IGPA has benefitted over the years from exceptionally talented leaders and a very fine faculty and support staff, laying a wonderful foundation of programs and goodwill on which to build for the future. Nearing the end of the 20 th century is an exciting time to be involved in public affairs. I am reminded of the tremendous changes that occurred at the beginning of this century during the Progressive Era. Corruption and inefficiency in government and the industrialization of the economy spawned a major political and administrative reform movement. The movement created new institutions, such as the secret ballot and the civil service, that substantially changed American government and public policy.
Major changes are also underway today.
One important area is the changing role of government in relation to the private economy. Members of society are questioning how government produces and delivers services. To address some of these questions, IGPA faculty are working on research and a set of outreach activities in the area of managed health care. A second issue is the changing relationship between the federal government and the states and localities. People have come to understand better the limitations of centralized policy making and bureaucracy and to appreciate the importance of community control and initiative.