New publications continue to help client groups do their jobs more effectively.

Publications bring relevant research and educational and other valuable information to a wide audience. In 2005, the Office of Publications and Communications processed more than 31,000 orders from all 50 states and various foreign countries.

New publications in 2005 included the Budget Manual for Georgia Local Government and a new edition of the Handbook for Georgia Mayors and Councilmembers, which underwent an extensive revision. A variety of teaching support materials were completed for use with the state-adopted textbook The Georgia Studies Book: Our State and the Nation. Updates were produced for both civil and criminal case volumes of the Suggested Pattern Jury Instructions and for Compliance Auditing in Georgia Counties and Municipalities. The office also handled various publications requests from Institute divisions.

The Institute Web site underwent a complete redesign in 2005 in order to enhance its usefulness to visitors. The quarterly electronic newsletter Newsworthy updated clients and partners about the Institute's activities. In its 37th year as a national journal, State and Local Government Review published timely articles for scholars and practitioners on a range of state, local, regional, and intergovernmental topics—in both print and electronic formats.