The Center for Governmental Studies (CGS) is a public service, applied research, and public policy development unit within NIU Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development. CGS functions as a “think and do tank,” applying the intellectual resources of the university to address public issues facing communities, the region, the state, and the nation.
Public management and training for units of local government and governmental agencies has long been a core CGS practice area. CGS supports policy-makers and public administrators by providing management assistance, staffing studies, pay and classification analyses, process improvement studies, performance management system development, strategic planning, and team-building and organizational development. Through its Civic Leadership Academy, CGS also offers scheduled certificate-focused training and customized training programs for governmental and not-for-profit agencies.
Extensive community and economic development services are provided by CGS staff to enhance the planning and implementation capabilities of local governments and private sector clients. Among the organizational, managerial, and analytical services we offer are:
- Adequate Public Facilities (APF) studies
- Demographic studies
- Development incentive analysis
- Development impact fees
- Entrepreneurship development
- Fiscal impact analysis
- Geographic Information System (GIS) development
- Growth management planning
- Infill development studies
- Infrastructure recapture programs
- Land capacity studies
- Performance zoning concepts
- Site capacity analysis
- Tax Increment Financing (TIF) planning
Contact Information:
Greg Kuhn
Center for Governmental Studies
NIU
DeKalb, IL 60115
Phone: 815-753-2789
Fax: 815-753-7278
E-mail: gkuhn@niu.edu
Melissa Henriksen
Center for Governmental Studies
NIU
DeKalb, IL 60115
Phone: 815-753-5851
Fax: 815-753-7278
Email: mhenriksen@niu.edu
Website: www.niucgs.org
