Plug into the movement for human-focused, forward-thinking poverty solutions

Across the country, states are leading a new wave of reform—moving beyond managing poverty to restoring the conditions that help people thrive.

In this half-day session, leaders from the Alliance for Opportunity, American Enterprise Institute, and Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity will host a series of timely discussions on how a human flourishing agenda is being translated into effective policy change and real opportunities for families.

? August 24 | 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
? SPN Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL (JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes)

This session is now full. If you registered but can no longer attend, please email kelseyu@foropportunity.org with the subject line “Unable to attend A4O pre-conference.”

Please note: Your SPN Annual Meeting badge is required for entry. Badge pick-up is available at the SPN Attendee Check-In and Information Desk Sunday from 3:00–6:00 p.m. and Monday beginning at 7:00 a.m.

Why this session is a must-attend for state leaders

For too long, policy conversations have focused on managing circumstances rather than expanding opportunity for low-income Americans.

Now, a growing number of states are charting a different path—one that prioritizes work, family stability, and upward mobility. These efforts are demonstrating that a human flourishing agenda isn’t just theoretical. It’s achievable.

This session will highlight the progress underway and the policy ideas poised to strengthen opportunity, reduce dependency, and expand pathways to dignity, purpose, and self-sufficiency. SPN Annual Meeting attendees are invited to attend and connect with this emerging work, as well as the leaders driving it forward.

What to Expect

The conversations will feature real-world examples of state reforms in action, strategic insights from leaders on the ground, and opportunities to ask questions and explore how this work applies in your state.

You’ll leave armed with actionable policy priorities on a range of topics:

  • Modernizing workforce systems
  • Reforming safety net programs
  • Advancing housing policies that support family formation
  • Strengthening protections for vulnerable children
  • A clear framework for advancing a human flourishing agenda in your own state

Session agenda:
Monday, August 24, 2026

8:00 a.m. Breakfast Opens

8:30–9:30 a.m. A Principled Vision for Human Flourishing: From Ideas to Action

  • Moderator: Akash Chougule, President, FREOPP
  • Gonzalo Schwarz, President and CEO, Archbridge Institute
  • Kristi Putnam, Dean, Human Flourishing Academy
  • Eric Cochling, Chief Program Officer and General Counsel, Georgia Center for Opportunity
  • Paul Chapman, Restore Hope

9:30–10:30 a.m. Governor’s Workforce Modernization Blueprint: One Door to Work

  • Moderator: Rachel Barkley, Executive Director, Alliance for Opportunity
  • Daniel Erspamer, CEO, Pelican Institute for Public Policy 
  • Mason Bishop, Senior Fellow, Alliance for Opportunity; Nonresident Fellow, American Enterprise Institute 
  • John Kay, Owner, Neutral Ground Solutions; Former Policy Director for Governor Jeff Landry

10:30–11:30 a.m. Setting Up Our Safety Net for the Future: Addressing Benefit Cliffs, Marriage Penalties, and Accountability

  • Moderator: Angela Rachidi, Senior Fellow and Rowe Scholar in Opportunity and Mobility Studies, American Enterprise Institute
  • Erik Randolph, Director of Research, Georgia Center for Opportunity 
  • Nic Dunn, Vice President of Strategy and Senior Fellow, Sutherland Institute
  • Les Ford, Senior Fellow, Alliance for Opportunity; President, Ford Policy Solutions
  • Matt Weidinger, Senior Fellow and Rowe Scholar, American Enterprise Institute

11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Lunch

12:00–1:00 p.m. Family in My Backyard: Building Starter Homes for American Families

  • Moderator: Tim Carney, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute; senior political columnist, Washington Examiner
  • John Bonura, Policy Analyst, Taxpayer Protection Project, Texas Public Policy Foundation 
  • Luca Gattoni-Celli, Senior Fellow for Housing, FREOPP
  • Edward Pinto, Senior Fellow and Codirector of the AEI Housing Center, American Enterprise Institute

1:00-2:00 p.m. Noise or Signal: How Better Decisions in the Child Welfare System Protect Children

  • Moderator: Aly Brodsky, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, FREOPP
  • Dr. Emily Putnam-Hornstein, John A. Tate Distinguished Professor for Children in Need at the School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and faculty codirector of the Children’s Data Network
  • Naomi Schaefer Riley, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute

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Registration: To attend this pre-conference session, attendees must also be registered for State Policy Network’s Annual Meeting. An SPN Annual Meeting badge will be required for entry to this session.

Travel Dates: Attendees should book flights to arrive on Sunday, August 23.

Hotel: A conference group rate is available through the host hotel for SPN’s Annual Meeting, the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes. The SPN group rate is $279/night plus taxes and daily $40 resort fee. This rate is valid until Friday, July 31. It is subject to availability and not guaranteed. See booking information and additional hotel options.

Questions: Please contact Kelsey Underwood at kelseyu@foropportunity.org.