Foundations of Government Innovation: Public Management, Trust, Agility

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS IN SACRAMENTO, FALL SEMESTER 2025

How does government innovation actually happen? What does it require in terms of skills, conditions, and investments? Hear directly from experts and get an in-depth look “under the hood” through case studies illustrating both failure and success. 

This course explores the dynamic intersections among public policy analysis, implementation, program design, public administration, agency structure, and social complexity. We aim to provide students the tools to navigate opportunities & predicaments arising from rules & procedures, agency history & culture, political and budgetary constraints, and rapid technological change. Building upon these foundations, students will explore principles of innovation and public management, applying design-based, user-centric mindsets and agile governance approaches to project management, teambuilding, and problem-solving. Through case studies, expert insight, and guided self-reflection, the course will cultivate creativity, intuition, and pragmatism, fostering complementary senses of civic entrepreneurship and agile leadership.

Wednesdays 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., August 27 - December 3, 2025

Instructor: Larry Rosenthal 
All classes will be held at UC Student & Policy Center Sacramento (1115 11th Street, Sacramento, CA).