#  Insight from Mike Firestone, Chief of Policy and Strategic Planning, office of Mayor Michelle Wu, City of Boston 

 





February 25, 2022

 

 

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   ![Mike Firestone](/sites/g/files/omnuum8096/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/policymemos/files/mike_firestone_2-25-22.jpg?itok=EnprqCFW) 

 

**In your opinion, what are one or two key elements of strong policy writing?**

My preference is for a succinct, two page (or so) memo that focuses on the key **recommendations or decisions** needed, including a very clear statement as to *why* the policy is needed and timely. The memo should always include a concise background on the issue, and detail the next steps if the recommendation/s are adopted.

**If you were to give advice to a student or rising policy analyst, what would you say are the best practices of policy writing?**

I generally like to see supportive materials, key reports, newspaper articles, etc. attached *with* the memo, but not provided in place of the memo. I don't generally prefer powerpoint slides or decks, but I know that others do.

I like to think of the 2-4 questions that a decision-make would most likely ask in response to the proposal and make sure that the answers to those questions are included in the memo.



 

 

 



 

 See also:- [ Practitioner Insight ](/category/practitioner-insight)
 
 

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