IGPA Quick Facts

  • IGPA Mission Statement: 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 was created in 1947 by resolution of the Illinois General Assembly.
  • There are four Senior Fellows within IGPA.
  • IGPA produces the monthly Flash Index — an indicator of the Illinois economy. In addition, IGPA also publishes the monthly Illinois Economic Review.
  • Within IGPA, there are 4 Centers and 5 Academic Programs
  • IGPA has 32 faculty and fellows, spread among the three University of Illinois cities.
  • Dr. Robert Rich, director of IGPA, served as the director from 1986-1997. He assumed the position again in 2005.
  • IGPA has five programs: Governance, Health Policy, Public Finance, Race and Public Policy, and Social Policy.
  • IGPA has four Centers: The Center for Prevention Research and Development, The Office of Public Leadership, The Regional Institute of Community Policing, and The Center of Technology and Policy.
  • The Family Impact Seminars are annual objective and nonpartisan briefings that offer state legislators research-informed options for policy problems.
  • The NEW Leadership Summer Institute is a nonpartisan, week-long residential program for college women designed to increase women’s representation in all elements of public life, including elected office.
  • IGPA holds a monthly Policy Luncheon Series in Springfield.
  • Governor Jim Edgar hosts a Lunch with Leaders Series in which he brings in top leaders throughout the nation to discuss issues and policies relative to IGPA.
  • IGPA presents the Paul H. Douglas Ethics in Government Award annually in recognition of the senator’s outstanding service to the people of Illinois and the nation.
  • The Center for Prevention Research and Development currently has 37 staff members and two interns and has an operating budget of $3.2 million.
  • The Leadership Education and Development Program, hosted by the Office of Public Leadership, serves mayors and other elected municipal officials. The program has graduated more than 250 officials.
  • The employees of the Regional Institute for Community Policing provide training to community and law enforcement officials. Last year, RICP garnered nearly $870,000 in grants to support their efforts.
  • IGPA is part of the University of Illinois’ central administration and reports to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
  • IGPA is located in all three University of Illinois cities. In Urbana: 1007 W Nevada St, in Chicago: 815 W Van Buren, Suite 525, and in Springfield: 600 S 2nd St, Suite 402.