Archbridge Institute

The Archbridge Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on social mobility and human flourishing. A nonpartisan organization based in the United States, Archbridge advocates for personal responsibility, rule of law, and entrepreneurship. It was founded by Gonzalo Schwarz.

Archbridge publishes research on occupational licensing, child care regulations, and other economic measures. The organization also studies the American Dream, and is a member of the Milken Institute's Economic Mobility Alliance.

History

Archbridge was founded in 2016 by Schwarz, who wanted to build a "human flourishing movement."[1][2]

In 2023, Archbridge published the State Occupational Licensing Index, ranking all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on their occupational licensing burden.[3] Arkansas topped the list with the most occupational licensing, while Kansas had the least.[4] Archbridge published the report again in 2024, ranking Kansas as the best state while Texas finished last.[5] The annual study analyzes the number of tasks and tests that people seeking professional qualifications must pass before they are allowed to practice a trade in each state.[6]

In 2025, Archbridge released its annual "American Dream Snapshot," finding that about 70 percent of Americans are optimistic about the American Dream.[7]

In 2026, Archbridge published the State Childcare Regulations Index, finding that child care regulations lead to higher costs and lower access to care.[8] In the report, Idaho had the lowest regulatory burden, while Vermont had the highest.[9]

Archbridge is a member of the Milken Institute's Economic Mobility Alliance.[10]

Leadership

Schwarz is Archbridge's president and CEO.[11]

Clay Routledge is the organization's executive vice president and COO.[12][13][14] An existential psychologist and nostalgia expert, Routledge is also the director of Archbridge's Human Flourishing Lab.[15][16][17]

As of 2026, Archbridge has eight staff members and 20 fellows on its economics, psychology, and culture teams.[18]

References

  1. ^ Brooks, Emily (October 28, 2025). "The Movement: When does Trump 2028 become a serious push?". The Hill.
  2. ^ "S3, Episode 9: An Interview with Gonzalo Schwarz and Clay Routledge". www.bradleyfdn.org. Retrieved 2026-05-11.
  3. ^ Makridis, Christos A.; McLaughlin, Patrick A. (2025-02-22). "Re-evaluating the labor market effects of occupational licensing: Longitudinal evidence across states". Humanities and Social Sciences Communications. 12 (1): 240. doi:10.1057/s41599-025-04497-5. ISSN 2662-9992.
  4. ^ Tuccille, J. D. (2023-03-27). "How bad are your state's occupational licensing requirements?". Reason.com. Retrieved 2026-05-11.
  5. ^ Tuccille, J. D. (2024-08-14). "Does your state let you work without government permission?". Reason.com. Retrieved 2026-05-11.
  6. ^ Burns, Tobias (August 21, 2025). "Oregon, Texas, Tennessee top list of states with highest occupational regulations". The Hill.
  7. ^ Billings, Autumn (2025-07-04). "69 percent of Americans say American dream is not dead". Reason.com. Retrieved 2026-05-11.
  8. ^ Tuccille, J. D. (2026-02-11). "Blame overregulation for high child care costs". Reason.com. Retrieved 2026-05-11.
  9. ^ Miller, Tate (2026-02-07). "Idaho has least childcare regulations, Vermont the most out of the 50 states". The Center Square. Retrieved 2026-05-11.
  10. ^ "Economic Mobility Alliance | Milken Institute". milkeninstitute.org. 2026-05-03. Retrieved 2026-05-11.
  11. ^ Schwarz, Gonzalo. "In 2020, I became a proud American citizen. Native critics don't know how good they have it". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2026-05-11.
  12. ^ Routledge, Clay (2025-08-24). "Opinion | Why Gen Z Is Resurrecting the 1990s". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2026-05-11.
  13. ^ Routledge, Clay (2025-12-23). "Opinion | American Optimism Proves Its Resilience". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2026-05-11.
  14. ^ Haupt, Angela (September 29, 2023). "6 Ways to Tap Into Nostalgia—and Why You Should". Time.
  15. ^ "Gen Z sparks comeback for iPhone 5c on social media". NBC News. Retrieved 2026-05-11.
  16. ^ "Discomfort with modern technology shapes Gen Z's desire to live in the past". NBC News. 2026-04-24. Retrieved 2026-05-11.
  17. ^ "Feeling nostalgic this holiday season? It might help boost your mental health". APA. Retrieved 2026-05-11.
  18. ^ Brooks, Emily. "The Movement: When does Trump 2028 become a serious push?". The Hill.
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