Public Pensions
![Coins in Jar on Table](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/styles/feature_image/public/unsorted/images/istock_000074409761_large.jpg?h=17850c86&itok=EuMFPE3L)
Awareness has grown across the country and abroad for the challenges associated with funding public pensions. At a minimum, the U.S. has $1.2 trillion in unfunded state and local pension liabilities. Without reform, individuals will lose out on a secure retirement and taxpayers will be left holding the bill.
Led by Ellen McGrattan, Director of the Heller-Hurwicz Economics Institute, and Kurt Winkelmann (PhD ‘87), University of Minnesota Senior Fellow, we are developing a comprehensive research-based approach to public pension policy design. The project aims to use the tools of economic analysis to create a framework, language, and applications for evaluating policy tradeoffs that all stakeholders can understand and support. Working with faculty across the University, the project will take into consideration legal, political, and market-based barriers in order to make meaningful policy change.
![Gears with clock and dollar sign](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/unsorted/images/istock-507209084.png)
Public Pension Policy Brief Series
Our Public Pensions Policy Brief Series translates and communicates policy relevant economic research on public pension design for elected officials, legislative staff, and other policymakers.
![Presentation room full of audience members](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/unsorted/images/pensions_events.jpg)
Pension Policy Events
Our Public Pensions Event Series includes a variety of events geared for academics, policymakers, and community leaders.
![Stacks of coins](/sites/cla.umn.edu/files/unsorted/images/istock-690797826.jpg)
Pension Policy News
Find out the latest news involving our public pension project.