat-loss

'University of Melbourne architect and the lead author of the study, said animals were seeking out buildings as substitute habitats as their natural homes and hollows disappeared'

#polycrisis #clusterfuck #habitat #publicPolicy

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/06/possums-in-the-roof-koalas-in-bed-study-shows-how-animals-resort-to-australian-homes-after-habitat-loss

'University of Melbourne architect and the lead author of the study, said animals were seeking out buildings as substitute habitats as their natural homes and hollows disappeared'

#polycrisis #clusterfuck #habitat #publicPolicy

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/06/possums-in-the-roof-koalas-in-bed-study-shows-how-animals-resort-to-australian-homes-after-habitat-loss

'University of Melbourne architect and the lead author of the study, said animals were seeking out buildings as substitute habitats as their natural homes and hollows disappeared'

#polycrisis #clusterfuck #habitat #publicPolicy

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/06/possums-in-the-roof-koalas-in-bed-study-shows-how-animals-resort-to-australian-homes-after-habitat-loss

'University of Melbourne architect and the lead author of the study, said animals were seeking out buildings as substitute habitats as their natural homes and hollows disappeared'

#polycrisis #clusterfuck #habitat #publicPolicy

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/06/possums-in-the-roof-koalas-in-bed-study-shows-how-animals-resort-to-australian-homes-after-habitat-loss

'mental health is the stepsister of the healthcare system. It’s not right. But because we cant see it, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. And the medical healthcare system doesn’t want to recognize and pay for mental healthcare apart from giving out drugs to make them go away'

#mentalHealth #publicPolicy #publicHealth

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/05/lindsay-clancy-murder-trial-retrial

Politics today feels less about solving public issues and more about winning battles. Deep ideological divides turn debates into hostility, eroding trust in democratic institutions and making compromise nearly impossible.

• Focus on facts, not personal attacks.
• Prioritize community progress over party loyalty.

Are we using politics to build societies, or just dividing ourselves?

#Politics #Democracy #PublicPolicy #CivilDiscourse #Mastodon

Politics today feels less about solving public issues and more about winning battles. Deep ideological divides turn debates into hostility, eroding trust in democratic institutions and making compromise nearly impossible.

• Focus on facts, not personal attacks.
• Prioritize community progress over party loyalty.

Are we using politics to build societies, or just dividing ourselves?

#Politics #Democracy #PublicPolicy #CivilDiscourse #Mastodon

Politics today feels less about solving public issues and more about winning battles. Deep ideological divides turn debates into hostility, eroding trust in democratic institutions and making compromise nearly impossible.

• Focus on facts, not personal attacks.
• Prioritize community progress over party loyalty.

Are we using politics to build societies, or just dividing ourselves?

#Politics #Democracy #PublicPolicy #CivilDiscourse #Mastodon

Politics today feels less about solving public issues and more about winning battles. Deep ideological divides turn debates into hostility, eroding trust in democratic institutions and making compromise nearly impossible.

• Focus on facts, not personal attacks.
• Prioritize community progress over party loyalty.

Are we using politics to build societies, or just dividing ourselves?

#Politics #Democracy #PublicPolicy #CivilDiscourse #Mastodon

Politics today feels less about solving public issues and more about winning battles. Deep ideological divides turn debates into hostility, eroding trust in democratic institutions and making compromise nearly impossible.

• Focus on facts, not personal attacks.
• Prioritize community progress over party loyalty.

Are we using politics to build societies, or just dividing ourselves?

