Inter-Branch Exchange
Promoting enhanced policy efficiency, stronger inter-branch relations, and better informed decision-making in governance
About the Inter-Branch Exchange
With the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and policy, executive branch agencies — and state and local governments — often encounter granular, technically nuanced challenges created by outdated or misinterpreted statutes, yet lack a direct channel to convey these issues to policymakers in Congress.
The Inter-Branch Exchange (IBE) will address this by fostering a collaborative environment where these “in-the-weeds” problems can be openly discussed and solutions can be devised with the direct input of the relevant stakeholders from both the executive agencies and Congress.
Facilitated by POPVOX Foundation and Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy’s Massive Data Institute, the program aims to provide a platform where frontline policy implementers can voice on-ground challenges which are then translated into actionable solutions that policymakers can understand and act on. This effort promises enhanced policy efficiency, stronger interbranch relations, and more informed decision-making in governance.
Goals
Enhanced Government Efficiency
Streamline processes and procedures to minimize redundancies and improve overall operations.
More Effective Programs
Ensure that government initiatives achieve their intended outcomes with maximized benefits for the public.
Quicker Feedback Loops
Facilitate rapid communication channels to transition insights from on-the-ground experiences directly into policy adjustments.
Strengthened Inter-Branch Relationships
Foster a deeper mutual understanding and collaboration between the executive agencies and Congress to ensure cohesive policy-making.
Agile, Efficient, and Responsive Governance
Incorporate principles of agility into government functions to allow for swift adaptation to emerging challenges and needs.
Contribute to the Modernization of Government
Update outdated systems, methodologies, and policies to reflect current best practices
Approach
The IBE approach will both informal relationship-building and outcomes-focused products, including:
Thematic Events
Organizing specialized events that assemble members of the executive branch and Congress around narrow topics, ensuring an in-depth discussion between those familiar with the granular challenges and those who can address them.
Listening Sessions with Public Interest Technologists
Conducting regular sessions with public interest technologists, allowing them to voice pressing concerns and pinpoint areas of need.
Newsletter
Launching a newsletter aimed at keeping relevant stakeholders abreast of the latest developments, successes, and strategies.
Policy Monitoring
Staying current on relevant discussions within Congress to ensure that solutions are raised when relevant to Congress.
Resource Creation
Developing one-pagers and comprehensive reports that distill complex topics and propose actionable solutions.
Highlighting Successes
Emphasizing and celebrating achievements
Events
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Working Session on Disaster Assistance
May 31, 2024
With a focus on post-disaster assistance programs, the goal of the session is to identify opportunities for standardizing data, streamlining processes, and improving technical implementation, program evaluation, and oversight.
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Working Session on Paid Leave
March 11, 2024
This working session brings together staffers from the state and federal levels in both the executive and legislative branches, along with researchers and on-the-ground paid leave implementers and experts. Our goal is to provide a forum for surfacing lessons learned about how policy design affects implementation and data accessibility for policy oversight and refinement.
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Working Session on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
November 16, 2023
Participants from the legislative branch, digital service delivery, and data and evidence-based policy are invited to join this working session to identify existing challenges, leverage evidence-based policymaking, and identify actionable solutions for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of SNAP.
