The Center for Governmental Studies at Northern Illinois University provides expertise that helps decision-makers implement efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective approaches to economic, social, and information management issues. Founded in 1969, CGS assembles interdisciplinary teams to work with government at all levels, nonprofit organizations, school districts, community colleges, park districts, library districts, land conservation districts, land developers, healthcare agencies, and utilities. CGS has six practice areas of concentration: ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT: We provide administrative support for associations of public service professionals. Rely on us for administrative, management and financial solutions to keep your organization running smoothly. DATA INFORMATICS: Our team members design, build, manage and mine databases of all sizes. We’ll build the customized and dynamic applications you need to easily access, analyze and understand your data. ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, GOVERNANCE AND TRAINING: We’ll help your organization articulate its mission, vision and values. Then we’ll guide you toward putting those values into practice through effective leadership. TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES – Civic Leadership Academy Customized Training Illinois Financial Forecast Forum STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT, POLICY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: You can make effective policy a reality. We provide the analysis and support you need to implement policies, evaluate what’s working well and understand what needs to change. SURVEY RESEARCH AND DATA VISUALIZATION:: We’ll help you choose and implement the best data collection methods for your organization. Our specialists also work with public data from IDPH, ISBE, ICCB, IBHE, IDES, the Census Bureau and BLS. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS: We’ll help your community align workforce supply and demand to strengthen the economic prospects of individuals, companies and the community.