#Politics #Democracy #PublicPolicy #CivilDiscourse #Mastodon

The Global Cybersecurity Alliance is calling for immediate government action in response to a surge in AI-driven cyber attacks. Read the full article for recommended policy measures, international coordination priorities, and practical steps for strengthening national defenses: https://wix.to/WYUe4We

#InfoSec
#GovTech
#PublicPolicy
#Cybersecurity
#RiskManagement
#ArtificialIntelligence

there's such a profound discord bw how i perceived civic virtue/the public interest/duty of care/pastoral responsibility and our current social formation around technology

i realise these are all distinct but the wholesale normalisation of ai (particularly into education and public service) intersects them all and i honestly believe this unreflective adoption (clearly perceived to be an essential engine of economic growth and competitive advantage) is symptom of social disease

'New York City’s public school system plans to impose strict limits on artificial intelligence and screen time in classrooms for the upcoming school year, including a blanket ban on generative AI'

#technology #pedagogy #genAI #publicPolicy #evidenceBasedPractice

https://gothamist.com/news/nyc-public-schools-to-ban-ai-for-teaching-students-below-9th-grade

Homeless encampments are being discussed at government meetings in Kalamazoo, Jackson, Ypslianti, elsewhere.

I interviewed people forced to leave in Kzoo last week. Many said they had nowhere to go.

#Homelessness #HousingCrisis #CommunityVoices #PublicPolicy #CommunityNews #LocalNews #Journalism

How has time spent alone changed by age over the last decade, and what does it mean for wellbeing?

Parth Pandya explores this question in a new #ResolutionFoundation spotlight, in collaborative work with the #ESRC Centre for Population Change and Connecting Generations: https://www.cpc.ac.uk/news/latest_news/?story_id=816

#YoungAdults #Loneliness #SocialChange #Demography #Population #SocialScience #Generations #Ageing #WFH #Society #PopulationChange #WorkingFromHome #PublicPolicy #LabourMarket #Wellbeing #TimeUse

Canadian governments are taking different paths back to the office
#Canada #ReturnToOffice #RemoteWork #HybridWork #Government #PublicService #PublicServants #WorkFromHome #Politics #PublicPolicy #Labour #Employment #GovernmentPolicy #PublicTransit #Equity #Economy
https://the-14.com/canadian-governments-are-taking-different-paths-back-to-the-office/

Public affairs, with its nature and strategic approach, is a critical discipline for organizations seeking to navigate the complex landscape of public opinion, policy-making, and stakeholder engagement.

Read the article: https://mediascope.group/the-power-of-public-affairs-influencing-change/

#PublicAffairs #PolicyMaking #PublicPolicy #policy #EU #Europe #Europa #PublicOpinion #USA #Canada

RE: https://aus.social/@oscarjiminy/116966632849982993

My local library in Port Philip's always been a real pride of the community. Was designed by a bit of a rockstar architect and it's a kind of keystone community structure in the way that all libraries are but the design really embeds that dynamic in stone and glass.

This place was always, in my memory, really busy. Folks walking the shelves, sitting reading, standing reading, studying etc etc, all the things folks do in libraries.

Lately, someone decided to redesign the layout and part of that redesign was to allocate restricted areas. There is now (I would estimate) about 50% of the seating restricted and if you sit there unknowingly (signage is really minimal) you will be asked to move within about ten minutes of having sat down.

I may be cynical (it's been said before) but it strikes me as pandering to rate payers in an area with a population lousy with renters, though with the massive density developments happening here over the past 20 years I guess we're becoming a minority.

The point is (for me) that libraries can't afford to be alienating their demographic and I can say anecdotally that ever since the layout adjustments the traffic in this library has fallen off a cliff

#publicLibraries #portPhilip #publicPolicy #publicSpaces

For modern brands, maintaining active public affairs activities is necessary component of long-term sustainability, risk mitigation, and competitive advantage.

Read more: https://mediascope.group/every-brand-needs-active-public-affairs/

#PublicAffairs #brands #PublicRelations #PR #policy #PublicPolicy #lobbying #business

Is Nepal Moving Toward a Socialism-Oriented Federal State or a Capitalist Economy? A Systems-Level Reflection on Nepal’s FY 2026/27 Budget

