The Evolving Role of Universities in Expanding Knowledge among Local Elected Officials

Abstract

University public affairs programs have expanded their markets and impact on government by offering an array of nondegree educational programs to government officials. Local, elected legislators and executives represent one group targeted by such efforts. Serving this market niche offers both exciting opportunities and vexing challenges to universities seeking to improve local governance. Integrating data from three sources—a survey of training programs for local, elected officials in 23 states; a survey of local, elected legislators in southeast Michigan; and observations drawn while directing a university-based institute created to serve local, elected officials—this paper examines these opportunities and challenges and offers guidance for universities developing programs for these officials. The meta-analysis finds that a large number of programs have emerged to enhance the knowledge of local, elected officials on the fundamentals of local government, leadership, basic services, and professionalism. Universities play an increasingly prominent role in such programs, and there is room for continued growth. Expanded involvement by universities can lead to improved governance and provide universities with goodwill among important stakeholders, enhanced visibility, increased enrollment, internship and employment opportunities for students, and research opportunities for faculty. Such expansion should be premised upon an assessment of the university’s financial, human resource, administrative, networking/organizational, technological, and leadership capacity for implementing such training programs.

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