FIU Dept. of Public Policy and Administration

The 20th Annual Best Practices Conference!

When: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Where: Miami Dade College – North Campus, Building 3 (2nd Floor Conference Room)
11380 NW 27th Ave, Miami, FL 33167

If you’re passionate about leadership, professional development, or making an impact in government, this conference is designed with you in mind. From public transit and social media in the public sector to strengthening management and leadership skills, you’ll experience engaging sessions led by experienced practitioners.

Hosted by the ASPA South Florida Chapter in partnership with the NFBPA – South Florida Chapter, this milestone conference will feature dynamic panels and meaningful discussions on today’s most critical issues in public administration. 📄 Be sure to review the flyer for the full lineup of sessions.

📍 Know Before You Go – Parking
Complimentary general parking is available in nearby non-gated campus lots, with Lot 15 being the closest parking area to Building 3. Visitor parking guidance, campus maps, and driving directions are available here:
https://lnkd.in/eUEJrBZG

Invest in your career, expand your network, and gain practical insights to carry into 2026 and beyond.

SouthFloridaEvents

Event Tonight!

Ethical Use of AI in the Public Sector:

The Basics and Beyond

Presenter: Dr. Nicki Fraser, Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Public Policy & Administration - FIU Maurice A. Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership

Public Service Meets Artificial Intelligence

The ASPA South Florida Chapter, in partnership with the Maurice A. Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership, cordially invites you to join our remote professional development seminar on a new date:

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (ET)


🔗 Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86573456061?pwd=Tc8tEfmbWKC28hBo70cKG1HFaE3nW9.1

Meeting ID: 865 7345 6061

Passcode: ASPA2026

One-Tap Mobile:

+1 305-224-1968,,86573456061 #

+1 646-931-3860,,86573456061 #

Join Instructions:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/86573456061/invitations

🎓 FIU Grad Fair is TODAY! 🎓
🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 FIU Graham Center (GC)

Stop by the Department of Public Policy & Administration table and connect with our College Recruiter II, Ms. Vian Mirani, MBA. Learn more about graduate programs, ask questions, and take the next step in your academic journey!

🔗 Learn more: go.fiu.edu/gograd
📍 Don’t miss it — we can’t wait to see you there!

🐾

Florida International University. FIU Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs FIU Alumni FIU Public Policy and Administration University Graduate School at FIU University Graduate School - FIU FIU University Graduate School FIU Maurice A. Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership FIU in DC FIU Jack D Gordon Institute for Public Policy The Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom ASPA South Florida Chapter NFBPA South Florida Miami-Dade County Broward County Government Palm Beach County City of Fort Lauderdale City of Miami

JOIN US FOR OUR MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION WEBINARS!

FIU’s Department of Public Policy & Administration is excited to host webinars for our Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs.

We will discuss our Executive MPA (Hybrid), MPA Online, MPA On-Campus, and the 4+1 Bachelor to Master Pathways programs.

The webinars are for individuals interested in learning more about our nationally ranked NASPAA-accredited programs. Our programs include offerings tailored to those new to public service and executives seeking online or in-person modalities.

Dates & Time:
□ January 28, 2026, 12:30 PM
□ February 4, 2026, 12:30 PM
□ February 11, 2026, 12:30 PM
□ March 4, 2026, 12:30 PM

Register for the event by scanning the QR Code, or you may visit the link:

https://go.fiu.edu/MPA



Florida International University FIU Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs FIU Public Policy and Administration FIU Jack D Gordon Institute for Public Policy University Graduate School - FIU FIU Maurice A. Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership NFBPA South Florida ASPA South Florida Chapter FIU in DC Miami-Dade County Broward County Government Palm Beach County City of Miami

Congratulations to our Fall 2025 FIU Graduates!!!🎉🎓 Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have paid off, and today we celebrate you. We are so incredibly proud of all that you've accomplished and excited to see the amazing impact you'll make next. Here's to new beginnings and endless possibilities. Congratulations graduates!



Florida International University FIU Alumni FIU Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs FIU Maurice A. Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership ASPA South Florida Chapter Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society at FIU

Faculty Highlight: Shaoming Cheng

We’re pleased to share the release of a new study co-authored by Dr. Shaoming Cheng and Dr. Hai (David) Guo, in collaboration with the Florida League of Cities (FLC).

Dr. Shaoming Cheng is a Professor in the Department of Public Policy & Administration at the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs, Florida International University.

Dr. Hai (David) Guo is Regents Distinguished Professor of Public Finance at the Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs, Wichita State University.

The study examines how property taxes support essential municipal services and analyzes the potential impacts of legislative proposals to eliminate or significantly reduce property taxes. The findings indicate that such changes could deeply undermine city services across Florida.

Media coverage has begun, and the first news article is now available: “Study: Eliminating or slashing property taxes would deeply undermine city services in Florida.”

The full Property Tax Study – Florida League of Cities report can be accessed here: https://www.flcities.com/propertytaxstudy/



Florida International University Wichita State University Florida League of Cities, Inc. FIU Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) National FIU Maurice A. Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership

🎓 Alumni Spotlight: Gabriella Escobar, MPA

Please join us in celebrating Ms. Gabriella Escobar, a proud Double Panther, who was recently honored as Employee of the Year for the Town of Miami Lakes at the State of the Town Address on Monday, December 8, 2025.