The Constitution of Nepal defines Nepal as a “socialism-oriented federal democratic republican state.” Multiple election cycles since the Maoist insurgency suggest that democracy has matured considerably. Political parties broadly operating within the republican democratic framework have consistently remained at the center of political competition. The most recent election, following the Gen-Z movement, arguably strengthened the foundations of the republican system. Political actors advocating a return to monarchy remained on the margins and failed to translate public unrest into electoral dominance. Historically, pro-monarchy sentiment tends to gain visibility when governments fail to deliver expected outcomes. The Gen-Z movement represented perhaps the strongest expression of dissatisfaction with the status quo political order. If the Nepali public genuinely favored restoration of monarchy, that election cycle would have provided an ideal opportunity for monarchy-supporting forces to emerge as a dominant political alternative. Instead, voters largely endorsed parties committed to republican democracy, reinforcing the democratic republican trajectory of the country. Yet another constitutional question remains unresolved: while Nepal appears committed to republican democracy, is it also moving toward becoming a socialism-oriented federal state? This article adopts a devil’s advocate perspective to examine whether the latest fiscal budget advances that constitutional aspiration or whether it reflects a different economic direction.

The Budget Represents a Development-State Strategy

Viewed from a systems perspective, the budget rests on a coherent developmental logic. Its central objectives are to accelerate growth through productive investment, strengthen state capacity through reform and digitization, and attract domestic, diaspora, and foreign investment. The underlying diagnosis appears reasonable. Nepal’s challenge is not merely a shortage of money but low productivity, weak state capacity, fragmented development efforts, and bureaucratic friction. The budget attempts to connect infrastructure, energy, agriculture, tourism, technology, and investment into a more integrated economic architecture. Borrowing is presented not as a tool for consumption but as an instrument for productivity-enhancing investment. From this perspective, the budget is essentially a wager on state capacity. If government institutions become more effective, projects are completed on time, corruption is reduced, and investment translates into economic growth, then higher borrowing may be justified. Many countries such as South Korea and Vietnam that successfully modernized followed versions of this strategy. The budget therefore deserves credit for attempting to move the conversation beyond annual expenditures toward a broader development framework.

Is the Budget Fundamentally a Trickle-Down Strategy?

A central question is whether the budget’s theory of change resembles a form of trickle-down economics. Much of the strategy focuses on investment promotion, infrastructure expansion, digitization, regulatory reform, business facilitation, and productivity growth. The implicit assumption appears to be that economic growth will eventually spread throughout society through employment generation, enterprise creation, and broader economic opportunities. The concern is not whether growth is desirable. The concern is whether the benefits of growth will reach marginalized populations quickly and equitably enough. Critics may reasonably ask whether the budget places greater emphasis on investors, businesses, and the middle class than on direct improvements in the economic conditions of vulnerable communities. If economic gains remain concentrated among those already positioned to benefit from investment opportunities, the constitutional aspiration of a socialism-oriented state becomes harder to reconcile with actual policy outcomes.

Do Specific Policy Choices Reflect a Capitalist Rather Than Socialism-Oriented Direction?

Several policy signals raise broader questions about the state’s economic philosophy. First, taxes imposed on education and health services are likely to be passed on to consumers unless strong regulatory mechanisms prevent it. If the objective is to increase reliance on public education and public healthcare, improving the quality and competitiveness of those services may be a more effective first step than creating additional costs within private alternatives. Second, electricity consumption thresholds before tax appear low relative to the growing electrification of modern households. As families adopt induction cooking, electric vehicles, heat pumps, and other appliances, many middle-income households could exceed these thresholds. The result may unintentionally encourage continued reliance on gas, firewood, or other fossil-fuel alternatives. If the objective is to redirect electricity toward industrial use, expanding generation capacity may be more sustainable than discouraging household consumption.

Third, enthusiasm for data centers, AI, remote work, and digital services raises a deeper strategic question. Is Nepal building on its own long-term comparative advantages, or is it once again responding primarily to incentives created elsewhere? Nepal previously moved away from potentially transformative assets such as electric public transport systems, ropeways, and large-scale reservoir hydropower development, and  increasingly relied on labor export. The concern is not that digital industries are undesirable, but whether Nepal is repeating a pattern of chasing externally driven opportunities without a clearly articulated national development vision.

