This essay explores how participating in the policy process does not always mean “contributing” to the process.  Unfortunately, sometimes policies, such as those governing open public hearings, become more “red tape,” rather than upholding the spirit of transparency they are meant to embody.  In this essay, I explore how participating in and contributing to the policy process can be meaningfully represented in the open public hearing and budgeting process.  Identifying information has been redacted to maintain confidentiality and anonymity. 

In this memorandum, I inform congressional representatives of the pitfalls of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) policy regarding the methodology of assessing homelessness.  I explain this public policy failure’s manifestations and the lessons we can learn. I conclude with progressive alternatives and a call to action. Identifying information has been redacted to maintain confidentiality and anonymity.