Policy Insights
Mercatus research champions the merits of dynamic, market-oriented approaches to pressing policy problems. Our scholars regularly share these research-backed insights with decision-makers at the local, state, and national level.
Federal Reserve Framework Review
While it may escape the attention of most Americans, the Fed's framework review is an opportunity for our central bank to recalibrate how it pursues its dual mandate of price stability and maximum employment to create a more robust monetary policy framework that better serves the US economy. After its first framework review, in 2019-20, the Fed adopted the current flexible average inflation targeting framework.
Housing Reform in the States: A Menu of Options for 2026
As state legislatures meet in a year of inflated rents and record home prices, it remains abundantly clear that barriers to housing construction are causing affordability challenges. States play a vital role in setting the rules and incentives that influence whether localities decide to permit new housing construction. Overly restrictive local zoning is the fundamental cause of America’s housing shortage, and states can place limits on local zoning as well as reform the processes that make land use regulation a source of frustration for so many local officials and citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions | Antitrust and Competition
A practical guide to understanding how U.S. antitrust laws promote competition, prevent monopolies, and protect consumers. Whether you're a student, professional, policymaker, or simply curious about how these laws shape the modern economy, this FAQ offers clear, concise answers to the most frequently asked questions about monopolies, mergers, market power, and more.
Portable Benefits Policy Hub
Portable benefits policies are gaining momentum across states and at the federal level. Explore where reforms are happening, how they work, and the research behind them.
Interstate Migration Series
According to federal tax data, there were 33.9 million interstate moves during the 5-year period 2018–2023. In 2023 alone, 6.7 million Americans packed up and moved across state lines, taking their income, their tax dollars, and their economic gravity with them.
Can ‘Golden Straitjackets’ Deliver Good Environmental News? | Regulation
Colorado Votes on Whether to Unwind Good Tax Policy | The Unseen and The Unsaid
More Thoughts on Housing and the Business Cycle | Erdmann Housing Tracker
A Doomsday Scenario for American AI | The Free Press
The EPA Takes Its Thumb Off the Power Switch | Truth on the Market