Kohn Social Policy Conference

Exploring emerging issues in social policy
Friday, September 18, 2026 | Detroit, MI

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What can a city do to promote human thriving?

The 2026 Kohn Social Policy Conference brings together invited scholars, practitioners, policymakers, civic leaders, community partners, students, and members of the Ford School community to examine emerging social policy challenges and explore practical, evidence-informed solutions that advance equity and improve lives.

Centered on this question, the program explores how cities can respond to interconnected challenges affecting health, literacy, family economic security, and affordable housing. Across four moderated policy discussions and a featured keynote conversation, speakers will examine both policy design and the realities of implementation.

With Detroit providing a concrete context for these discussions, the conference will surface approaches and lessons relevant to communities across Michigan and the United States.

The conference takes place Friday, September 18, 2026, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at The Godfrey Hotel in Detroit, followed by a light reception.

"The Kohn Social Policy Conference reflects the Ford School's commitment to bringing rigorous research into conversation with policy practice and public service." Celeste Watkins-Hayes, Joan and Sanford Weill Dean of Public Policy

Nicole Sherard-Freeman to join Luke Shaefer for featured keynote conversation at Kohn Social Policy Conference

The conversation will explore how leaders across sectors can work together to strengthen the systems that shape opportunity, stability, and well-being. It will connect directly to the conference's central question: What can a city do to promote human thriving?

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Portraits of Nicole Sherard-Freeman and Luke Shaefer.

Interconnected systems of human thriving

Health coverage, literacy, family economic security, and affordable housing are deeply connected to opportunity and well-being. The conference's four policy discussions will examine distinct challenges within these systems while considering what cities can do to help people and communities thrive.

New work requirements and reporting rules could affect Medicaid enrollment, access to care, and the service systems on which residents rely. The discussion will consider how cities can respond to administrative burdens, coverage losses, and disruptions in continuity of care.

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Cities are exploring how publicly owned land and dedicated housing funds can support lasting affordability. The discussion will consider municipal ownership models, financing and administrative capacity, and strategies that could be adapted for Detroit.

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Picture shows Kohn childhood poverty panelists.

State child tax credits vary in their benefit levels, eligibility rules, work requirements, and target populations. The discussion will consider how cities can inform policy design and assess the opportunities and challenges associated with a city-level child tax credit.

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As states adopt literacy policies grounded in the science of reading, cities and school districts must turn those reforms into effective instruction. The discussion will examine state investments, teacher support, research partnerships, and literacy equity for diverse student populations.

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Conference format

The Kohn Social Policy Conference is a one-day convening in Detroit featuring four moderated policy discussions, a featured keynote conversation, and opportunities for exchange across research, policy, practice, and community perspectives. Participation will be coordinated through targeted invitations, with limited space available. To express interest in attending, please join our interest list.

Explore the program and speakers.

Four sessions will examine interconnected social policy challenges in health, education, childhood poverty, and affordable housing, with an emphasis on practical, local-level solutions.

A featured conversation will explore how local leaders and institutions can use policy, partnerships, and public service to support residents, families, and communities.

The program will create opportunities for scholars, policymakers, practitioners, students, and community partners to share ideas and build connections.

Attend the conference

Attendance at the Kohn Social Policy Conference is limited, and advance registration is required. Please RSVP to reserve your place.

Reserve your spot

Supporting social policy research and impact

The Kohn Social Policy Conference is part of a broader Ford School effort made possible by Hal and Carol Kohn and the Kohn Charitable Trust. Their generosity advances the Kohn Collaborative for Social Policy, including endowed professorships, student support, and initiatives that catalyze interdisciplinary research and policy impact.

What can a city do to promote human thriving?

Building on the Ford School’s deep expertise in social policy, the conference is shaped by the work of the Kohn professors — endowed faculty whose research focuses on equity, opportunity, and well-being. It brings research, policy, and practice into conversation around practical, local-level solutions.

Read about the Kohn Collaborative

Headshots of Luke Shaefer, Christina Weiland, Pamela Herd, and Samuel R. Bagenstos

Ford School announces new prize for social policy impact with $1 million gift

With a $1 million gift from Hal and Carol Kohn and the Kohn Charitable Trust, the Ford School will establish the Kohn Collaborative Prize for Social P...

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