Research

Independent and interdisciplinary, our research division works with all levels of government to provide quality student policy analysis

FAQs

How does the research division function?

Each semester, our Research Division launches five to six initiatives spanning a broad range of policy areas: past examples range from environmental policy and criminal justice to economic development and housing. Each initiative is conducted in partnership with a client organization that helps shape the research agenda and determines the format of the final deliverable.

Our past clients include local, city, and state-level public offices—such as members of the Berkeley City Council and the California State Assembly—as well as specialized agencies like the Berkeley Office of Economic Development. Prior to recruitment, Research Directors formalize each project in close collaboration with the client, developing a core research question, abstract, and submission framework. Once recruitment is complete, initiative team members are fully integrated into ongoing client communications.

What impact does the research have?

The scope and outcomes of each initiative vary. Some teams culminate their work with a final presentation delivered directly to the client, while others present their findings publicly (such as before the Berkeley City Council). Certain initiatives focus on sensitive or legislation-related research, in which case findings remain internal to the project team and client. Across all initiatives, however, our work addresses pressing challenges facing the city, region, or state, and delivers actionable insights directly to stakeholders with clear pathways for policy impact.

In addition to project-based research, the SPIB team actively cultivates opportunities for broader dissemination and engagement. We co-hosted the Bay Area Undergraduate Policy Conference this past March in partnership with Stanford’s Cardinal Policy Group (CPG), and look forward to hosting the second one at Berkeley next spring.

What are the different research roles?

There are three primary roles within each initiative: Research Associate, Editor, and Initiative Lead. All team members serve as Research Associates, with two members taking on additional responsibilities as either Editor or Initiative Lead. Team size typically ranges from five to eight members, depending on the scope and needs of the project.

Research Associate

Identify, evaluate, and analyze existing policies and their impacts
Gather supporting evidence through data collection and expert interviews
Contribute to writing the final research product across all stages

Editor

Fact-check sources and claims to ensure all information is accurate
Review the final product for coherence and stylistic consistency
Manage the sourcing and bibliography

Initiative Lead

Lead a team of 4-6 Research Associates and guide the research process (with the assistance of the Research Directors)
Meet and communicate regularly with elected officials & their policy teams
Coordinate and maintain operations with team members
Schedule team working meetings and ensure continuous progress

Spring 2026

Transportation Initiative

Client: Office of D39 California State Assemblymember Juan Carrillo

Research Question: To what extent does State Route 138 exhibit patterns of severe and fatal collisions, and how can data-driven analysis inform roadway safety interventions, enforcement strategies, and potential designation as a State Priority Safety Corridor?

For the project, the team conducted extensive data analysis, created visualizations, and connected the quantitative findings to applicable policy recommendations. They also liaised with community organizers and other stakeholders to learn about past safety campaigns and the complex processes of transportation to provide additional qualitative context.

Members: Jenna Ahmed, Audrey Rothenberg, Kyra Sharma, Aidan Mintzer, Charlotte Ponder, Matthew Rapposelli

Final Presentation

Policy Memo

Rent Initiative

Client: Berkeley Rent Board

Research Question: How can Berkeley’s Rent Stabilization Board improve rental unit registration compliance rates from the current 70-80% to benchmark levels of 95% through enhanced verification methods and regulatory framework adjustments?

The Rent Initiative used comparative analysis to identify potential pitfalls in the Rent Board’s compliance tracking systems, and solutions to improve their effectiveness. By working with other California jurisdictions, our team analyzed the compliance tracking methods of San Francisco, Oakland, and Los Angeles, and compared their systems to the ones currently in place in Berkeley. At the end of the semester, they completed the project with a presentation to the Rent Board on their key findings.

Members: Kimia Mostowfi, Anshika Agrawal, Kay Tran, Chloe West, Emma Wang, Hailey Kim

Final Presentation

Policy Memo

Business Initiative

Client: Office of D6 Berkeley City Councilmember Brent Blackaby & Berkeley Office of Economic Development

Research Question: What specific policy changes, infrastructure investments, and ecosystem-building strategies can position Berkeley as a distinct innovation hub for startups (with a potential focus on the life sciences and robotics) that leverages its proximity to UC Berkeley while avoiding direct competition with San Francisco?

Through a series of interviews with founders from key industries (AI/software, robotics, food/beverage, biotech/life sciences), our team sought to build an understanding of founders’ perceptions of the city to inform recommendations about how better to attract and retain startups. The project culminated in a presentation to key stakeholders within the Berkeley startup ecosystem, including Berkeley’s Mayor and City Council, as well as an internal policy memo detailing the research findings.

Members: Dylan Lucks, Simon Clausen, Nicole Kadi, Alexander Mateo Alvarez, Miles Rhoe, Nidhi Thummalapalli, Riddhi Das, Jacky Li

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Housing (Student Life) Initiative

Client: Office of D7 Berkeley City Councilmember and Vice Mayor of Berkeley, Cecilia Lunaparra

Research Question: To what extent are UC Berkeley students living in safe, habitable, and financially sustainable housing, and how do conditions differ between on-campus and off-campus housing options? Are students paying rents that align with the quality and habitability of their housing, and where are the greatest gaps in protection?

The project investigated housing conditions for on- and off-campus residents by creating and conducting an original survey. Measuring factors like habitability issues, cost of utilities, and overall satisfaction with the unit, the team analyzed the data to create a set of relevant policy recommendations.

Members: Harper Atkisson, Yashal Sarfaraz, Jay Kamath, Lila Myerson-Jain, Shreya Aravind, Tallulah Knill Allen

Policy Memo

FALL ’25

Public Health

Client: Councilmember Lunaparra (Berkeley)

Q: How can the City of Berkeley ensure effective evacuation planning in the event of a natural disaster by coordinating with UC Berkeley and leveraging public health and transportation resources?

Business

Client: Office of Economic Development, Councilmember Blackaby (Berkeley)

Q: How can the City of Berkeley attract and retain entrepreneurs and startups, particularly those with past or indirect ties to Berkeley, by understanding their perceptions of the city and the factors influencing their decision to locate elsewhere?

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Environment

Client: Assemblymember Chris Rogers (California)

High-level policy research and analysis conducted to support legislative priorities during the proposal development process, providing background context and evidence to inform internal decision-making.

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Budget

Client: County Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas (Alameda)

Q: With Alameda County receiving $5.1 billion in funding, how can the County design a budget process that ensures resources are distributed transparently, equitably, and with meaningful community input in order to maximize positive impact for the community?

Housing

Client: My Eden Voice (Non-profit)

Q: How can Alameda County leverage Measure W funds through the Home Together Plan and Essential Services allocations to ensure unincorporated communities, particularly historically disenfranchised Black residents, low-income immigrant families, and mobile home owners, receive equitable tenant protections, housing support, and long-term stability?