policy-brief git:20260619.8a1ecd4A

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---
name: Policy Brief
description: Write a concise, evidence-based policy brief for decision-makers.
---

# Policy Brief

Write a brief that lets a busy decision-maker understand a problem and choose an action
in a few minutes. Concise, evidence-based, and honest about trade-offs.

## 1. Know the audience and decision
Identify who decides and what decision they face. A brief exists to inform a specific
choice, not to be a literature review. Tailor depth and jargon accordingly.

## 2. Structure (standard format)
1. **Title + executive summary**: the problem and your recommendation in 3-4 sentences.
   Many readers read only this — make it stand alone.
2. **Problem statement**: what is wrong, who is affected, why it matters now, and the
   cost of inaction. Quantify where possible.
3. **Background/context**: the minimum needed to understand the problem.
4. **Evidence**: what the data and research show. Cite primary sources. Present evidence
   on all sides, not just the convenient findings.
5. **Policy options**: 2-4 realistic options including status quo. For each: how it
   works, expected impact, cost, feasibility, and key trade-offs.
6. **Recommendation**: the preferred option and the reasoning. State assumptions and
   conditions.
7. **Implementation**: concrete first steps, owners, and timeline.

## 3. Make evidence rigorous
- Cite credible, primary sources; note the strength and limitations of each.
- Distinguish strong causal evidence from correlation or expert opinion.
- Acknowledge uncertainty and dissenting evidence — credibility depends on it.

## 4. Compare options fairly
Use consistent criteria across options (effectiveness, cost, equity, feasibility,
time-to-impact). A comparison table helps. Do not strawman the options you reject.

## 5. Write for clarity
- Lead with the conclusion (BLUF: bottom line up front).
- Short sentences, active voice, no unexplained jargon or acronyms.
- One to four pages. If it is longer, it is a report, not a brief.
- Use headings, bold key points, and visuals where they aid comprehension.

## Guardrails
- Be transparent about evidence quality and uncertainty — do not overclaim.
- Present trade-offs honestly; every option has costs.
- Separate evidence (what is) from values (what should be) and label normative choices.
- Disclose assumptions; a recommendation is only as good as what it rests on.