In the Spotlight :: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

In the Spotlight

May 2012

Tbilisi Election Reform Delegation Meets with Institute Government Experts
A delegation from Tbilisi, Georgia, learned about election and campaign finance reform from Vinson Institute government experts during a recent meeting facilitated by the Institute’s International Center.

Twenty-Two Achieve Certification in Local Government Finance
In recognition of their continuing education in governmental finance, accounting, budgeting, and more, 22 local government officials earned either their Level I or II certified finance officer status from the Vinson Institute's financial management program in the first quarter of 2012.

International Center Welcomes Visiting Economists From Sichuan Administration Institute
Two economists from China’s Sichuan Administration Institute will spend the next six months interacting with Vinson Institute finance and economics specialists and UGA economists as part of the International Center’s visiting scholars program.

Training and Leadership Development Reaches More than 500 at ACCG Annual Meeting
At the 2012 Annual Meeting in Savannah April 28-30, more than 500 county chairs, commissioners, managers, clerks, and other officials benefitted from Vinson Institute training programs and many received recognition for their commitment to lifelong learning.

Vinson Institute Annual Report Highlights a Year Serving Georgia
The Carl Vinson Institute of Government traveled to all corners of the state last year to provide customized training and assistance for Georgia's state and local governments. Our annual report highlights some of the ways in which we served Georgia on the ground, in the classroom, and behind the scenes in 2011.

Vinson Fellows Present Results of Spring Semester Internships
The most recent cohort of Vinson-Roosevelt Fellows culminated a semester of hands-on study with presentations to Vinson Institute faculty and staff about bioenergy and problems related to international corruption on April 25.

April 2012

Visit Us at the ACCG Annual Meeting in Savannah
It's that time of year again when we get to head down to Savannah to meet with county officials from around the state and provide training at the ACCG Annual Meeting. Be sure to come see us at booth #88 on Saturday and Sunday.

Watkins Spreads the Word about “Healthy Savannah” at Conference
Attendees at the Georgia Public Health Association 83rd Annual Conference in Atlanta on April 13 learned about the ongoing efforts surrounding the Healthy Savannah initiative from the Institute’s Malik Watkins. He discussed the lessons he and others have learned through this initiative about creating a successful public health movement.

UGA Recognizes Three Institute Faculty and Staff for Distinguished Public Service
The University of Georgia Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach presented Rusty Brooks, Dennis Epps, and Michele Bailey with awards in recognition of their commitment to serving Georgia at its annual meeting on April 16.

New Online Course Covers Topic of Revenue Administration
Local government finance officers and others can hone their knowledge about a crucial part of effective governance—the collection and use of government revenue—through a new online course released by the Vinson Institute’s Financial Management Program.

Stephens County Looks to Vinson Institute for Answers to Questions about Developing Zoning Ordinance
Stephens County commissioners weighing the benefits of creating a zoning ordinance called on Vinson Institute land use experts to answer questions about process and explain options during a recent retreat.

Newsworthy Highlights the Newly Released GOV360™, Economic Development and Environmental Assistance, and More
Catch up with the goings-on of the Vinson Institute through Newsworthy, our quarterly e-newsletter. The latest issue covers the launch of GOV360™, economic development planning for Athens-Clarke County, environmental assistance to coastal communities, international outreach to a Chinese forestry group, and more.

Historic Preservationists Learn about the Law and More in Training
Almost 100 individuals involved in historic preservation efforts gathered in Valdosta to learn more about legal and administrative concerns, local preservation strategies, and more during the Institute’s historic preservation commission training.

New Web Page Features Free Resources for State and Local Government
Government officials and employees can find the collection of free resources produced by Vinson Institute experts all in one place on the new Freebies page. Covering a range of topics from city-county consolidation to millage rates, these videos, tutorials, and more address common questions posed by those in government and their constituents.

Warner Robins Calls on Institute to Perform Job Classification Study
The City of Warner Robins has an updated job classification and compensation plan with the help of a study performed by the Vinson Institute’s human resource management unit.