These examples create an impression that the budget may be nudging Nepal toward a model closer to contemporary market capitalism than toward the socialism-oriented framework envisioned by the constitution. Ironically, some parts of the capitalist Americas are currently witnessing renewed interest in democratic-socialist ideas and stronger social welfare policies, while Nepal appears to be emphasizing investment-led growth and market incentives.

The Real Debate may not Socialism Versus Capitalism

As the world is witnessing a renewed interest in democratic-socialist ideas and stronger social welfare, the deeper issue may not be whether Nepal is becoming socialist or capitalist country. The more important question is whether the assumptions underpinning the strategy prove correct. Several unintended consequences deserve attention. First, the key question is whether Nepal can finally convert borrowing into productive assets rather than accumulating debt without generating sufficient returns. Second, growth alone does not guarantee broad-based prosperity. The strategy assumes that gains from investment will spread through jobs, enterprise creation, and economic opportunity reaching marginalized communities. History suggests this outcome is possible but far from automatic. Third concern is about governance. The budget assumes improvements in administrative efficiency, project execution, corruption control, bureaucratic coordination, and institutional discipline. If these governance preconditions fail, borrowing could become another source of fiscal stress and public resentment rather than a catalyst for development. Fourth, the budget contains numerous concepts—corridors, processing, digitization, investment facilitation, infrastructure, tourism, and energy. Yet the overarching economic vision remains somewhat implicit. It is unclear whether these initiatives are components of a strategic coherent national development strategy or simply a collection of individually attractive policies held together by optimism rather than a clearly articulated economic vision. The assumption appears to be that combining these fragments will naturally produce prosperity, which deserves scrutiny.

The fifth concerns Nepal’s long-term development challenge. For more than four decades, billions of rupees have been invested in expanding road access into hill and mountain districts. While connectivity improved significantly, many districts continue to experience population decline as young people migrate to cities or overseas employment. Agricultural land is increasingly abandoned, wildlife pressures have intensified, and local economic opportunities remain limited. This experience suggests that infrastructure alone does not guarantee development. The more fundamental challenge may be employment generation, entrepreneurship, agricultural modernization, and innovation. A clearer budgetary focus on urban and rural entrepreneurship could potentially provide a more direct response to youth migration. Finance, training, vocational education, pilot programs, market access, digital economy initiatives, grants, loans, mentoring, and long-term support mechanisms could then function as supporting pillars around that central objective.

Finally, Nepal’s strategic location between India and China remains an underdeveloped dimension of national economic planning. The bridge-economy concept appears indirectly through investments in connectivity, energy, logistics, and regional development, but it remains insufficiently explicit. Positioning Nepal within the evolving economic geography of Asia may ultimately prove as important as any individual budget allocation.

Concluding, the budget reflects a serious attempt to accelerate growth, strengthen state capacity, and attract productive investment. Those objectives are difficult to oppose. However, important questions remain: are some policy choices moving Nepal closer to a market-capitalist model and trickle down economy than to a socialism-oriented nation; is there a sufficiently explicit economic vision connecting the many initiatives contained in the budget; can Nepal finally overcome its historic weakness in execution?The ultimate test will not be the size of the budget, the ambition of the plans, or the sophistication of the theories behind them. It will be whether the strategy creates productive employment, broad-based opportunity, stronger institutions, and a development pathway that keeps young Nepali invested in the country’s future. Efficiency can accelerate development. But democratic legitimacy, social inclusion, and long-term national purpose ultimately determine whether development becomes sustainable.

Note: This article is inspired by the article “New Team, New Budget: Nepal’s Big Development Bet [Part 1: Big Budget. Big Dreams. Big Assumptions.” published by Dr. Alok Bohora in his Substack website “Nepal Unplugged”. I was acknowledged in his successive article for contributing to the discussion. This article combines my thoughts together my synthesis of above mentioned article.

Rate this:

CW: Occasional Foul Language. Always Political.

Breaking: March to the White House breaks out at the All of U.S. 250 Rally in Washington, D.C.!

