David L. Weimer

David L. Weimer serves as the Edwin E. Witte Professor of Political Economy at the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a joint appointment at the LaFollette School of Public Affairs. His scholarly work bridges political science, public policy, and economic analysis through rigorous methodological approaches.

His educational foundation includes:

• Ph.D. in Public Policy, University of California-Berkeley (1978)
• M.A. in Statistics, University of California-Berkeley (1976)
• M.P.P. in Public Policy, University of California-Berkeley (1975)
• B.A. in Urban Studies, University of Rochester (1973)
• B.S. in Engineering and Applied Science, University of Rochester (1973)

Weimer's research establishes foundational frameworks in cost-benefit analysis while addressing critical policy domains including energy systems, healthcare governance, and institutional design. His scholarship consistently examines how technical analysis interacts with political constraints in regulatory environments, with recent emphasis on organ transplantation networks and Medicare coverage determinations. The integration of political economy principles with empirical policy evaluation defines his methodological signature.

His publication trajectory reveals sustained engagement with policy implementation challenges, particularly how scientific expertise navigates political landscapes in healthcare regulation. The award-winning analysis of MEDCAC demonstrates his capacity to dissect institutional mechanisms governing evidence-based decision making.

Major recognitions include:

• Outstanding Achievement Award from the Society for Benefit-Cost Analysis (2018)
• Excellence in Mentoring Award, APSA Public Policy Section (2017)
• Hilldale Award (2016-2017)
• Radin Award for JPART Best Article (2012)
• National Academy of Public Administration Fellowship (2008)
• WARF Named Professorship (2011-2012)

Weimer's mentorship excellence recognized by the APSA Public Policy Section underscores his developmental impact on emerging scholars. His editorial leadership of the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management and presidencies of APAM and the Society for Benefit-Cost Analysis reflect sustained institutional contributions that have shaped policy analysis as a discipline, likely supported by continuous research funding throughout his career.