Policy as a tool . . . more specifically a tool "or instrument of public action [which] can be defined as an identifiable method through which collective action is structured to address a public problem" (from Salamon, et. al. 2002, 19).

1. A means by which something is done;agency as in an actualorganization, a drink milk campaign.
2. One used to accomplish some purpose; a law, a condition, aclause, a program.
3. A mechanical implement; a publicly paid for waste holdingtank, a bulk tank.
4. Adevice for recording or measuring; especially such adevice functioning as part of a control system (could be ametric or using a metric as an eligibility criteria or athreshold).

Policy Tools can:

• Embody certain features
• Structure action, especially collective action
• Operate alone
• Or can operate as a “suite” of tools which, in turn can have both distinct individual action as well as interactive and/or collective joint action.

Examples of policy tools (from Salamon, et. al., 2002):

• Social regulations
• Economic regulations
• Purchase-of-service contracts
• Procurement contracts
• Grants and gifts
• Loans and loan guarantees
• Vouchers
• Government Insurance
• Corrective taxes, charges, and tradable permits
• Government corporations
• Regulations
• Tariffs
• Payments
• Price Supports
• Public Information (e.g., research)
• Education

(abstracted from a power point presentation by Chris Koliba, UVM-MPA Program, CDAE)