The Progressive Movement succeeded in replacing laissez-faire with public oversight of safety and markets. But its vision of neutral administration, in which officials in lab coats mechanically applied law, never reflected the realities and political tradeoffs in most public choices. The result, after fifty years, is public paralysis. In an effort to avoid bad public choices, the operating system precludes good public choices. It must be rebuilt to honor human agency and reinvigorate democratic choices.

Essays & ReportsAndrew ParkJanuary 6, 2021Philip K. Howard, Yale Law Journal, COVID-19, bureaucracy

Could Covid Finally Disrupt the Top-Down Education Bureaucracy?

The Covid crisis could be the impetus that finally pushes the broken machinery of America’s schools over the cliff.

Essays & ReportsJoshua FergusonAugust 11, 2020COVID-19, Philip K. Howard, Education Next

COVID-19 Shows Why We Need to Reboot Government in America: Here's How We Can Do It

A cultural earthquake is causing jagged fault lines to open across America. Many thousands have taken to the streets to protest police brutality. Others are taking to the streets to protest COVID-19 shutdowns.

Essays & ReportsJoshua FergusonJuly 27, 2020COVID-19, Philip K. Howard

A Social Contract for Pandemics

America can’t stay closed indefinitely. But reopening America’s shops, schools and other public places is fraught with uncertainties and risks. In some jobs and settings the precautions may not be possible.

Essays & ReportsJoshua FergusonJuly 27, 2020Philip K. Howard, The Hill, COVID-19

Forum 1: The Legal Framework for COVID‑19 Recovery

The first forum of the Campaign for Common Good addressed the following challenges: avoiding red tape delays in reopening; creating a reliable liability framework that avoids chilling reopening while incentivizing safe protocols; and learning from other developed countries.

Seth KarechaJune 30, 2020COVID-19, forum

An Action Plan for Saving America’s Transportation Infrastructure

Rebuilding America’s decrepit infrastructure would be a fabulous way to come out of the COVID shutdown — a million or more jobs, most of which are outdoors. How do we do that?

Misdiagnosing the Failed State

People want answers for what went wrong with America’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic—from lack of preparedness, to delays in containing the virus, to failing to ramp up testing capacity and the production of protective gear. But almost nowhere in the current discussion can one find a coherent vision for how to avoid the same problems next time or help restore a healthy democracy.

Essays & ReportsJoshua FergusonMay 11, 2020COVID-19, Philip K. Howard, City Journal

Why America Needs a Recovery Authority

Government needs to become disciplined again, just as in wartime. It must be adaptable, and encourage private initiative without unnecessary frictions. Dense codes should be replaced with simpler goal-oriented frameworks, as Cuomo has done. Red tape should be replaced with accountability. Excess baggage should be tossed overboard. We’re in a storm, and can’t get out while wallowing under the heavy weight of legacy practices and special privileges.

Essays & ReportsJoshua FergusonMay 4, 2020COVID-19, Philip K. Howard, USA Today

Tough Choices Ahead

Opening up the economy again, after the enforced isolation to contain the spread of COVID-19, will require tough choices. The moral and practical tradeoffs will be like none this country has ever faced.

Essays & ReportsJoshua FergusonApril 14, 2020COVID-19, Philip K. Howard, The Hill

Fighting COVID-19 in the Red Tape Nation

America will get past this health crisis, thanks to the heroic, unimpeded dedication of health-care professionals. But what will save America from a prolonged recession?

Essays & ReportsJoshua FergusonApril 6, 2020COVID-19, Philip K. Howard, City Journal

After Pandemic Ends, U.S. Needs Recovery Authority

What’s needed is a temporary Recovery Authority with a broad mandate to identify and waive unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles to recovery. The public will benefit not only with faster recovery, but also by treating the new approaches as pilot projects for more effective governance.

Essays & ReportsJoshua FergusonMarch 30, 2020COVID-19, Philip K. Howard, USA Today