by Doreen Swetkis, MPA Faculty Member

June 12, 2020

First Year MPA Tacoma students submitted a two-part final project for Public Policy, Finance and Budgeting. The first part of the project was a paper analyzing the budget of a state or territory other than Washington, and developing a visually engaging infographic to present key information learned. Infographics use striking, engaging visuals to communicate information quickly and clearly. Here are what a few MPA Tacoma students had to say about the project, with links to their respective infographics.

Lindsay Fujimoto

The state budget analysis was an eye-opening experience, and I learned so much about my home state of Hawai’i. Through this assignment, I gained critical insights into how states’ values translate to their budgets and what success and failure to achieve the principles of a high-quality state revenue system looks like on the ground. Understanding government budgets will be a critical tool professionally, and creating this Powtoon (animation software) highlights how budget information can be made accessible to the public. See Lindsay’s impressive infographic here.
 

Rokea Jones

I am so glad I chose to take the leap and enroll in the MPA Tacoma cohort for 2019-2021. I have been able to expand my community and network in wonderful ways. MPA has pushed me and I have been able to produce work, that surprises even me! It’s an honor to have my Budget analysis infographic featured. Through this process, I have developed a great respect for the governor of New Mexico. I identify with her story, having been a local “girl” who grew up seeing huge disparities in her community and decided to infiltrate the system in order to take a stand. See Rokea’s impressive infographic here.
 

Echo Keough

When evaluating data, including budgets, it is important to consider how people take in and process information when considering how to present it. By using graphics and short sentences or simple phrases, your information can be conveyed to a broader audience than the original, lengthy documents often are. The goal is to make important information accessible in the most equitable way. See Echo’s impressive infographic here.