Public Policy Consulting Clinic | Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy

Ford School Public Policy Consulting Clinic

For inquiries and partnership opportunities, please contact us.
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Free consulting services for local governments and nonprofits that support them.

Local and state government agencies, as well as nonprofits, often grapple with limited resources, tackling immediate crises while struggling to engage in strategic, long-term policy planning.  With funding uncertainties and shifting policies, the need for expert support is greater than ever—and the pressure on these organizations continues to increase.

The Ford School Public Policy Consulting Clinic responds to these needs with free consulting services supporting local government capacity. Since its pilot launch in Fall 2025, our supervised student consulting teams have actively helped governments and nonprofits address complex needs, including budgeting, finance, data analysis, and more.

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Who can benefit

The Clinic is designed to serve local government agencies and nonprofits dedicated to supporting public service. By partnering with the Clinic, organizations receive essential capacity-building support—while Ford School students gain the opportunity to make a tangible impact in communities served by those entities.

All local governments work hard to meet their constituents' needs with limited resources and staff capacity. In this time where local governments are facing even more challenges to meet growing needs, being able to augment our resources with pro bono consulting services would provide an important additional and welcome resource."

Nancy Rotering, Mayor, City of Highland Park, Illinois

 

How we work

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Deepening academic-government partnerships

We strengthen the Ford School’s engagement with state and local governments and nonprofits by building agency capacity, sharing best practices, and delivering measurable results for their communities, working together to develop innovative solutions and maximize impact.
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Maximizing U-M resources

We harness expertise from leading University of Michigan initiatives—including the Better Government Lab, CLOSUP, Education Policy Initiative, MIDAS, Poverty Solutions, School of Public Health, STPP, Michigan Law, and Michigan Ross—ensuring our partners benefit from the latest research, data, and interdisciplinary knowledge.
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Enhancing experiential learning

We empower Ford School student consulting teams, guided by expert faculty and staff, to apply and deepen their skills through hands-on projects tailored to each client’s needs, delivering value in project management, data analysis, policy, and leadership. Projects may span multiple semesters or be completed over the summer.

Local governments are on the front lines and they are being stretched thin, with fewer tools, smaller teams, and growing responsibilities. Pro bono consulting can help bridge the gap, offering strategic support where it's needed most."

Dan Gilmartin, CEO, Michigan Municipal League

The Ford School difference

Ford School students have a proven track record of contributing to impactful policy initiatives and working collaboratively with local, county, and state entities. Through rigorous research and analysis, our students have supported cities, non-profits, and state agencies in addressing complex challenges, ranging from economic development to public health and environmental sustainability.
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The Ford School Consulting Clinic is a project of the Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy.

 

 

 

Jeffery Morenoff & Lori Lightfoot

This program is run by Jeffery Morenoff and Lori Lightfoot.

For inquiries and partnership opportunities, please contact us at: [email protected]