March 2012

Environmental Policy Program to Help Coastal Communities Anticipate the Effects of Sea Level Rise
Government leaders, business owners, and residents of Georgia’s coastal communities will have a better understanding of the potential impacts of sea level rise with the help of research and outreach efforts to be conducted by the Institute’s Environmental Policy Program with funding from Georgia Sea Grant.

New GOV360™ Gives Government Managers Powerful New Development Tool
Government managers, directors, executives, and other leaders have access to an exciting new professional development tool with the Vinson Institute’s launch of GOV360™, the first 360-degree assessment tool designed specifically to address the needs of today’s government setting.

New Online Course Teaches the Fundamentals of Governmental Budgets
Local government employees in Georgia, nationally, and even internationally can take advantage of a convenient online option for one of the Institute’s Financial Management Program’s most fundamental courses—Introductory Budget.

Epps Takes Place as New Institute Deputy Director
Vinson Institute Director Laura Meadows appointed Dennis Epps as the new deputy director effective immediately. He will continue in his current role as associate director of the Governmental Services and Research division until a search is completed for new leadership for the division.

International Center Helps Coordinate Training for Chinese Forestry Delegation
A visiting delegation of 18 economists and engineers from the China State Forestry Administration spoke about the potential for cooperation between UGA and Chinese forestry schools and gained valuable insight into forestry management during a training program jointly facilitated by the Vinson Institute’s International Center and UGA’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources.

Texas Libraries Get Financial and Management Training
Small libraries in communities across Texas are able to take advantage of the resources available to many Georgia libraries—management and financial training programs—thanks to an agreement with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

Newly Elected City Officials Take Advantage of Training Opportunities
Almost 500 new city councilmembers and mayors are better prepared for their new responsibilities through the comprehensive introduction to municipal government and their roles and duties provided during the Newly Elected Officials Institutes in Athens and Tifton.

February 2012

Local Officials Learn Sound Financial Management through Certificate Program
After completing a series of courses designed to enhance understanding of government budgeting, purchasing, accounting, and other public finance topics, 18 local government officials from across the state recently earned their finance officer certification through the Institute’s financial management training program.

New Study Estimates $333m Economic Impact from UGA Public Service
According to a new study, the activities of UGA's eight Public Service and Outreach units, of which the Vinson Institute is one, produce a major economic impact—$333 million a year—throughout the state and support 3,370 jobs.

2012 Pattern Jury Instructions Available
The latest Suggested Pattern Jury Instructions for civil and criminal cases are now available for purchase in electronic form. The volumes, which provide simple language for instructing juries about the law, are updated twice yearly according to changes implemented by the Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia.

Vinson Institute to Assist Athens-Clarke with Economic Development Plan
The task force charged with developing a plan for economic development in Athens-Clarke County will receive assistance from the Vinson Institute in managing meetings and public input sessions and in developing the final strategic plan.

Laura Meadows Named as Vinson Institute Director
UGA Vice President for Public Service and Outreach Jennifer Frum has appointed Laura Meadows to serve as Vinson Institute director on a permanent basis. Meadows has been interim director of the Institute since July 2011 and has managed the Vinson Institute’s training programs since 2009.

New Environmental Policy Update Highlights Water Supply and Legislative Activities
Learn more about the progress of the governor's Water Supply Program and recent General Assembly activity related to the environment in the newest edition of Georgia Environmental Policy Update, an e-newsletter produced by the Vinson Institute's Environmental Policy Program. You can also subscribe to receive future editions.

City of Bainbridge Taps Institute for Mapping Project
Real estate parcel maps for the City of Bainbridge will move from paper to computer over the next five months thanks to a data development project by the Institute’s geographic information systems experts.

January 2012

Newsworthy Features the New LOST Mediation Program, Statewide Education and Rural Development Work, and More
Learn about the Vinson Institute's strategic planning assistance to statewide education leaders and the arts community, view a free tutorial explaining the basics of credits and debits, and see how the International Center is strengthening the connections between Georgia and South Korea in the new edition of Newsworthy, the Institute's quarterly e-newsletter.

