Central source for Illinois politics, policy, economics and trends
When President-elect Barack Obama put forth his proposals for a multi-billion dollar economic
stimulus plan in early January 2009, the Institute of Government and Public Affairs' team of
economists were quick to respond with expert analysis that brought calls from news media
across Illinois.
Such calls are common at IGPA because journalists across the country know that IGPA is home to experts who will answer their questions without bias or spin. They know the analysis will be informed, timely and accurate.
The calls don't just come from journalists. Political leaders, appointed government officials and their staffs routinely contact IGPA experts for technical assistance on matters that affect the people of the state.
IGPA experts make news daily. Faculty members hold joint appointments with departments on all three University of Illinois campuses and are among the finest researchers the state has to offer in the areas of public finance, the economy, health policy, social policy, racial policy and governance.
But research is only part of IGPA's mission.
The institute also is devoted to bringing the results of its research and analysis to the public, through its publications, seminars and other events. Since 1996, IGPA has been the home of the University of Illinois Flash Index, the first monthly barometer of the state's economy.
The Illinois Report is a widely respected annual review of the major issues facing state policy makers, and Policy Forum presents faculty members' research to an academic and policy audience.
A unit of University administration, IGPA also analyzes trends and techniques for the prevention of substance abuse and dropping out of school. High-tech data mining helps IGPA faculty and professionals search for new solutions to policy issues. And IGPA is out front in developing leadership education for elected and appointed officials, law enforcement and emergency responders.
The IGPA website (www.igpa.uiuc.edu) provides access to the research and initiatives of the institute.
View all in the sampling of the articles in the 2008-09 Annual Report.