The Taubman Center Urban Prize
The Taubman Center Urban Prize recognizes achievement in urban policy. For this award, we are seeking papers that address domestic urban issues in the United States, including economic development, transportation, public infrastructure, land use, social capital, public sector technology and data utilization, procurement, performance management, and other relevant urban policy topics.
This is open to Harvard Kennedy School students, with a focus on entries that have been prepared originally as policy analysis exercises (PAEs). Submissions of all lengths are welcome, and there is no maximum word limit. Submissions/papers should be unpublished work, and only one submission per person/PAE team will be accepted. Award winner(s) will be determined by the Taubman Center’s reviewers, comprised of HKS faculty and staff. The winner(s) will be announced along with other HKS Class Day Awards during Commencement Week.
Awards are based on the ability of the authors to clearly define a particular issue and to propose actionable steps toward alleviating or resolving the problem. Where applicable, papers should also include a concise review of past attempts to address the problem and how the recommended approach differs from what has been tried previously. Reviewers will also consider the feasibility of the ideas explored in the papers and whether the recommendations are based on a keen understanding of the policy climate in which they are being proposed. Other important criteria include clarity of composition, organization and presentation of information, and clearly delineated recommendations.
Check back here for information on 2026 Taubman Center Urban Prize application and deadlines.
Past Urban Prize Winners
- 2025 - Nora Cahill and Naomi Carolan MPP 2025
All I Want for Christmas is Used: Harnessing the "Allston Christmas" Spirit Across Boston Neighborhoods
- 2024 - Maya Alper MPP 2024
Digital Service Delivery for Stronger Communities
Sarah Ballinger MPP 2024
Designing a Compensation Philosophy for the City of Boston
- 2023 - Jake Mills and Bailey Siber MPP 2023
California's Displaced Oil and Gas Worker Pilot Program: Analysis and Recommendations for the Distribution of a $40 Million Relief Fund
- 2022 - Jacob Greenspon MPP 2022
Spatial-skills Mismatch in the Decarbonization Job Transition: A Framework for Policy Responses