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Northern Illinois University

Center for Governmental Studies

Center for Governmental Studies

The Center for Governmental Studies (CGS) is a public service, applied research, and public policy development unit within NIU Outreach. The Center functions as a “think and do” tank, applying the intellectual resources of the university to address public issues facing communities, the region, the state, and the nation.

Founded in 1969, CGS has an interdisciplinary, full-time professional staff of more than 25 people with doctoral and masters degrees in fields such as public administration, public policy, history, business, economic development, computer science, mathematics, and statistics. We assemble interdisciplinary teams to work directly with community leaders in governmental and non-governmental organizations to deliver the following types of services:

  • Policy analyses in specialized fields such as: regional and local economic development, community development, growth management and sustainability, workforce education and training, human service planning and needs assessments, economic & fiscal impact analysis, program design and evaluation, and performance reviews.
  • Development of innovative initiatives that cut across the boundaries of these specialized fields in order to improve the quality of life for all residents.
  • Customized management consulting services for governmental and non-governmental organizations including: strategic planning assistance, development of collaborative networks and strategic alliances, implementation plans, wage and salary assessments, project evaluations, and others.
  • Development of customized information systems that can be used to measure performance and improve the effectiveness of public programs.
  • Management services for associations of professionals who conduct the public’s business in both governmental and non-governmental organizations.
  • Applied research reports that provide information to decision-makers and the public about important issues facing the region, the state and the nation.
  • Professional development programs and executive education services designed to bolster the skills of decision-makers and to expand public participation in local, regional, statewide and national policy making.

The Center’s professional staff is dedicated to advancing the capabilities of government at all levels and helping build the civic capacity of non-governmental organizations.  

Contact Us:

Robert E. Gleeson, Ph.D.
 Director
Center for Governmental Studies
Phone: (815) 753.1907
E-mail: rgleeson@niu.edu

Diana Robinson
Associate Director
Center for Governmental Studies
Phone: (815)753.0955
Fax: (815)753.2305
E-mail: drobinson@niu.edu

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