Find a demonstration near you at allofus250.org

Link: https://bsky.app/profile/50501movement.bsky.social/post/3mpcb24bfms22

----------------------------

Reposted from 50501: The People's Movement

Join the Movement at https://fiftyfifty.one

This robot is unaffiliated w/ 50501

Replies here are only seen in the Fediverse, not on Bluesky. 50501 volunteers do not monitor this account.

----------------------------

#Coup #Activism #FederalGovernment #USpol #Trump #NoKings #elections #50501Movement #WeAreTheResistance #WeHaveFriendsEverywhere #FDT #PeoplesMovement #FiftyFiftyOne #StopICE #protest #organize

#MarchToTheWhiteHouse #AllOfUs250 #DCRally #WashingtonDC #PoliticalDemonstration #USPolitics #RallyForChange #PublicPolicy #DemocracyInAction #FindAProtest

Millions Lose Food Stamps Under Trump Cuts as Arizona Becomes Ground Zero

https://thedemocracyadvocate.com/economy-and-labor/millions-lose-food-stamps-under-trump-cuts/

Millions Lose Food Stamps Under Trump Cuts as Arizona Becomes Ground Zero

https://thedemocracyadvocate.com/economy-and-labor/millions-lose-food-stamps-under-trump-cuts/

Millions Lose Food Stamps Under Trump Cuts as Arizona Becomes Ground Zero

https://thedemocracyadvocate.com/economy-and-labor/millions-lose-food-stamps-under-trump-cuts/

Millions Lose Food Stamps Under Trump Cuts as Arizona Becomes Ground Zero

https://thedemocracyadvocate.com/economy-and-labor/millions-lose-food-stamps-under-trump-cuts/

A quotation from Adlai Stevenson

The government must be the trustee for the little man because no one else will be. The powerful can usually help themselves — and frequently do.

Adlai Stevenson (1900–1965) American diplomat, statesman
Speech (1955-10-29), “The Crisis in Agriculture,” Democratic Rally, Duluth, Minnesota

More about this quote: wist.info/stevenson-adlai-ewin…

#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #adlaistevenson #commonman #commonpeople #generalwelfare #government #hoipolloi #littleguy #littlepeople #power #powerful #publicpolicy #selfaggrandizement #trustee #populism

Upcoming #lecture talk at #UVIC.

From #Forests Frayed to Forests Renewed.
April 16, 2026.

Join us April 16, 2026 at the University of Victoria for a thought-provoking talk with keynote speaker Ben Parfitt as he explores, Forests Frayed to Forests Renewed: The Case for Rezoning BC’s Public Lands.

Ben has covered #forestry and natural resource issues in #BritishColumbia since the 1980s both as a journalist and in his previous role as senior public policy analyst with the now-closed Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, BC Office. He is currently a reporter with The Tyee where he covers the forestry and oil and gas industries, among others, and their impacts on critical natural resources like water.

In his talk, Ben will explain the consequences of today’s outdated land use policies and outline how rezoning BC’s public lands can set us on a more desirable course by conserving at-risk primary forests, restore lands scarred by industrialization and support jobs in a refocused, value-oriented forest industry.

Whether you’re an activist, policy maker or someone passionate about environmental preservation this is a talk you won’t want to miss.

University of Victoria – [Lecture Theatre HSD A240]
Tickets: $20
https://bcpolicy.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F35215

#BCpoli #CDNpoli #PublicPolicy #BCForestryReform #StopEcocide #NaturalResources #Degrowth #CarbonFootprint #FossilFuels #environmental #climate #PolicyChange #PolicyReform #WeCantDrinkOil #WeCantBreatheGas #StopDeforestation #WeCantEatDeadForests #YYJ #VictoriaBC

Reform fails not because people resist change, but because institutions inherit decades of emotional and procedural memory.
This video explains the ghost layer: the invisible structure that absorbs, dilutes, or reinterprets reform before it ever reaches citizens.
https://open.substack.com/pub/associationredefine/p/illegible-systems-why-institutions?

r=6l8ed8&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

#SystemsThinking
#Governance
#InstitutionalReform
#CivicIntelligence
#Democracy
#PublicPolicy
#PoliticalTheory

