Best Public Policy Books of 2025

Homelessness Is a Housing Problem by Gregg Colburn and Clayton Page Aldern is an essential analysis of the root causes of homelessness in cities across the United States. The authors shift the focus from the individual experiencing homelessness to the metropolitan area, testing various beliefs about what drives the prevalence of homelessness in a given city. Through accessible statistical analysis, they find that housing market conditions, such as the cost and availability of rental housing, offer a far more convincing account. The book offers rigorous policy solutions for unique regional contexts, making it a must-read for anyone interested in advocating for affordable housing.

A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis offers a comprehensive and practical approach to policy analysis, using real-world examples to teach the reader how to be an effective policy analyst. The book provides step-by-step strategies, concrete tips, and new case studies for both novices and seasoned professionals. The authors' "Eightfold Path" offers a wise and engaging how-to guide, providing a bridge between theory and practice. Overall, this book is a genuine classic of policy analysis, offering a versatile framework for confronting policy issues of all types. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in public policy analysis.

Gradual: The Case for Incremental Change in a Radical Age, by Greg Berman and Aubrey Fox, is a call to action for a more common-sense approach to change in a time that demands radical shifts in thinking and policymaking. The authors argue that incremental reform is the best path forward, as any effort to advance radical change will inevitably engender significant backlash. The book provides portraits of "heroic incrementalists" who have produced meaningful reforms in a variety of areas, from the expansion of Social Security to more recent efforts to reduce crime and incarceration. Overall, Gradual is a bracing call for a "radical realism" that prioritizes honesty, humility, nuance, and respect in an effort to transcend political polarization and reduce the conflict produced by social media.

The Death and Life of the Great Lakes by Dan Egan is a powerful and eye-opening book that delves into the ecological catastrophe threatening the largest source of accessible freshwater in the world. Egan's book is a nimbly spliced narrative that blends history, science, reporting, and personal experiences to create a taut and cautiously hopeful story. The book provides a compelling chronicle of the many man-caused hazards that have threatened the Great Lakes and offers ways to restore and preserve them for generations to come. This book is an important read for anyone interested in environmental issues and the future of our planet.

The book "21st Century Monetary Policy: The Federal Reserve from the Great Inflation to COVID-19" by Ben S. Bernanke, former chair of the Federal Reserve and Nobel Prize winner, provides a comprehensive analysis of the transformation of one of the most powerful institutions in the world. It examines the Fed's evolution over the past seventy years, including its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and speculates on its future. The book not only explains the central bank's new policymaking tools but also captures the drama of moments when so much hung on the Fed's decisions. It is a uniquely practical book that policymakers should read to make better decisions in the future.

Group Counseling: Strategies and Skills, Eighth Edition, is a practical guide for effective group leadership. The book covers various facets of group counseling, including starting and ending a session, and how to make the middle phase productive and meaningful. The book's integration of traditional theories and concepts of group process with thoughtful strategies and specific skills makes it an excellent resource for practicing and future counselors, social workers, psychologists, and others leading or preparing to lead groups in a variety of settings. The book is easy to read, with lots of great examples, and the group skills are clearly described and labeled. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in group counseling.

The book "Policy Paradox: The Art of Political Decision Making" by Deborah Stone is an excellent resource for students interested in understanding the complexities of policy making. Stone's approach highlights the political struggles and paradoxes that underlie policy decisions, dispelling the notion that rationality alone can guide policy making. The author has updated the book to include examples of policy paradoxes that have emerged since September 11. The prose has been streamlined, making the book an even better read. Overall, this book is a must-read for those interested in decision-making and problem-solving in the political arena.

Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability: Getting & Keeping Your Benefits is an excellent guide for those who want to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. The book covers both SSDI and SSI and explains how to prove a disability, how your age, education, and work experience affect your chances, and how to appeal if you’re denied benefits. The new edition includes a discussion of getting disability for Post-Acute COVID Syndrome (PACS) and explanations of Social Security’s updated medical listings. The book is easy to read and packed with filled-in samples of all the forms you’ll need. Highly recommended for those navigating the world of long-term or permanent Social Security disability.

The book "Systems Thinking For Social Change" by David Stroh is an essential guide for individuals engaged in social change. It provides an alternative to conventional thinking and offers practical guidance on how to incorporate systems thinking in problem solving, decision making, and strategic planning. Stroh's techniques have been used to tackle complex issues such as ending homelessness, improving public health, and resolving identity-based conflicts. The book is an excellent resource for donors, nonprofit leaders, and public policy makers who want to achieve lasting results and avoid unintended consequences. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to make a positive impact on society.

Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions is a comprehensive guide to help readers get the most out of their retirement and medical benefits. The book covers the latest updates on Social Security retirement benefits, Medicare and Medicaid, Medigap insurance, and government pensions and veterans benefits. The guide is written in simple English and offers clear and complete explanations to help readers understand and claim their benefits. The Wall Street Journal describes it as a guide that "leads you through the maze of Social Security and Medicare." Overall, this book is an excellent resource for those who want to maximize their retirement and medical benefits.