With Gratitude—And a Vision for a Stronger 2026
As our nation approaches its 250th birthday, many Americans sense the country is being tested.
It’s true Americans today face division; but these differences are at the heart of the liberal democratic experience. As Professor Joanne Freeman recently reminded us during an R Street America 250 event, “Democracy is messy. Democracy is about people having the right to disagree.”
We couldn’t agree more. If we want to preserve our Republic, we must engage with competing ideas, embrace tension, and be willing to live with complexity. And this is something we are proud to do every day at R Street.
American history reminds us that resilience is woven into our national character. From forging a new commercial and political order after independence, to redefining our union after the Civil War, to steering through world wars, social change, and technological revolutions, Americans have repeatedly strengthened our institutions and broadened the promise of freedom. Each generation has faced moments of turbulence. Each generation has risen to meet them.
We’re proud that R Street’s work is part of that long tradition of civic renewal. Our role is to confront challenges and help solve them—and to model the principled, good-faith engagement that a healthy democracy requires. This year, that commitment has guided everything we do:
- We advanced serious, constructive thinking on artificial intelligence, cutting through hype and fear to give policymakers practical based frameworks that yield innovation and build public trust.
- We promoted thoughtful electoral reform, partnering with officials and practitioners to improve processes, share evidence, and reinforce confidence in democratic institutions.
- We championed market-driven energy and climate solutions that expand access to affordable, reliable power while protecting the environment for the next generation.
- We worked across ideological lines to advance pragmatic, evidence-based solutions to challenges around law enforcement, urban disorder, and civil liberties.
- We responded to the devastating California wildfires with clear, policy-grounded explanations of why the state’s insurance market and state governance failures had left communities so vulnerable.
- We advanced pragmatic policy responses to substance use and related health challenges.
- We invested in building civic habits—dialogue, restraint, intellectual humility—that sustain a free society.
As we close out the year, we are reminded that the challenges before us are real; but so is the legacy we inherit—and the work we are doing to pass on a stronger republic. Looking ahead to 2026, R Street will continue to create space for critical debate and discourse so that real solutions can take root––and we invite you to join us.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and offering gratitude for your partnership in this essential work.
With thanks,