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 2024
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.
Flexible and Portable Benefits for Independent Workers: Federal Policy Guide
Seven federal reforms that will increase access to benefits for nontraditional workers—benefits that are not tied to one job or employer but travel with the worker.
Inflation Risk in a World of Fiscal Dominance | The Unseen and The Unsaid (Substack)
BLS Madness | The Econ Nerds (Substack)
The Hidden Cost of Government-Funded Nonprofits | The Unseen and The Unsaid (Substack)
Inflation Isn’t Over, and Tariffs Aren’t the Main Culprit | The Unseen and The Unsaid (Substack)
A Tax Lesson From Scandinavia | DC Journal