The goal of this public economics course is to improve understanding of the nature of and potential solutions to the problems with which state and local governments grapple. Business leaders need to understand the problems facing society in order to help governments devise effective policies and solutions. Key topics include economically depressed neighborhoods and regions, subpar outcomes for students in public K-12 schools, and budget deficits facing cities and other subnational jurisdictions. The class is lecture-based with opportunities in each class session for discussion and debate.