Focus on a local or state policy, and this first week you will explore different possibilities. Begin by considering that public policy is "government in action" aimed at solving a public problem.

Enabling legislation provides the legal framework and authority for government agencies to implement public policies. It empowers agencies to carry out programs and enforce regulations within defined boundaries. For example, the Clean Air Act is enabling legislation for the Environmental Protection Agency $($EPA$)$ to regulate air pollution and set emission standards, and the Social Security Act provides the legal basis for the Social Security Administration to administer retirement and disability benefits.

Public policy extends beyond legislation like the Affordable Care Act $($ACA$)$; it encompasses a range of governmental initiatives, and is not limited to the process of a bill becoming law or even the laws themselves.

Public policy includes regulations that provide instructions for implementing and enforcing legislative mandates. For example, environmental regulations issued by the Environmental Protection Agency $($EPA$)$ or safety regulations promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration $($OSHA$)$ are part of public policy.

Public policy also encompasses government priorities and initiatives. Examples include the USDA's MyPlate nutrition guidance aimed at promoting healthy eating habits and the US Forest Service's Smokey the Bear campaign designed to prevent forest fires.

Public policies often originate from "focusing events" $$ significant occurrences or crises that capture public attention and propel specific issues to the forefront of the policy agenda. Examples of focusing events include natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina, tragic incidents like the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, or public health emergencies like the COVID$-19$ pandemic. Focusing events trigger public outcry, legislative action, and the development of new policies to address underlying issues and$/$or prevent similar occurrences in the future.