Help shape policy solutions in Utah.
Win up to $10,000!
Have an Idea to Improve Utah?
The Policy Project is launching a Policy Pitch Competition to surface practical, evidence-based ideas that can improve life for Utahns. We welcome submissions from researchers, practitioners, and community members with direct experience of the issue.
If you’ve ever thought, “There’s a better way to do this,” we want to hear from you! Selected ideas may inform state-level policy development, turning good ideas into actionable solutions.
We’re looking for policy ideas that make a difference in at least one of the following areas:
Focus Areas
Support children & families
Build the middle class
Strengthen public education
Ensure people can meet basic needs
Fix inefficient & inequitable systems
Promote mental & physical health
Prevent abuse, violence & exploitation
What Participants Can Expect
Pitch their proposal at our Policy Pitch Symposium on June 12, 2026
Receive feedback from a bipartisan panel of legislators, local leaders, and issue experts
Have their ideas evaluated for real-world feasibility and implementation
Compete for up to $10,000 in cash prizes
How to Apply
We will be accepting proposals March 30 – May 8, 2026. The application will ask you to address:
What's the problem? Who is affected, why does it matter, and why does it need to be addressed now?
What's the solution? What specific policy action do you propose, and who has the authority to implement it?
What's the evidence? What data, research, or real-world examples support this approach?
What's the impact? How many Utahns would benefit, and are there any unintended consequences?
What would it take? What funding, legislation, or partnerships are needed, and how would success be measured?
Dates to Remember
Application Opens
Mar 30, 2026
Applications Due
May 8, 2026
Finalists
Announced
May 28, 2026
Policy Pitch
Symposium
Jun 11, 2026