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 scholars, practitioners, policymakers, students, and community partners to examine pressing social policy challenges and explore how social policy can advance equity and improve lives.

Organized around the guiding question — "What can a city do to promote human thriving?" — this year's conference will focus on practical, local-level policy solutions and the interconnected systems that shape whether residents, families, and communities can thrive.

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

Interconnected systems of human thriving

Social policy shapes daily life through systems that are deeply connected — health care, education, family economic security, and housing. The 2026 Kohn Social Policy Conference will examine how local-level policy solutions can strengthen these systems and help residents, families, and communities thrive.

Healthcare team, hands together and celebration in hospital for teamwork success

Changes in health policy can have wide-ranging effects on residents, families, local institutions, and systems of care. The conference will examine how local leaders and organizations can respond to implementation challenges, administrative burdens, and downstream impacts on community well-being.

African American Father and his baby boy lying reading book on the floor

Literacy is foundational to educational opportunity and long-term well-being. The conference will explore how evidence-informed approaches, including the science of reading, can strengthen learning outcomes and support students, families, educators, and communities.

Young girl drawing in classroom during back to school season

Childhood poverty shapes family stability, educational opportunity, health, and long-term mobility. The conference will consider local-level policy approaches that support children and families, strengthen economic security, and address the interconnected conditions that affect human thriving.

Photo of homes in Detroit's Chaldean Town neighborhood

Housing stability is central to health, family well-being, educational continuity, and economic security. The conference will explore strategies to expand housing stability, respond to homelessness, and support stronger, more resilient communities.

Conference format

The Kohn Social Policy Conference is a one-day gathering in Detroit designed for problem-solving, exchange, and connection across research, policy, practice, and community perspectives. Participation will be coordinated through targeted invitations, with limited space available. Program and speaker details will be shared as they become available. To express interest in attending, please join our interest list.

Four sessions will examine interconnected social policy challenges in health, education, childhood poverty, and housing and homelessness, 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 will be coordinated through targeted invitations, with limited space available. Program and speaker details will be shared as they become available. To express interest in attending, please join our interest list.

Join our interest list

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.

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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