How to Write a Policy Proposal

What a policy proposal is (and is not)

A policy proposal is a document that identifies a specific problem, proposes a specific solution, and explains why the solution will work. It is not a petition. It is not an op-ed. It is not a list of demands. It is a detailed, evidence-based argument for a particular course of action directed at a particular decision-making body.

Good policy proposals get read because they do the work for the reader. A busy alderperson or committee staffer does not have time to research your issue from scratch. If you hand them a proposal that lays out the problem, the solution, the evidence, the cost, and the precedent, you have made it easy for them to act.

Structure

**Problem statement** (1-2 paragraphs): What is the problem? Who does it affect? How large is it? Use numbers if you have them.

**Background** (2-3 paragraphs): How did the problem develop? What has been tried before? Why did previous approaches fail or fall short?

**Proposed solution** (2-4 paragraphs): What specific action are you recommending? Be precise. "The city should address housing affordability" is a wish. "The Department of Housing should adopt a 15-year rent stabilization covenant for properties within a half-mile of the Obama Presidential Center" is a proposal.

**Evidence** (1-2 paragraphs): What evidence supports your solution? Has this been done elsewhere? What were the results? Cite sources.

**Implementation** (1-2 paragraphs): Who would implement this? What would it cost? What is the timeline? What are the potential obstacles?

**Ask** (1 paragraph): What specific action do you want the reader to take? Introduce an ordinance? Vote yes in committee? Direct a department to study the issue?

Common mistakes

Writing too broadly. A proposal about "housing in Chicago" will not get traction. A proposal about rent stabilization in a specific geography tied to a specific development will.

Skipping the evidence section. Your argument is only as strong as your sources. Use data from city agencies, academic research, investigative journalism, or comparable policies in other cities.

Not naming the decision-maker. Every proposal needs a target: a specific person or body with the authority to act on your recommendation.

What to do with it

Send it to your alderperson, the relevant committee chair, and any city department with jurisdiction. Rooted Forward also accepts community-submitted proposals through our submit a proposal page, and we develop the strongest ones into campaigns.