Municipal Officials Train and Earn Certificates at Mayor's Day
City officials from around Georgia received recognition for their continued pursuit of professional and leadership development from the Vinson Institute and the Georgia Municipal Association at the 2012 Mayor's Day Conference in Atlanta.

New Tutorial Lays Out Details of the Transportation Investment Act
Get up to date on the progress of the Transportation Investment Act of 2010 with a new tutorial developed by the Institute's local government specialists. The tutorial explains how the process established by the legislation has moved forward since passage and what next steps are approaching. The Transportation Investment Act gave voters in 12 Georgia regions the chance to vote on a 1 percent sales tax to fund transportation projects.

Cities and Counties Get Centralized Resource for LOST Mediation
Cities and counties engaged in local option sales tax negotiations have access to trained mediators and local government experts through a new partnership between UGA’s Vinson Institute and Fanning Institute.

2012 Compliance Auditing Guide Available Online
An updated edition of Compliance Auditing in Georgia Counties and Municipalities is now available. Updated annually, Compliance Auditing is designed to help guide those responsible for conducting local government audits.

Vinson Institute Coordinates Strategic Planning for State Education Leaders
The Alliance for Education Agency Heads, which includes the leaders of education-related state agencies in Georgia, will receive assistance from Vinson Institute experts in the development of their new strategic plan.

December 2011

University of Georgia Closed through January 2
The Vinson Institute wishes you a very happy holiday and new year!

Legislators Attend Inaugural Environmental Policy Academy
Members of the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee attending the first Legislative Environmental Policy Academy heard from subject matter experts about a variety of environmental considerations facing the state.

Grantville Officials Retreat to Plan Advances
The mayor and members of the Grantville city council defined objectives for their community and honed their leadership skills in a recent retreat led by Institute faculty.

International Center Coordinates ''Family Reunion'' in Brunswick
A visiting Chinese delegation from Jiangxi Province spent time in Glynn County as part of the International Center's Public Manager Training Program December 8-10, deepening a preexisting sister city relationship between the two communities.

Vinson Fellows Show Skills and Learning
The fall cohort of Vinson Institute Fellows presented the impressive results of their semester-long projects to the Institute’s faculty and staff in an end-of-semester program.

November 2011

Chatham County Officials Convert Learning Moment into Teaching Moment through Leadership Class
Chatham County government officials who are enrolled in the Institute’s Management Development Program erected a memorial bench honoring victims of violent crime for their team building project.

Free Tutorial Explains the Basics of Credits and Debits
The Institute's Financial Management Training Program has released its latest free tutorial, Understanding Journal Entries. The seven-minute video explains the differences between debits and credits and how to apply them in governmental accounting.

Korean Governors Association Tours West Point Kia Plant
The benefits of Georgia’s economic partnership with Korea were on full display when representatives from the Governors Association of Korea met with local government leaders and visited West Point’s Kia Motors manufacturing plant on a tour arranged by the Institute’s International Center.

Arts Council Strategic Planning Gets Institute Assistance
The arts in Georgia will benefit from a carefully designed five-year strategic plan to be developed for the Georgia Council for the Arts with facilitation from the Vinson Institute.

October 2011

Rural Development Council Taps Institute for Policy Assistance
Georgia’s rural counties will have help designing policies that promote economic vibrancy, diversification, and development from Institute faculty working with the governor’s new OneGeorgia Rural Policy Center.

Local Officials Learn Sound Financial Management through Certificate Program
Fifty-one local government officials from across the state earned Certified Financial Officer status through the Institute’s financial management training program in the first half of 2011. The certification recognizes completion of a series of courses designed to enhance participants’ professional knowledge of government budgeting, purchasing, accounting, and other public finance topics.

