Today's government leaders have the challenging job of operating in a tough economic environment while still coming through with services that the public expects every day. At the same time, they must stay one step ahead in tackling issues with long-range implications, like ensuring the future of the state's water resources.

That is why for more than 85 years the faculty and staff of the Carl Vinson Institute of Government have worked steadily to help these leaders excel in their jobs, regardless of the circumstances they confront.

In 2009, more than 16,000 training registrations were logged for the Institute's high-quality training and development programs. For some participants, that means they now have a solid understanding of the do's and don'ts in their new roles as elected officials. Others are better equipped to manage finances, plan for quality growth, navigate change, and lead with vision.

Providing better access to financial and population data for decision-making, helping develop objective and fair job promotion and pay plans, evaluating whether a program has achieved its goals, reviewing a department's organizational structure, and utilizing the transformative power of technology to create efficiencies—these are some of the ways that nearly 150 Institute initiatives had positive impacts on governance at all levels in 2009.

While public officials are certain to continue facing change and complexity in their work, they can also be certain that the Vinson Institute will be there with the services they require in order to succeed. The activities described on the following pages illustrate just some of the expertise and services that the Institute provided in 2009.

Steve Wrigley
Director