Trump claims his pollution rollback will save Americans money – but climate change is raising household costs
#Environment #ClimateChange #Trump #Economy #Inflation #EnergyBills #PublicPolicy #GlobalWarming #FloodRisk #Wildfires #CarbonEmissions #Politics
https://the-14.com/trump-claims-his-pollution-rollback-will-save-americans-money-but-climate-change-is-raising-household-costs/

Gig-work delivery jobs are getting more dangerous
#GigWork #DeliveryWorkers #WorkersRights #LabourJustice #PrecariousWork #PlatformEconomy #Unionize #RoadSafety #BikeInfrastructure #MigrantWorkers #AlgorithmicControl #Canada #PublicPolicy #SocialJustice
https://the-14.com/gig-work-delivery-jobs-are-getting-more-dangerous/

Every institution has a ghost. And no, not the Halloween kind. The kind made of old habits, old fears, old rituals and old incentives. The kind that politely swallows our best reform ideas time and again.

https://associationredefine.substack.com/p/designing-with-ghosts-a-practical?r=6l8ed8

#democracy #governance #systemsthinking #reform #publicpolicy #politics #politicalculture #InstitutionalMemory #civicdesign

A significant EU reform landed recently, reshaping how we safeguard elections, media, civil society, and the information space.

We’ve published an in-depth analysis that connects the dots across the Democracy Shield, the Civil Society Strategy, and the deeper cultural shifts beneath them.
https://associationredefine.substack.com/p/from-crisis-to-capacity-the-eus-most?r=6l8ed8

#Democracy #eu #disinformation #civicEngagement #humanrights #civilsociety #democraticresilience #informationintegrity #technologyandsociety #publicpolicy #futureofDemocracy

What is lobbying?

Lobbying is a term that often surfaces in discussions about politics, governance, and public policy. Despite its frequent mention, the concept of lobbying is sometimes misunderstood or viewed with skepticism. Let's shed light by providing a clear and easy-to-understand explanation of lobbying, its mechanisms, importance and impact on the general public and policy-making.

Definition and scope

Lobbying refers to the act of attempting to influence decisions made by officials in the government, most often legislators or members of regulatory agencies. This influence is exerted by various entities, including individuals, groups, organizations, and corporations, who seek to sway policy in a direction favorable to their interests. Lobbying can encompass a wide range of activities, from direct communication with policymakers to organizing grassroots campaigns.

Historical context

The practice of lobbying has deep historical roots, dating back to ancient civilizations where influential citizens would advocate for their interests before rulers and councils. In modern times, lobbying has evolved into a structured and regulated activity, particularly in democratic societies where the legislative process is complex and multifaceted. The term itself originates from the practice of advocates waiting in the lobbies of legislative buildings to speak with lawmakers.

In the European Union, lobbying became more formalized with the establishment of the EU institutions and the increasing complexity of legislation affecting member states. The growth of the EU and the expanding scope of its regulatory powers further contributed to the expansion of lobbying activities. Today, lobbying is a significant aspect of the EU’s policymaking process, with various stakeholders seeking to influence decisions at the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the European Union.

Types of lobbying

Lobbying can be broadly categorized into two types: direct lobbying and indirect lobbying.

Direct lobbying: This involves direct interaction with policymakers, such as meetings, phone calls, or written communications. Lobbyists present their case, provide information, and argue for specific legislative or regulatory outcomes. Direct lobbying is often conducted by professional lobbyists who have established relationships with EU officials and a deep understanding of the legislative process.

Indirect lobbying: Also known as grassroots lobbying, this type involves mobilizing the public to contact their representatives and express support or opposition to certain policies. It includes activities like organizing rallies, social media campaigns, and public petitions. Indirect lobbying leverages the power of public opinion to influence policymakers, often by creating a sense of urgency or demonstrating widespread support for a particular issue.

