Pamela Herd’s Lecture on Administrative Burden
The School of Public Affairs & Administration (SPAA) at the University of Kansas is set to hold a timely and insightful lecture by Pamela Herd, Carol Kakalec Kohn Professor of Social Policy at the University of Michigan. The event, titled “Administrative Burden: Policymaking by Other Means,” will take place on Wednesday, April 2nd, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM CT at Burge Union, Forum B, with a virtual participation option available.
Herd’s research examines the often-overlooked issue of administrative burdens—the complex regulations, excessive paperwork, and bureaucratic obstacles that make it harder for individuals to access public programs and services. These burdens create systemic barriers that disproportionately affect disadvantaged populations, limiting access to welfare benefits, healthcare, and voting rights.
Drawing from her book Administrative Burden: Policymaking by Other Means, co-authored with Donald Moynihan, Herd will discuss how these burdens are often intentionally designed to restrict access to critical services. She will explore real-world examples—including voter suppression laws and restrictive healthcare regulations—where administrative complexity has been used as a tool to shape policy outcomes.
In this lecture, Herd will also examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on administrative burdens and what lessons can be applied to improve public service delivery. She will pose key questions: What reforms are necessary to simplify processes? How can policymakers eliminate red tape? And what role can public administration play in ensuring that government works more effectively for those who need it most?
Event Details:
📅 Date & Time: Wednesday, April 2nd, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM CT
📍 Location: Burge Union, Forum B, University of Kansas
💻 Participation: Register Here to receive more information
🎟 Cost: Free
For questions or accessibility needs, contact Denae Hart at denaehart@ku.edu or call 785-864-0580.
Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on how reducing administrative burdens can create a more equitable, efficient, and accessible public sector for all.