Public systems often invest in better data, clearer interfaces, and smarter tools — but tools alone rarely change people’s lives for the better. Drawing on lessons from Public Policy Lab’s latest blog post, Good Tools Aren’t Enough, this event explores what truly enables effective public service delivery: trust, relationships, and the human work that connects residents to systems.

PPL’s Andrew Eickmann joined Emily Osgood (NYC Dept of Housing Preservation and Development) and Yasmin Fodil (Code for America) to reflect on the importance of human connection and agency risk-taking in delivering innovative public services.

This event is part of PP15, a series celebrating the Public Policy Lab’s 15th anniversary. You can find past blog posts and virtual events on our website.