Policy Summit 2026 – Intergenerational by Design: What Gen Z Wants for the Future of Social Security

Charting the future of Social Security takes more than just visioning and analyzing policy. It requires engaging younger generations — and investing in the next generation of policy leaders, scholars, advocates and lawmakers. The closing panel of the summit brings together young people who are already stepping up to lead the charge. The conversation explores what young people need, want, and expect from Social Security; their outlooks on the future of the program; and ground us in the views of the people who have the most at stake when it comes to the policies discussed and bold thinking done throughout the Summit.

Speakers included:

  • Sabrina Davis, Social Security Works
  • Casey Doherty, Center for American Progress Disability Justice Initiative
  • Jacob Moore, Carnegie
  • Zane Snyder Cox, National Academy of Social Insurance
  • Moderator: Kathryn Edwards, National Academy of Social Insurance; Benefits Futures Studio; Host of the Optimist Economist Podcast