The Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality hosted a fireside chat and networking reception with Shalanda Young, Doris Duke Distinguished Fellow at the McCourt School of Public Policy and former OMB Director. At a moment when sweeping proposals are reshaping the debate over government’s role, millions of families are feeling the strain of rising costs. Shalanda Young joined our Executive Director, Lelaine Bigelow, for a people-centered conversation on how strong institutions, credible leadership, and forward-looking budget choices can make life more affordable and help people thrive. Together, they explored what it takes to build systems that meet real needs and restore trust in the promise of government.