Gabriella began her journey with the Town of Miami Lakes, Florida, in October 2022, serving as the Committee Liaison until October 2024. Since April 2024, she has excelled in her role as the Accounts Payable Specialist for the Town.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government, with a minor in International Relations, from Florida International University (FIU) in December 2021, where she was also a member of the Honors College at Florida International University (FIU). In April 2025, Gabriella completed her Master of Public Administration at FIU and was inducted into the Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society, a testament to her academic excellence and dedication to public service.

Gabriella also shared a heartfelt message about her academic journey, offering special thanks to Dr. Keith Revell: “I truly thank you for supporting me during my graduate academic journey. Your unwavering dedication and encouragement played a major role in helping me grow both professionally and personally.”

We are incredibly proud of Gabriella’s accomplishments, leadership, and commitment to serving her community. Congratulations, Ms. Escobar, on this well deserved achievement! 👏👏



Town of Miami Lakes- Municipal Government Florida International University FIU Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs FIU Alumni Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society at FIU FIU University Graduate School FIU Maurice A. Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership ASPA South Florida Chapter

✨ Faculty & FIU Alum Publication Highlight: Donavon Johnson, Phd Johnson

We’re excited to share that Donavon Johnson, Ph.D, has published a new article titled: “The role of non-state actors in administrative burden reduction (ABR): a randomized experiment.”

Abstract: Bureaucratic encounters are often beset with administrative burdens that hinder access to government services, particularly for vulnerable groups. Consequently, efforts have been made to reduce them as part of a broader thrust recognized as administrative burden reduction (ABR). Research indicates that ‘people’ (e.g. bureaucrats, politicians, and even clients themselves) are viable sources of ABR. The current study builds on this research agenda and probes whether non-state actors, such as Non-Profit Organization workers, qualify as viable sources of ABR. A welfare-based experiment is conducted with 663 U.S. residents, manipulating burden intensity and fraud-reducing functions, to assess intentions toward ABR. Findings indicate that Non-Profit workers are among the ‘people’ who contribute to ABR as they are more likely to assist vulnerable clients in unburdening themselves. Non-Profit workers’ inclination to assist is contingent on the burden intensity and the motivation behind the burdens, though the role of efficacy as a factor is less pronounced.

🔗 Read the full publication on Taylor & Francis Group: https://lnkd.in/ezsD-n2C

About Dr. Johnson:

Dr. Donavon Johnson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Policy & Administration at the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs and a proud FIU alum. He also serves as the Cybersecurity/AI Policy Research Lead at the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy, Associate Director of the Center for Integrated Security, Privacy, and Trustworthy AI (CIERTA), and as Coordinator for the Thematic Area of Cybersecurity for Water Security under the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Water Security



Florida International University FIU Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society at FIU FIU Maurice A. Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership FIU Alumni Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration FIU Alumni Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy

Faculty Highlight: Susannah Ali, Ph.D.

Professor Susannah Ali was interviewed this Thursday on PBS by Scott Greenstone on KUOW’s Soundside show in Seattle.

The conversation explored the long-term impacts of the federal government shutdown on federal employees.

Dr. Susannah Ali is an Associate Professor and the MPA Director in the Department of Public Policy and Administration at Florida International University’s Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs.



Florida International University FIU Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration PBS

🎓 Virtual FIU Graduate School Fair!

Discover how a graduate degree from Florida International University (FIU) can advance your career! Learn about our graduate programs, the application process, funding opportunities, and the many benefits of pursuing an FIU graduate education.

The Department of Public Policy & Administration will be participating to share information about our Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs, including:

✨ Executive MPA

✨ MPA Online

✨ MPA On-Campus

✨ 4+1 Bachelor-to-Master MPA Pathway

Meet Ms. Vian Mirani, College Recruiter II, who will be available virtually to answer your questions and help you take the next step toward your graduate education journey.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and explore your future at FIU!





Florida International University FIU Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs FIU Maurice A. Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society at FIU ASPA South Florida Chapter FIU in Washington, D.C. FIU Alumni FIU University Graduate School Miami-Dade County Government Broward County Government Palm Beach County

🔦Student Spotlight: Apu Deb Wins GovFi Prize Start-Up Award 👏

Please join us in congratulating Apu Deb, a fifth-year Ph.D. student in our Department of Public Policy and Administration at Florida International University, for winning the GovFi Prize Start-Up Award, presented by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and the Public Finance Journal (PFJ)!

This prestigious national award recognizes excellence in exploring critical questions in public finance. Apu’s research focuses on how financial reports impact policymaking, especially in areas like climate resilience signaling and bond ratings. 🌍📊

We’re so proud of Apu for this well-deserved recognition and for representing our program with excellence and innovation. 👏

🎉 Congratulations once again, Apu! You make us proud! 💙 💛 🐾



Florida International University FIU Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs FIU Maurice A. Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society at FIU FIU in Washington, D.C.