Economic Policy Team Lead

Layla Lynch

Layla Lynch is a student at the Montclair Kimberley Academy and the Economic Policy Team Lead at the Institute for Youth in Policy, where she guides a team of analysts in crafting youth-oriented briefs on key political and economic issues. She’s passionate about bridging policy and economics to make complex ideas accessible and spark meaningful, bipartisan dialogue. Layla intends to study Public Policy and Economics.

Layla Lynch is a junior at Montclair Kimberley Academy, where she serves as President of the Public Policy & International Affairs Club and leads initiatives that promote thoughtful, bipartisan dialogue on global issues. She is also the Economic Policy Team Lead at the Institute for Youth in Policy, guiding a team of analysts in producing well-researched, youth-oriented briefs on pressing political and economic topics. Beyond her policy work, Layla serves on MKA’s Honor Council and Global Leadership Committee, leads the school’s Multicultural Club, and captains the varsity volleyball team—reflecting her dedication to leadership, collaboration, and community. A strong writer and editor, she is passionate about bridging policy, economics, and international affairs to make complex ideas accessible and inspire informed, inclusive conversations among young people. Layla intends to study Public Policy, Economics, and International Affairs in college.

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All articles by the author

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Policy Briefs by the author

AI’s Impact on the Gen-Z Labor Market

Economic Policy

January 25, 2026

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the U.S. labor market, with recent advances in generative and cognitive AI disproportionately affecting office-based, analytical, and entry-level jobs. These occupations, including administrative support, customer service, marketing, and junior analytical roles, are heavily concentrated among Gen Z workers entering the workforce.Unlike previous waves of automation that primarily displaced manual labor, AI is now altering traditional pathways into stable careers by reducing demand for early-career workers and compressing wages in AI-exposed occupations. Existing workforce and training systems were not designed to address this type of gradual, task-level displacement, leaving young workers particularly vulnerable to income instability and skill erosion.This brief argues that AI represents a structural transition in how early-career labor markets function. It proposes a labor-centered policy framework that classifies AI systems by their employment effects, provides portable wage insurance and reskilling support, and incentivizes shared employer training. Together, these policies aim to align technological innovation with career mobility and long-term wage growth for Gen Z.

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The Cost of Living Crisis: Inflation’s Lasting Effects on Gen Z’s Economic Future

Economic Policy

December 20, 2025

This brief examines how ongoing inflation, rising housing costs, and increased debt have created a long-term cost-of-living challenge for young Americans. It reviews previous policy efforts and highlights solutions to tackle affordability while creating new opportunities for Gen Z.

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