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Cadence Institute For Policy & Society

Creating the cadence of change.

About Us

The Cadence Institute for Policy & Society is a hub for research and action that creates the cadence of change. We bring together policy, law, and social innovation to empower communities, advance well-being, and strengthen democracy for a more just and sustainable future.

What We Do

At the Cadence Institute, we bridge rigorous scholarship with practical solutions. Our work is rooted in research, action, empowerment, and engagement. Together, we set a rhythm of change through activities that amplify voices and shape policy:
Policy Briefs & Research Publications
We produce high-quality, accessible policy briefs, white papers, and reports that inform decision-makers, practitioners, and the public. Our research spans public policy, law, economic empowerment, mental and public health, and civic engagement.
Research & Analysis
We conduct independent, interdisciplinary research and deep analysis on pressing societal challenges. Our work highlights emerging issues, evaluates existing policies, and proposes innovative solutions grounded in data and lived experience.
Community Engagement & Mobilization
We partner with local, state, and national communities to mobilize collective action. By building policy agendas with community voices at the center, we help translate grassroots priorities into structural change.
Policy Agenda Building

We facilitate dialogue between communities, policymakers, and institutions to co-create strategies that advance equity, justice, and democracy. Our work informs both legislative and administrative decision-making across multiple levels of government.

Public Forums, Seminars & Convenings
We host public conversations, leadership seminars, and community forums to elevate diverse voices. These events serve as spaces for education, coalition building, and collaborative problem-solving.
Empowerment & Education
We train and empower emerging leaders, students, and community members with tools for civic engagement, advocacy, and research. Through workshops, fellowships, and mentorship opportunities, we strengthen the next generation of policy thinkers and change-makers.

OUR PARTNERS

Policy Briefs

U.S. HIV/AIDS Funding Cuts and Their Impact on LGBTQ+ Communities


U.S. HIV/AIDS Funding Cuts and Their Impact on LGBTQ+ Communities

 

This United States has made substantial progress in its HIV/AIDS response: according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023), estimated new HIV infections declined by 12 percent between 2018 and 2022, reaching 31,800 cases in 2022[1]. Science‑driven programs, such as pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), treatment as prevention (TasP) and housing assistance, have reduced transmission, prolonged lives and narrowed disparities. Federal programs like the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, the Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) have anchored this progress. However, a wave of recent and proposed funding cuts threatens to reverse decades of advances. In early 2025 several programs were cut or suspended, and the FY 2026 budget proposes eliminating nearly all federal HIV prevention funding and slashing treatment and housing funds. These cuts disproportionately endanger Black, Latino and transgender communities, as well as people in the South and rural areas. High‑burden states such as Florida, New York, California and Connecticut face particularly acute impacts.

 

Working Policy Brief - October 2025
Policy Brief Press Release - October 2025

Counteracting Institutional Discrimination: Evaluating the Trump Administration’s LGBTQ+ Policies

This policy brief examines the resurgence of institutional discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals under the second Trump administration, with a particular focus on policies targeting transgender youth. Drawing on legal analysis, public health data, and educational research, the brief assesses the consequences of executive actions that limit participation in school sports, restrict access to gender-affirming healthcare, and eliminate federal recognition of nonbinary identities. Empirical evidence indicates that these policies have exacerbated mental health disparities, heightened legal vulnerability, and disrupted inclusive educational environments. In response, the brief offers a multidimensional set of policy recommendations across federal, state, and local levels, emphasizing the restoration of civil rights protections, investment in intersectional coalitions, and the development of monitoring systems to promote accountability and long-term equity for transgender communities.

Working Policy Brief - April 21, 2025
Policy Brief Graphs
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Policy Brief Press Release - April 21 , 2025

Disinvestment in Equity: The Disproportionate Impact of 2025 Federal DOGE Budget Cuts

This policy brief from The Think Tank at The Thinkubator examines the 2025 federal budget cuts enacted by the Trump administration and their disproportionate impact on communities of color. Drawing on national data and academic research, the brief highlights how reductions in education, healthcare, environmental justice, and diversity-focused programs have exacerbated systemic inequities. Case studies from the Bronx (NY), Riviera Beach (FL), and Watts (CA) illustrate the localized consequences of these cuts, including loss of vital funding for schools, public health, and community-based environmental initiatives. The brief calls for the restoration of federal investments, equity audits for budget proposals, and renewed support for diversity and inclusion infrastructure. Data visualizations underscore the year-over-year decline in funding, reinforcing the urgent need for equitable fiscal policy.
Working Policy Brief - April 21, 2025
Policy Brief Graphs
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Policy Brief Press Release - April 21 , 2025