Arkansas Public Policy Center

The Public Policy Center exists to provide Arkansans with research-based information and education about public issues. Public issues are defined as pressing and emerging issues that involve multiple points of view and have widespread consequences.

Our goals are to:

• Increase citizen knowledge, awareness and understanding of public issues
• Enhance public participation in decisions regarding public issues
• Help citizens craft, evaluate and implement alternative solutions to public issues

COVID-19 Resources

Division of Agriculture educators are creating resources and sharing information about COVID-19 across many topics. Click on the button below to access these resources.

Extension COVID-19 Resources     Local Government COVID-19 Resources

Federal Policy Response to COVID-19

COVID-19 Related Blog Posts and Policy Briefs from the Public Policy Center

• Policy Brief: 2020 Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act
• Policy Brief: Your Guide to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) 
• Mythbusting - 2020 Economic Impact Payments
• Selling Cottage Food During A Pandemic
• How Unemployment Insurance Works in Arkansas 
• Arkansas Legislature Holds Special Session to Address Pandemic-Related Budget Shortfalls

Policy Focus Areas

Ballot Issue Education

Helping Arkansans understand proposed state or local laws on their ballot.

Become an informed voter!

Broadband

Access to fast and reliable internet service is important to the economic and social wellbeing of Arkansans.

Learn about Arkansas broadband efforts

Cottage Food Law

What is the difference between Cottage Foods and Manufactured Foods in Arkansas? Find fact sheets, webinars and additional information about Arkansas' Cottage Food Law.

Find Cottage Food Law information

Legislative Education and Awareness Program (LEAP)

Arkansas legislators convene every even-year to pass laws. The 2021 session begins Jan. 11. and redistricting for state and federal lawmakers is on the agenda. Redistricting affects all Arkansans.

Understand the Redistricting Process in Arkansas

Stormwater Education

When it rains, snows or sleets in Arkansas, where does that water go?

Learn more about stormwater education

Water Quality

Arkansas is a water rich state but has its share of polluted waterways. We offer further understanding of federal and state water policy.

Water quality is everyone's responsibility

News and Upcoming Events

Public Policy Center Faculty and Staff

The Public Policy Center was established in 2004 by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture to provide research-based, non-partisan analyses and evaluation of public policy issues. The Center's goal isn't to tell citizens what to think, but rather to increase their knowledge and awareness of public issues and participation in decisions regarding those issues.

Dr. Stacey McCullough

Director of the Public Policy Center

Areas: Entrepreneurship, public policy, agritourism, electronic commerce, rural development.

Kristin Higgins

Program Associate

Areas: Public referendum, local government finance, media relations, environmental and natural resource policy and programs. 

Dr. Wayne Miller

Professor

Areas: Economic development, public finance

Ellie Wheeler

Program Associate

Areas: Economic development, public finance, data analysis and visualization, and policy analysis

Associates

Dr. Harrison Pittman

Director of the National Agriculture Law Center