Frequently Asked Questions
The University of Illinois’ Institute of Government and Public Affairs (IGPA) conducts and disseminates research on public policy issues affecting state and local government; provides state-of-the-art executive leadership and development programs to enhance public leadership; and facilitates the application of empirical research to the critical issues and problems facing Illinois and other states across the nation. These activities are carried out in response to issues and concerns raised by state and local officials, Illinois citizens, as well as IGPA’s own experts.
- IGPA has faculty on all three University of Illinois campuses and offices in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, and Springfield.
- IGPA has 24 faculty members who also hold appointments within academic departments. Two professors emeritus work at the institute. IGPA is also home to one Distinguished Fellow and two Senior Fellows.
- IGPA is also home to four specialized study centers with staffs of various sizes.
- IGPA’s work would not be possible without the help of 14 staff members. Staff members provide administrative support, research assistance, and professional programming for the institute.
- IGPA also provides one paid student internship and opportunities for internships for credit.
IGPA is part of the University of Illinois’ central administration and reports to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
IGPA faculty members contribute broad perspectives to public policy issues. Disciplines include:
- Economics and Public Finance
- Politics
- Social Policy
- Health Care Policy
- Good Government
- Education
- Race and Public Policy
- Demographics
IGPA experts conduct qualitative and quantitative research.
- IGPA distributes research in several forms. For example:
- The institute’s acclaimed annual policy discussion, The Illinois Report, provides research-based analysis of the biggest challenges facing Illinois each year. The report is distributed in print and online form to legislators, citizens, and researchers across the state.
- IGPA also publishes a monthly index on the Illinois economy, The Flash Index, which is reported on regularly by news organizations.
- Policy Forum takes a detailed look at research projects completed by IGPA experts.
- IGPA also hosts many conferences, roundtables, and summits where scholars present their research and discuss implications for policy with participants.
- IGPA regularly distributes research findings to state and local media outlets.
- Policymakers often consult IGPA research to better inform laws and regulations.
- Policymakers look forward to receiving The Illinois Report, an annual publication detailing several crucial issues facing the state.
- Legislators periodically contact IGPA faculty to request specific research on issues pertinent to decision-making in their communities.
- IGPA’s forecasts and indices provide high-quality data on economic performance and public opinion that helps legislators gauge the impact of past and future policy decisions.
- IGPA was created in 1947 by resolution of the Illinois General Assembly.
- Citizens can participate in any of the public lectures IGPA sponsors throughout the year, such as the Bazzani Lecture and post-election roundtables.
- Students can participate by attending campus presentations by faculty and visiting scholars. A non-partisan residential program for college women, NEWLeadership Illinois, is held each year in Chicago.
- Legislators and policymakers can participate in formal training by the Office of Public Leadership. They can also attend many briefing and educational events throughout the year, such as the New Members Conference for newly elected public officials, and the Family Impact Seminar, which focuses on policies that affect families and children in Illinois.
- To participate in IGPA activities, see the Programs page, or contact us.
IGPA study centers are organizations working toward specific research and programming goals. IGPA’s four study centers each have a dedicated director, staff, and researchers.
- The Center for Prevention Research and Development (CPRD) currently has 37 staff members and two interns and has an operating budget of $3.2 million. CPRD often plays an evaluative role in major state- and nation-wide initiatives. The data CPRD collects provide crucial feedback on the impacts programs make on communities.
- The Office of Public Leadership (OPL) serves mayors and other elected municipal officials with in-depth training and briefing programs to help them better serve their local constituents. The program has graduated more than 250 officials.
- The Center for Public Safety and Justice (CPSJ) provides training to community and law enforcement officials across the nation, and helps create emergency response and action plans for communities in Illinois.
- The Regional Economic Applications Laboratory (REAL) has been providing analysis of the economy of Illinois and the Midwest since 1989. The program provides timely economic information for use in both the private and public sectors.
The State of the Illinois Economy
Upcoming Events
February 13, 2012 • 7:00pm
February 15, 2012 • 12:00pm
February 17, 2012 • 10:30am