Dallin Overstreet
PhD, Public Administration & Policy | Senior Analyst | State & Local Public Finance Researcher
Education
PhD, Public Policy & Administration - Arizona State University (May 2025)
M.P.P. - Arizona State University (December 2019, Summa Cum Laude, 3.98 GPA)
B.A. Economics - Arizona State University (December 2017, Summa Cum Laude, 3.85 GPA)
Research Focus
State & Local Public Finance and Fiscal Federalism, with emphasis on unemployment insurance financial governance systems and program solvency.
Professional Experience
Senior Analyst - Arizona Department of Economic Security (July 2019 - Present)
Graduate Research Assistant/Course Instructor - Arizona State University (August 2021 - May 2025)
About Dallin Overstreet
Professional Background
I recently completed my PhD in Public Administration & Policy at Arizona State University's School of Public Affairs in May 2025. My research focuses on state and local public finance and fiscal federalism, with particular emphasis on unemployment insurance financial governance systems and program solvency.
I currently serve as a Senior Analyst at the Arizona Department of Economic Security, where I manage Arizona's $1B+ Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, conducting comprehensive financial analysis and forecasting program expenditures, revenue streams, and long-term solvency trends.
Research Interests
My research explores the incentives present in the U.S. unemployment insurance financial governance system and their effects on program solvency. I utilize econometric methods and statistical modeling to analyze policy impacts and inform evidence-based decision making.
Academic Achievements
- PhD in Public Policy & Administration from Arizona State University (May 2025)
- Summa Cum Laude graduate with M.P.P. and B.A. degrees (3.98 and 3.85 GPA respectively)
- Published researcher in peer-reviewed journals including Urban Affairs Review, Public Finance Review, and Economic Affairs
- Dissertation Fellowship recipient - Mercatus Center at George Mason University (2023-2024)
- Frederic Bastiat Fellowship in Political Economy recipient (2019-2020, 2022-2023)
Professional Responsibilities
At the Arizona Department of Economic Security, I develop and present fiscal impact analyses for proposed legislation affecting UI program parameters, lead program evaluation initiatives analyzing UI claims patterns, and conduct comprehensive financial analysis using statistical modeling and time series analysis.
Research & Publications
Research Interests
My research focuses on several areas within state and local public finance:
- State & Local Public Finance: Trust fund management and fiscal sustainability
- Fiscal Federalism: Intergovernmental finance and policy coordination
- Unemployment Insurance: Financial governance systems and program solvency
- Policy Analysis: Econometric evaluation of program effectiveness
- Statistical Modeling: Time series analysis and forecasting methods
📄 Working Papers
Preserving Policy Through Narrative Transformation: A Computational Analysis of Mormon Tithing Discourse, 1850-2024
This study uses computational text analysis to examine how Mormon leaders adapted tithing rhetoric across 175 years while maintaining the ten percent requirement unchanged. Using large language models and fine-tuned DistilBERT models to analyze 4,002 passages from general conferences (1850-2024), I test Armand Mauss's optimum tension theory through systematic measurement of three rhetorical dimensions: commandment versus opportunity framing, fear versus love appeals, and material versus spiritual emphasis.
Key Findings: The analysis reveals cyclical patterns of authoritarian retrenchment alternating with assimilationist appeals, corresponding temporally with financial crises, federal persecution, and economic downturns. The findings demonstrate how religious institutions can preserve demanding practices through coordinated narrative evolution rather than policy modification.
Interactive Data Visualizations
Recent Publications
Can Local Government Mergers Reduce Costs When Capital Expenditures Are Low? Evidence from Court Mergers
Mughan, S., & Overstreet, D. (2024). Urban Affairs Review, 10780874231209908
Rent Control for Homeowners? Acquisition-Value Assessments and Housing Costs
Strickland, J. M., & Overstreet, D. (2023). Public Finance Review, 10911421231214886
The Impact of Government Form on Resource Allocation in Local Government, Evidence from Municipal Court Closures
Mughan, S., & Overstreet, D. (2023). Public Budgeting & Finance
Is Minimum Wage an Effective Anti-Poverty Tool?
