The LMJ policy series
Ideas for better governance.
Explore the evidence, the proposed reforms, and the choices involved in putting policy into practice.
Economic Development & Infrastructure · White Paper
A framework for evaluating data center proposals in Coastal Georgia, including utility capacity and cost allocation, water, land use, fiscal impacts, and enforceable public governance.
Lisa A. James, MPP · October 27, 2026 · 7 pages
Download the white paper (PDF) →Research & Analysis
Prepared by Lisa A. James, MPP, LMJ Center for Policy Innovation. This paper combines published information with LMJ’s policy analysis and recommendations.
Sources & Methodology
The supplied white paper contains its sources and supporting analysis. Its recommendations are policy proposals, and project-specific impacts depend on the facility and service arrangements.
Civic Engagement & Democratic Equity · White Paper
Addressing the intersections of voter turnout, education, and the racial wealth gap. This paper explores community leadership, institutional accountability, and LMJ’s engagement framework, with a focus on Black women and Georgia communities.
Lisa A. James, EMPP · October 2026 · Series No. 2026-04 · 6 pages
Download the white paper (PDF) →Research & Analysis
Prepared by Lisa A. James, EMPP, LMJ Center for Policy Innovation. This paper combines published participation and economic data with LMJ’s policy analysis and recommendations.
Sources & Methodology
The downloadable paper includes its research record and references on page 6, identifying Census voting data, Rutgers CAWP, the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances, Georgia legislation, and additional institutional and LMJ sources. Statistics refer to the periods identified in the paper; the recommended engagement practices and report-back standard are policy proposals. The PDF is provided as supplied by the author.
Community Engagement & Equity · White Paper
A framework for meaningful community participation, from awareness and consultation to collaboration and community leadership. Explore six dimensions of organizational engagement capacity and recommendations for public leaders and philanthropy.
Lisa A. James, EMPP · October 2026 · Series No. 2026-04 · 4 pages
Download the white paper (PDF) →Research & Analysis
Prepared by Lisa A. James, EMPP, LMJ Center for Policy Innovation. This paper combines discussion of published civic participation data with LMJ’s engagement frameworks, policy analysis, and recommendations.
Sources & Methodology
The supplied paper identifies the U.S. Census Bureau Current Population Survey Voting and Registration Supplements and the Rutgers Center for American Women and Politics as source organizations. It presents the LMJ Policy Innovation Model™ and Community Engagement Capacity & Development Framework™ as analytical frameworks. The PDF does not include a full bibliography or detailed calculation methods. LMJ’s proposed engagement practices are policy recommendations.
Georgia Housing · White Paper & Op-Ed
A collaborative housing continuum for Coastal Georgia and communities across the state. Explore Missing Middle Housing, community partnerships, and shared responsibility for attainable homes.
Lisa James, MPP · October 2026
Explore the housing papers →Early Childhood · White Paper & Executive Briefing
Research and recommendations on early childhood prevention, financing comprehensive services, provider collaboration, and youth opportunity.
Lisa James, MPP · October 7, 2026 · Series No. 2026-02
Read the white paper & briefing →Regional Strategy · Policy brief
How regional collaboration, evidence, economic strength, and effective leadership can help smaller communities advance their priorities in a changing Georgia.
LMJ Center for Policy Innovation · October 2026
Read the policy brief → Download white paper (PDF)Governance & Leadership · Policy white paper
A research-informed agenda for newly elected municipal officials in Georgia: stronger onboarding, continuing education, equitable access, and accountable implementation.
Lisa James, MPP · October 2026
Read the policy paper →