Coronavirus policies spread quickly across the U.S. Are cities and states learning — or just copying?

As the novel coronavirus has spread across U.S. cities and states, so have public policies aimed at stopping the pandemic. Batten's Craig Volden and co-author Charles R. Shipan examine how some states have learned from others’ policy successes, while others simply copy their neighbors or even compete against them, and why that matters.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo

As the novel coronavirus has spread across U.S. cities and states, so have public policies aimed at stopping the pandemic. Sometimes, states learn from others’ policy successes. Other times, they simply copy neighbors or even compete against them.

So far, state and local government policy choices to stem the tide of covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, look more like simple imitation and harmful competition than thoughtful learning and innovation. But we see opportunities for learning going forward.

Here’s why.


Read in The Washington Post

Related News

Explore The Latest
News and Information

  • Celebrating the UVA Batten Class of 2026
    Student Stories
    Celebrating the UVA Batten Class of 2026
    On May 16, UVA Batten celebrated the graduation of 199 students who earned Bachelor of Arts or Master of Public Policy degrees in 2026.
    Learn More
  • UVA Batten 2026 Pilot Awards
    Student Stories
    UVA Batten 2026 Pilot Awards
    The Pilot Award is named for The Virginian-Pilot, the newspaper Frank Batten, Sr. helmed in his early career.  The Batten Graduate Council annually invites students, faculty, and staff to nominate graduating Master of Public Policy students for one of five Pilot Awards. The awards recognize the recipients’ leadership, impact, and service within the greater university and policy communities. 
    Learn More
  • UVA Hydra: Where Seven Heads are Better than One
    Student Stories
    UVA Hydra: Where Seven Heads are Better than One

    UVA Batten students on the Women's Ultimate Frisbee Team, Hydra, find commonality and balance amidst their academic pursuits and competing on this nationally ranked team.

    Learn More