The Good Life Residents Program is a six-month initiative focused on developing new leaders and elevating bold ideas centered around six economic policy priorities for the Roosevelt Institute, as part of its Good Life Agenda.

Residents will produce short, original policy essays and engage in structured dialogue with peers and senior advisors on key issues shaping economic security—such as housing, banking, Social Security, or AI. Each program will culminate in a public event that will amplify these new ideas/voices and host a dialogue to discuss and debate various national and state-level policy options.

What Residents Will Do:

  • Belong to a small cohort (3–4 residents) focused on each topic
  • Develop and author a ~1,500-word essay advancing a bold, people-centered policy vision aligned with Roosevelt Institute’s worldview, focusing on a topic-specific prompt.
  • Participate in a culminating public event highlighting residents’ ideas and perspectives and collaborate with Roosevelt staff to prepare for the event
  • Contribute to press opportunities, as applicable (op-eds, reporter calls, etc.)
  • Discuss their topic with assigned Topic Advisors, Roosevelt staff, and other residents
  • Serve as ambassadors of the Good Life Agenda within their professional and public networks

Compensation: Residents will be provided $3,000 plus travel and accommodations, if needed, for the culminating event.

Structure: Good Life Residents will work closely with Roosevelt Think Tank directors, as well as senior leaders across the organization. Each topic area will include:

  • 3–4 Good Life Residents
  • 1–2 Topic Advisors: Senior experts who can guide the residents, offer strategic and intellectual mentorship, and moderate discussions at the events/debates. Advisors will represent deep experience in the field—academics, policy leaders, organizers, or government practitioners.

Program Term: 6 months (March–August 2026)
Time Commitment: Part-Time (~5–8 hours/month)
Location: Remote; Travel may be requested for select convenings