Evidence Matters Convening
On November 12, 2025, J-PAL North America, the Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities, and King County came together in Seattle to host the Evidence Matters Convening, a gathering designed to bridge the worlds of academic research, social services, and government policymaking. Held in conjunction with the APPAM conference, this event went beyond presenting singular study results to explore the "in-between" spaces where real change happens—focusing on how public servants and researchers can build trusted partnerships to embed continuous learning into the daily fabric of service delivery. By uniting diverse leaders committed to equity, the convening highlighted a shared vision: that rigorous evidence is not just a final report, but a vital tool for designing programs that truly meet community needs.
The day featured an interactive Evidence Fair and deep-dive policy sessions tackling critical issues like the social safety net, transit, and evidence-informed budgeting, all grounded in the reality of local government constraints and incentives. Attendees explored practices for navigating the complexities of data-driven governance, sharing honest reflections on what it takes to turn abstract research into tangible community outcomes. This video captures the energy and insights from that day, showcasing the unique tenor of the Evidence Matters collaboration—where cross-sector connections are forged to drive meaningful, equitable systems change.