Lobbyists and their roles

Lobbyists are professionals who specialize in advocacy and influence. They may work for lobbying firms, corporations, non-profit organizations, or as independent consultants. Their roles include researching policy issues, developing strategic plans, building relationships with policymakers, and communicating their clients’ positions effectively. Lobbyists must be knowledgeable about the legislative process and possess strong communication and negotiation skills.

Lobbyists often come from diverse backgrounds, including law, public relations, and government service. Their expertise allows them to navigate the complexities of the legislative process and effectively advocate for their clients’ interests. In addition to direct advocacy, lobbyists may also engage in activities such as drafting legislation, providing testimony at hearings, and organizing coalition-building efforts.

Regulation and transparency

Given the potential for lobbying to impact public policy significantly, the European Union has established regulations to ensure transparency and accountability. These regulations often require lobbyists to register with EU authorities, disclose their activities, and report their expenditures. The EU Transparency Register, for example, mandates that lobbyists file regular reports detailing their lobbying activities and financial transactions.

Regulations vary by country within the EU, but common elements include registration requirements, disclosure of lobbying activities, and restrictions on gifts and contributions to policymakers. These measures are designed to promote transparency and prevent conflicts of interest. In some EU member states, lobbying is subject to strict oversight by independent agencies, which monitor compliance and investigate potential violations.

Impact on public policy

Lobbying plays a crucial role in shaping public policy within the EU. It allows various stakeholders to present their perspectives and advocate for their interests. While lobbying can lead to positive outcomes, such as the passage of beneficial legislation or the prevention of harmful policies, it can also raise concerns about undue influence and the prioritization of special interests over the public good.

The impact of lobbying on public policy can be seen in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and environmental regulation. For example, pharmaceutical companies may lobby for policies that promote drug innovation and protect intellectual property rights, while environmental groups may advocate for stricter regulations to combat climate change. The effectiveness of lobbying efforts often depends on factors such as the strength of the arguments presented, the level of public support, and the political climate.

Ethical considerations

The ethical dimensions of lobbying are a subject of ongoing debate. Critics argue that lobbying can lead to corruption and the disproportionate influence of wealthy entities. Proponents, however, contend that lobbying is a legitimate and necessary part of the democratic process, enabling diverse voices to be heard. Ethical lobbying practices involve transparency, honesty, and adherence to legal standards.

Ethical concerns in lobbying often revolve around issues such as transparency, accountability, and conflicts of interest. To address these concerns, the EU has implemented codes of conduct for lobbyists, which outline ethical standards and best practices. These codes may include provisions related to honesty in communications, respect for the legislative process, and the avoidance of undue influence.

Examples

To illustrate the impact and mechanisms of lobbying, it is helpful to examine specific examples. One notable example is the lobbying efforts of advocacy groups advocating for the EU’s digital sovereignty. A coalition of more than 80 organizations, including Airbus and Proton, has called for radical action to secure Europe’s digital future. Such groups are engaging in extensive lobbying to influence public policy and protect their interests in the digital realm.

The coalition’s efforts include advocating for the establishment of a sovereign infrastructure fund to support public investment in capital-intensive sectors like semiconductors. They have also pushed for a formal “buy European” policy for the public sector, mandating that IT requirements be sourced from European-led and -assembled solutions. These lobbying activities aim to reduce Europe’s reliance on foreign technology and promote strategic autonomy in key sectors.

Another example is the lobbying efforts of environmental organizations to address climate change. Groups such as the European Environmental Bureau and Greenpeace have engaged in both direct and indirect lobbying to advocate for policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, and protect natural resources. These efforts have contributed to the passage of significant environmental legislation and the adoption of international agreements such as the Paris Agreement.

The growing role of technology in lobbying
Advancements in technology have transformed the landscape of lobbying. Digital tools and platforms have made it easier for lobbyists to communicate with policymakers, mobilize public support, and track legislative developments. Social media, in particular, has become a powerful tool for grassroots lobbying, allowing organizations to reach large audiences and engage with supporters in real-time.

