Think tank · Policy · Washington, D.C. · Est. 2014
The Niskanen Center is a Washington, D.C.–based nonprofit public policy think tank that says it advances prosperity, opportunity, and human flourishing by combining policy research with advocacy targeted at legislative and executive decision-makers. Its stated approach emphasizes evidence-based theory of policy change, and it presents itself as ideologically open—seeking credibility across multiple parts of the political spectrum—while pursuing a coherent agenda focused on effective governance and market-led innovation.
Programmatically, the organization frames its work across four linked initiatives—Open Society, State Capacity, Abundance and Dynamism, and Captured Economy—covering topics including climate and energy, immigration, technology and civil liberties, and social policy. As of 2026, Niskanen is undergoing leadership transition: its President, Ted Gayer, stepped down effective March 1, 2026, with Board Chair Richard (“R.J.”) Lyman serving as Acting President while Gayer remains affiliated as a senior advisor through the end of May.
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AHIC can be a sturdy building block for America’s larger childcare structure — one that offers states a workable, fiscally responsible way to support families through one of the most demanding — and most consequential — periods of a child’s life. The post Bridging the infant care
Niskanen Center President R.J. Lyman announces new leadership teamNew leadership structure builds on Niskanen’s strengths in evidence-based research, pragmatic policymaking, and cross-partisan engagement. The post Niskanen Center President R.J. Lyman announces new leadership team appeared first on Niskanen Center .
Public Comment: Department of Energy’s CBAM Study RFIMore countries are rolling out border carbon measures of their own, beginning with the United Kingdom in January 2027, and every month of delay costs U.S. producers ground in their export markets. The post Public Comment: Department of Energy’s CBAM Study RFI appeared first on Ni
Data center expansion and the AI backlashBetter regulation is possible but does run up against a traditional political constraint: that the powerful tend to offload harms to those without the power to object. The post Data center expansion and the AI backlash appeared first on Niskanen Center .
The modernization gapThis paper examines how states use dedicated modernization funds and what happens after that funding ends. It reviews all 50 states and reflects interviews with 20 state technology, program, procurement, and budget leaders. The post The modernization gap appeared first on Niskane
The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026: 4 ways the new permitting package gets transmission policy rightPassing the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act is critical to ensuring affordable and reliable power for all. The post The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026: 4 ways the new permitting package gets transmission policy right appeared first on Niskan
A future U.S. refugee program will center states’ interests and leadershipThis piece examines how giving states more say can better match refugee placement to local conditions, economic opportunities, and community capacity, and why that depends on credible data, robust community input, and formal processes for assessing what states can support. The po
Niskanen Center supports introduction of the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026The Niskanen Center strongly supports the introduction of the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. This legislation includes the most consequential congressional transmission policies proposed in two decades, addressing longstanding barriers to planning, siting
Vulnerable members of Congress localizeMany Members of Congress are electorally vulnerable this year. Do they have to moderate to survive? The post Vulnerable members of Congress localize appeared first on Niskanen Center .
Public comment: Proposed $103k fee for H-1B petitions 2026In the public comment below, Niskanen's Senior Policy Analyst Cecilia Esterline highlights the shortcomings of the proposal and offers alternative recommendations for addressing the issues raised in the proposal. The post Public comment: Proposed $103k fee for H-1B petitions 2026
Niskanen Center submitted public comments to CMS on its 2027 proposed rule revising the physician fee schedule and other Medicare Part B reimbursement adjustments.
Niskanen Center applauds Pennsylvania legislation to improve violent crime clearance ratesNiskanen Center praised Pennsylvania legislation that includes the VICTIM Act, describing grant program requirements for law enforcement personnel, forensic technology, and reporting on clearance-related metrics.
Niskanen Center Applauds Passage of the Bicameral, Bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing ActNiskanen Center commended Congress for advancing the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, describing it as a major bipartisan package intended to boost housing supply and affordability.
Niskanen Center statement on House passage of the Amended 21st Century ROAD to Housing ActNiskanen Center welcomed House passage of the Amended 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act while expressing reservations about a single-family rental ownership restriction described in Section 901.
Niskanen Center applauds introduction of newborn credit proposal in the House of RepresentativesNiskanen Center praised the introduction of a newborn credit proposal in the House and linked it to its advocacy around family affordability.
Niskanen Center said it worked with sponsors to develop the reintroduced VICTIM Act, describing the measure’s authorization of funding for violent crime investigators, evidence processing, and victim services.