Overstreet, D. (2021). Journal of Poverty, 25(5), 453-464
The Negative Impact of Barriers to Entry on Income Inequality
Overstreet, D. (2020). Economic Affairs, 40(3), 344-357
The Effect of Minimum Wage on Per Capita Income in Arizona: Empirical Analysis
Overstreet, D. (2019). Poverty & Public Policy, 11(1-2), 156-168
Chapter 7: Exploring the Interplay of Taxation and Regulation in Institutional Arrangements
Overstreet, D. (2023). In Knowledge and Entrepreneurship in Public Policy. Lexington Books
Current Research Projects
Current work includes projects on unemployment insurance trust fund solvency under federal policy changes, the impact of income disregard changes on state trust funds, and analysis of regional policy diffusion patterns.
R Shiny Applications
Exploring interactive data analysis and policy research through custom-built applications
KonFound-It! Sensitivity Analysis
An interactive tool for quantifying the robustness of causal inferences in research. This application helps researchers understand how sensitive their findings are to potential confounding variables.
Launch ApplicationWhat Works Clearinghouse Sensitivity Benchmarks
A specialized tool for conducting sensitivity analysis benchmarks specifically designed for education policy research and evaluation studies.
Launch ApplicationCensus Data Explorer
An application that lets you search through Census data on economic indicators and demographics across states, counties, and cities.
Launch ApplicationSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Dashboard
Interactive dashboard for exploring SNAP program data across states and counties, with trend analysis and policy comparison tools.
Launch ApplicationTechnical Expertise
My R Shiny applications leverage advanced statistical methods and data visualization techniques to make complex policy research accessible and interactive. I specialize in:
- Causal inference and sensitivity analysis tools
- Interactive data visualization and dashboards
- Policy simulation and scenario modeling
- Real-time data processing and analysis
- User-friendly interfaces for complex statistical methods
Collaboration & Custom Development
Interested in collaborating on a custom R Shiny application for your research or policy analysis needs? I'm available for consulting and collaborative projects that advance evidence-based policy making.
Contact me to discuss how interactive data applications can enhance your research impact.
PoliMetrics Blog
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Analysis and insights on public economics, fiscal federalism, and policy research.
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About PoliMetrics
Data Analysis
Statistical analysis of policy outcomes and economic trends
Policy Research
Evidence-based commentary on public finance and administration
Research Methods
Econometric approaches in public policy research
Fiscal Federalism
Analysis of intergovernmental finance and policy
Competition Dashboard
Gurgitation Trends
Performance Analytics
Jaw Capacity Analysis
Total Digestive Output
| Competitor | Battles | Personal Ceiling | Jaw Average | Career Consumption | Digestive Evolution |
|---|
Records & Achievements
Championship History
| Season | Champion | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Co-Champions Jordan C & Jordan O | 9.0 | Hot Dog |
| 2024 | Jordan C | 8.5 | Hot Dog |
| 2023 | Jordan C | 7.5 | Hot Dog |
Personal Records
| Competitor | Personal Best | Season |
|---|
Competition History
The Birth of a Gurgitator Dynasty
The inaugural competition on July 16th established the foundation for the annual championship. Jordan C took the first Mustard Belt with 7.5 hot dogs, demonstrating superior jaw mechanics and esophageal control. Nine family members participated in what would become a legendary tradition of digestive dominance.
The Solomon Method Emerges
July 14th brought heightened competition as jaw capacity standards rose across the board. Jordan C successfully defended his Mustard Belt with 8.5 hotdogs, but Jordan O emerged as a serious threat with 8.0, showing remarkable improvement in both technique and gastric expansion. The competitive eating landscape was evolving.
The Great Tie: A Gurgitator's Dream
June 29th delivered the most competitive championship to date. In an unprecedented finish worthy of Coney Island, Jordan C and Jordan O both achieved 9.0 hot dogs, resulting in the first co-Mustard Belt holders in competition history. Zero reversals were recorded, making this the cleanest and most professional competition yet. The addition of rookie competitors Dean and Sammy expanded the field to championship-level depth.