Technology has also increased transparency in lobbying activities. Online databases and reporting systems enable the public to access information about lobbying efforts, including the identities of lobbyists, the issues they are advocating for, and the financial resources involved. This increased transparency can help to build trust in the legislative process and hold lobbyists accountable for their actions.

Challenges and future directions

Despite the benefits of lobbying, the practice faces several challenges. One major challenge is the perception of lobbying as a form of undue influence or corruption. High-profile scandals involving lobbyists and policymakers have contributed to this negative perception, leading to calls for stricter regulations and greater transparency.

Another challenge is the unequal distribution of lobbying resources. Wealthy corporations and industry groups often have more resources to devote to lobbying efforts, which can result in an imbalance of power and influence. This raises concerns about the ability of less well-funded groups, such as non-profit organizations and grassroots movements, to effectively advocate for their interests.

Looking to the future, the practice of lobbying is likely to continue evolving in response to changes in technology, public opinion, and regulatory frameworks. Efforts to promote ethical lobbying practices, increase transparency, and ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders will be essential to maintaining the integrity of the legislative process.

To sum-up

Lobbying is a complex and multifaceted activity that plays a significant role in the democratic process. By understanding its mechanisms, types, and impacts, the general public can better appreciate the importance of lobbying in shaping public policy. While it has its challenges and ethical considerations, lobbying remains a vital tool for advocacy and influence in modern governance.

#PublicAffairs #PublicPolicy #policy #lobbying #advocacy #EU #Europe #economy #politics #lobbyists #democracy #society

Lobbying is a term that often surfaces in discussions about politics, governance, and public policy. Despite its frequent mention, the concept of #lobbying is sometimes misunderstood or viewed with skepticism.

Let's shed light by providing a clear and easy-to-understand explanation of lobbying, its mechanisms, importance and impact on the general public and #policymaking. https://mediascope.group/what-is-lobbying/ #PublicAffairs #policymakers #policy #publicpolicy

TKO Group Taps Netflix Public Policy Vet Dean Garfield For Newly Created Government Affairs Post
#Executives #News #DeanGarfield #Governmentaffiars #Netflix #PublicPolicy #TKOGroupHoldings

https://deadline.com/2025/06/tko-group-taps-netflix-public-policy-vet-dean-garfield-government-affairs-post-1236435491/

Between 2019 and 2021, California lost more than 1,100 licensed childcare facilities and nearly 19,000 licensed spaces—more spaces than the number of children in Mendocino or 21 other California counties.

In 2021, child care spaces were unavailable for nearly a quarter of California children ages 0 to 12 with working parents.

This National Family Caregivers Month, revisit our blog series on the childcare crisis: https://bit.ly/3XOYq4X

#Children #Childcare #AffordableChildcare #WorkingFamilies #WorkingParents #PublicPolicy #Education #Caregivers #EarlyEducation #Preschool #Daycare

This past Saturday, $37 billion in child-care pandemic relief from the federal government expired—$5 billion of which went to California.

"The loss of funds could have significant consequences for an industry already on the brink of a crisis," reporter Jenny Gold writes in the @latimes

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-09-28/end-to-federal-covid-child-care-funds-affect-california

#Childcare #Children #WorkingFamilies #WorkingParents #PublicPolicy

Today's work took me down a rabbit hole of #CollabortiveGovernance and #AdaptiveGovernance. Some themes emerged. One sticks out. In general, humans like the shiny new solution (no surprise). We seem less interested in measuring its success. The papers I reviewed kept referencing the need to do more analysis of #collaboration or #AdaptiveManagement post-implementation. It's not to say that the work doesn't exist, but the constant references to the lack suggest a possible #PublicPolicy gap.

I'm going to try an #introduction.
Let's see: I'm passionate about #teaching and #learning in #highered. I support #faculty in their teaching at #umich. My phd is in #politicalscience from Emory.

Let's talk about #activelearning, #ScienceOfLearning, equity-focused and inclusive teaching (#DEI), teaching in #publicpolicy and political science, #coursedesign, etc.

Of course, I'm always game for fascinating animal facts, adorable/fluffy pets, #cooking and #baking in my social media. :-)