Juvenile Justice Data Clearinghouse Allows Sharing among State Agencies
Juvenile justice agencies across Georgia can now share important data more efficiently thanks to the Georgia Juvenile Justice Data Clearinghouse, a digital database designed by the Institute’s Office of Information Technology Outreach Services (ITOS).

International Center Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Seoul Government
High-ranking city officials from Seoul, South Korea, will soon have the opportunity to participate in short- and long-term professional enrichment programs through a partnership of the Institute’s International Center and the Seoul Municipal Government. Leaders from both institutions formalized their new relationship at a signing ceremony on October 11.

Newsworthy Highlights Institute’s Work in Demography, Consolidation, Mapping, and More
Meet the changing demographic face of Georgia, learn the history of Robert’s Rules of Order, and unlock the mysteries of millage rates in the most recent edition of Newsworthy, the Institute’s quarterly electronic newsletter.

Up-and-Coming Legislators Graduate from Leadership Institute
Twenty-one freshmen legislators from the General Assembly graduated from the fourth Georgia Legislative Leadership Institute, a program that helps new legislators develop the skills necessary to become effective leaders, informed decision makers and astute policy analysts. Participants examined how to leverage their personal leadership strengths for success in the legislative setting.

September 2011

Institute Case Studies Will Aid Macon-Bibb Consolidation Efforts
Community leaders involved in efforts to consolidate the City of Macon and Bibb County governments will be able to benefit from the experiences of other consolidated jurisdictions through a forthcoming report from the Institute’s local government faculty.

International Center Continues Shanghai Outreach through Internships
On August 31, five high-level government administrators from Shanghai arrived in Athens for a six-month internship as part of the International Center’s Shanghai Executive Training Group Program. The interns will observe the functionality and organization of local governments in the United States and attend classes in public administration and finance.

Vinson Institute Wraps Up Its Facilitation of Statewide Economic Competitiveness Forums
The last of 12 regional Georgia Competitiveness Initiative forums facilitated by the Vinson Institute took place in West Point, Georgia, on August 31. The forums, which were held throughout the state, were the first step in developing a long-term strategy for boosting Georgia’s economy.

Georgia Magazine Profiles the Institute's Governmental Training
Vinson Institute training, which elected officials and government personnel took advantage of more than 17,000 times last year, is the focus of an article, ''Building a Better Government,'' in this month's Georgia Magazine.

Financial Management Program Graduates Employees from 24 State Agencies
Nearly 50 state employees representing 24 different agencies received certificates on August 18 in Atlanta for their successful completion of the Primary Accounting Series of the Vinson Institute’s State Financial Management Certificate Program.

New Vinson Fellows Begin a Semester of Hands-On Public Service
Three UGA undergraduate students entered the Vinson Institute Fellows Program this week and will have the opportunity to get a feel for public service careers by participating in the Institute’s work throughout the state and the world.

August 2011

Dalton/Whitfield Contracts With Institute For Consolidation Study
The City of Dalton and Whitfield County have turned to the Vinson Institute’s government consolidation experts as the two North Georgia governments consider merging.

Institute Demographer Discusses 2010 Census at GeorgiaForward Forum
When the 2011 GeorgiaForward Forum was looking for someone to speak about the impact of the 2010 census on the state of Georgia, it called on Institute demographer Mathew Hauer.

Analysts Examine the Impact of DUI Court
An upcoming study by the Institute will provide the Hall County DUI Court with insights into its program’s effectiveness in curbing recidivism among DUI offenders.

Institute Assists GDOT With Statewide Highway Performance Survey
The Institute’s geographic information systems (GIS) experts are assisting the Georgia Department of Transportation in the collection of highway data across the state. The project contributes to the federal Highway Performance Monitoring System, which helps evaluate the effective use of federal highway funds.

Institute Facilitates State Educational Funding Committee Meetings
The Institute is facilitating a series of meetings for the committee charged with modernizing the state’s system for financing K-12 and higher education. The committee will eventually make recommendations for reforms to the current funding formula, which has not been significantly changed since 1985.

