In an ever-changing public service environment—for more than 80 years—the Carl Vinson Institute of Government has provided timely and focused education, assistance, research, and policy analysis that equip officials with the knowledge and skills to do the best job they can for the people of Georgia.

The year 2008 was no exception. More than 19,000 state and local officials participated in educational programs intended to help them navigate their careers in public service, from the first call to order through their highest achievement. The 26th Biennial Institute in December helped prepare legislators for the 2009 session of the General Assembly.

Innovative assistance in 2008 continued to focus on clients’ specific needs and provided information and options for finding solutions in a wide array of areas, from improving service delivery in a city like Macon to incorporating information technology into a state agency’s daily operations.

Whether a government is large or small, its leaders are facing increasingly complex public scenarios that require energy and creativity. In 2008, our research and policy analysis faculty presented government entities with timely data and insightful alternatives in such policy areas as children and families, environmental resources, and citizen service satisfaction. Our new Applied Demography Program will supply data useful for planning and decision making at all levels.

We continue expanding our work internationally. Providing resources and expertise to officials from places like China and Africa helps their governments become more effective, transparent, and responsive to citizens, and it fosters mutual understanding and learning that are so important in a global community.

Promoting excellence in government—which in turn helps improve the lives of people—is what we are about. The stories in this annual report tell how in 2008 we carried on the work of preparing leaders, sharing research that informs policy, helping governments find answers to challenges, and planning for the future.