The Harris Policy Innovation Challenge brings together graduate students from across the University of Chicago to develop bold, evidence-based solutions to urgent public policy problems.

Over the course of the academic year, participating teams examine a complex real-world challenge through seminars, conversations with civic and industry leaders, and guidance from professional mentors. Students apply rigorous analysis, creative thinking, and practical policy design to develop proposals that are innovative, actionable, and responsive to the communities they are intended to serve.

Finalist teams present their recommendations at a live pitch competition before a panel of experts from government, business, philanthropy, and civic life. The winning team receives a $10,000 prize and opportunities to share its work with leaders working directly on the issue.

Public-private partnerships are a hotly debated topic at all levels of government. When you add to those conversations the intense local connections forged by sports fandom, the issue takes on an even greater urgency for cities. It’s clear that the current models for sports stadiums need major rethinking, which is why this year’s HPIC topic couldn’t come at a better time.

Professor Christopher Berry

    Past Challenges

    2025–26: Chicago and Its Professional Sports Teams

    The challenge: How can Chicago build fiscally responsible, mutually beneficial relationships with its professional sports teams while protecting public resources and advancing broader civic priorities?

    The winning proposal called for the creation of a Stadium Securitization Corporation to consolidate stadium-related obligations, strengthen financial safeguards, and give the City greater leverage in negotiations with professional sports franchises. The proposal also incorporated commitments related to affordable housing, public transportation, climate resilience, community access, and long-term non-relocation agreements.

    Winning team: Charlie Schraw, Christina Tsai, and Liz Williams.

    Read about the 2026 winning proposal.

    2024–25: A Thriving Downtown Chicago

    The challenge: “What can Chicago do over the next three years to create a thriving downtown for the next twenty years?”

    The winning team proposed a “culture and connection” strategy that would transform a portion of Michigan Avenue into a pedestrian-, bus-, and bicycle-focused corridor, revitalize the Chicago Pedway System, and expand affordable housing opportunities for artists.

    Winning team: Samantha Anderson, Krista Brown, Ashton Mayo-Beavers, and Uchenna Andrew Offorjebe.

    Read about the 2025 winning proposal.

    2023–24: Chicago’s Pension Crisis

    The challenge: Develop practical, feasible, and effective solutions to address Chicago’s unfunded pension liabilities.

    The winning proposal combined reforms to the city’s pension investment and governance structures with new approaches to generating revenue and returning vacant city-owned land to productive use.

    Winning team: Syed Ahmad, Anthony Beaupre, Liam Gluck, James Karsten, and Greg Rudd.

    Read about the inaugural winning proposal.

    harris policy innovation challenge