July 2011

New Financial Management Tutorial Explains Millage Rates
This short new tutorial from the Institute's financial management training program gives an overview of millage rates and how to calculate them to generate a jurisdiction's needed property tax revenues.

Weed Addresses Legal Issues about Government-Sponsored Social Media
Murray Weed, the Institute’s manager of local government training, was a featured speaker for an American Bar Association online seminar about the legal issues surrounding government use of social media and how it relates to Open Records/Meetings requirements.

Institute Helps Look for Ways to Improve Georgia’s Competitiveness
The Institute is providing survey research and meetings facilitation assistance to the governor’s Georgia Competitiveness Initiative, an effort to improve the economic development potential of the state.

Newsworthy Provides Updates on the Institute's Outreach to Local and State Governments
The new edition of the Institute's quarterly newsletter is out with stories about its new manager of local government training, its contribution to the governor's water supply planning efforts, Institute training at the ACCG and GMA conventions, and more.

Laura Meadows Named as Vinson Institute Interim Director
UGA Interim Vice President for Public Service and Outreach Jennifer Frum appointed Laura Meadows to serve as interim director of the Vinson Institute, effective immediately. Laura has managed the Vinson Institute’s training programs since 2009 and will remain the head of the training division while acting as interim director.

June 2011

Training at GMA Convention Tops 1,000
City officials from around the state participated in training and development opportunities and 90 individuals received certificates for their pursuit of lifelong learning at the 2011 Georgia Municipal Association Annual Convention in Savannah.

Visit Us at the GMA Annual Convention in Savannah
Attendees at the 2011 Georgia Municipal Association Annual Convention can stop by the Vinson Institute's booth in the exhibit hall Saturday and Sunday to meet members of our faculty and staff.

Murray Weed Named New Manager of Local Government Training
The Vinson Institute welcomes Murray Weed as the new manager of its local government training program. Murray brings extensive local government and legal experience to the Institute and will help innovate new career development opportunities for Georgia’s city and county officials and staff.

Online Course Offerings Expand with Accounts Payable and Cash Disbursements
Government finance officers and others can take advantage of a convenient professional development option with the launch of the Institute’s newest online course, Internal Controls: Accounts Payable and Cash Disbursements.

May 2011

Annual Report Highlights a Year of Outreach
The Vinson Institute's Annual Report describes ways in which the Institute promoted excellence in government through responsiveness, vision, and collaboration during the previous year. From coordinating strategic planning for technical colleges to expanding service delivery through technology, the Institute broadened its assistance in Georgia and around the world.

Institute Assists State Water Supply Plan Development
The Vinson Institute is working with the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority in fulfilling the governor’s executive order to develop a water supply plan for the state.

Environmental Newsletter Taps into Biofuels Issues
The latest issue of Georgia Environmental Policy Update looks into biofuels, an emerging industry that has the potential for significant growth in Georgia in the coming years. Subscribe here to receive future issues of the environmental e-newsletter.

Vinson-Roosevelt Fellows Show What They Know
The undergraduate interns in the Vinson-Roosevelt Fellows Program wrapped up their semester with presentations on the topics they had studied at the Institute.

Commissioners Set the Gold Standard in Lifelong Learning
Two county commissioners were awarded the first Gold Standard of Excellence honors at the 2011 ACCG Annual Meeting in Savannah. More than 500 county officials and personnel participated in training and development.

April 2011

Visit Us at the ACCG Convention in Savannah
The Vinson Institute is excited about once again being part of ACCG’s annual convention starting this weekend at the Savannah Civic Center. Events kick off with a full day of training on Saturday (plus more on Sunday and Monday).

Announcing: 2011 Edition of Compliance Auditing in Georgia Counties and Municipalities (free)
Compliance Auditing is the only guide written especially for those dealing with local government audits. Updated annually, the 2011 edition is current through 2010 legislative changes and is available as a free download in PDF format.

Newsworthy Outlines Institute Work in Consolidation, Environmental Policy, and More
The latest edition of the Institute's quarterly newsletter highlights a number of ways that the Institute is working with government officials and staff in the state and globally to help them become more able to respond effectively to their residents' needs.

