John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy

The John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy is dedicated to deepening the analysis around critical public policy challenges and broadening the range of policy ideas, perspectives and options. The Institute meets the practical needs of decision makers across New Jersey, who are charged with enacting public policy in the interest of New Jersey’s residents. The Institute is named in honor of the late N.J. Assemblyman John S. Watson, the nation's first African American chairman of an appropriations committee. The mission of The John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy is: To support informed public policy and to strengthen leadership in government, the nonprofit and private sectors. To strengthen the capacity of local leaders, city governments and community-based organizations to address their most critical needs. To provide applied research, technical assistance, program development and policy analysis.