Institute of Politics

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IOP Policy Challenges

Throughout the academic year, the Institute of Politics challenges UChicago students to propose solutions to major issues in local, national, and global politics.

Fall 2023 Challenge

Affordable Housing

The Institute of Politics is hosting its fourth university-wide contest soliciting student-generated policy solutions to solve the affordable housing crisis.

Your challenge is to present a plan on how you would improve housing affordability in a city or rural area of your choice. You can expand upon existing grants or programs, alter the housing market through new lending programs or other funding structures, zoning laws, incentive or regulatory programs - think about rules tied to highway funding - or forming a public-private partnership. The possibilities are endless but remember - you have to get it through the US Senate and you must explain, if relevant, how you will pay for your plan.

The contest is open to ALL STUDENTS and no prior policy background or coursework is required.

Students will compete in teams of 2-5 participants and present proposals to a panel of experts.

Each member of the winning team will receive $500.

Past Challenges

Spring 2023 | World Hunger

The Institute of Politics and the Kiphart Center for Global Health and Social Development challenged students to present a plan to attack hunger anywhere around the globe – from conflict zones to your own college campus and anywhere in between – formed through their specific area of study or interest.

Winter 2023 | Rerouting: Public Transportation for All

The Institute of Politics and the Center for Effective Government joined forces for a university-wide contest soliciting student-generated policy solutions to fix Chicago’s transit system.

Fall 2022 | The $1.6 Trillion Question

The Institute of Politics teamed up with the Harris School of Public Policy for a contest soliciting student-generated policy solutions to the student-debt crisis.

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