Outstanding Service Awards Go to Institute Faculty, Staff
Lisa Kesler, Walt McBride, Karen Payne, and Mark Risse were honored for their achievements at UGA's 20th annual Public Service and Outreach conference on April 12.

Surveys Help Atlanta Regional Commission Gauge Transportation Priorities
Atlanta Regional Commission authorities will soon have a better understanding of area transportation priorities with survey research assistance from the Vinson Institute.

Latest Environmental Newsletter Focuses on Crossover Day
The Environmental Policy Update Newsletter aims to provide frequent, comprehensive, and objective reports on environmental policy issues and relevant legislation in Georgia, especially during the legislative session. Subscribe now to receive future editions.

March 2011

Now Online: What You Need to Know about Consolidation
In this new video, Institute faculty experienced in consolidation provide a concise overview of the major factors involved in considering consolidation and steps in the process.

Vinson Institute Awards Scholarships for New Shanghai Study Program
The Vinson Institute has selected three UGA undergraduate students as the first scholarship recipients in the new Shanghai Municipal Scholarship Summer School Fudan Program.

Financial Management Program Offers Free Quickbooks Resources
Local government officials can sharpen their financial skills utilizing free Quickbooks resources developed by the Vinson Institute and the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts.

Put Special Topic Workshops to Work for You
We know that your local government workforce has training and development needs that are particular to your circumstances. That is why the Vinson Institute offers special topic workshops—to build the skills and knowledge your officials and staff need.

Newly Elected City Officials Learn the Ropes
Georgia’s newly elected city leaders are off to a strong start after attending a special training event carried out in partnership by the Vinson Institute and the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA).

Latest Environmental Newsletter Focuses on Reservoirs
The Environmental Policy Update Newsletter aims to provide frequent, comprehensive, and objective reports on environmental policy issues and relevant legislation in Georgia, especially during the legislative session. Subscribe now to receive future editions.

February 2011

County Officials Connect with Training at Atlanta Conference
More than 200 county officials took advantage of training customized to their levels of experience during the 2011 Capitol Connection Conference held recently in Atlanta by the Association County Commissions of Georgia (ACCG).

What You Need to Know about GASB Statement No. 54
Learn about the new requirements for fund balance reporting contained in the Governmental Accounting Standards Board’s Statement No. 54 in less than four minutes with this tutorial.

Now Online: HB 122 Local Government Financial Reporting Web Site
At the direction of the Georgia General Assembly, the Carl Vinson Institute of Government through this Web site provides convenient access to local government budget documents and audited financial statements.

UGA Students Can Study in Shanghai through New Scholarship Program
The Shanghai Municipal Government and Fudan University have awarded the Vinson Institute three scholarships that will enable University of Georgia students to experience the academic and cultural environments of China.

City Officials Demonstrate Commitment to Training at Mayor's Day Conference
More than 600 Georgia city officials took advantage of 13 professional development opportunities during the 2011 Mayor’s Day conference, held January 22-24 in Atlanta.

Vinson Fellows for Spring Semester 2011 Get to Work
At the direction of the Georgia General Assembly, the Carl Vinson Institute of Government through this Web site will provide convenient access to local government budget documents and audited financial statements.

January 2011

New Motor Use Fuel Tax Study Examines Revenues

Institute Welcomes Ted Baggett to Lead Local Government Services

December 2010

Vinson Institute Closed December 27 through January 3

New Brochure Lists Institute Services at a Glance

Local Government Financial Reporting per HB 122 Scheduled for February
At the direction of the Georgia General Assembly, the Carl Vinson Institute of Government through this Web site will provide convenient access to local government budget documents and audited financial statements.

Vinson Fellows Share Knowledge Gained through Internships

Legislators Prepare for Next General Assembly Session at Biennial Institute

Newly Elected Commissioners Learn to Lead

Tracy Arner Named Head of Financial Management Training