As AI Accelerates, Kristi Nickodem Helps Public Officials Weigh its Promise and Peril

When Kristi Nickodem has a free moment, you can probably find her reading. The UNC School of Government faculty member might be immersed in a memoir or novel—but more often than not, she's catching up on the latest developments in artificial intelligence (AI).

“I'm reading the news first thing in the morning, seeing updates throughout the day, and usually checking the news last thing at night,” she said.

Faculty member Crista Cuccaro accepts HUB Award for Excellence on behalf of School of Government

School of Government faculty member Crista Cuccaro accepted the Public Sector Agency 2026 Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) Award for Excellence on behalf of the School of Government at the North Carolina Department of Administration’s 45th Annual State Construction Conference in March 2026. 

Tar Heel Bus Tour: Listening, Learning, and Leading Across North Carolina

As the sun rose on May 12, 2026, two buses pulled away from UNC-Chapel Hill in opposite directions—one headed east, the other west—launching the annual Tar Heel Bus Tour.

Remembering Faculty Member Joe Hunt

We are saddened to share that former School of Government faculty member 

North Carolina Notary Public Manual (2026)

The office of notary public plays a critical role in preventing fraud, ensuring that important legal documents—from deeds to wills—are properly completed and legally recognized. This 2026 edition of the North Carolina Notary Public Manual, prepared by the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State, provides statutory guidance, practical instruction, tips, and best practices for current and aspiring notaries, giving them essential tools to perform their vital public service.

School of Government debuts new undergraduate minor in law, government, and public service

As student interest in public service careers continues to grow at UNC-Chapel Hill, the School of Government is responding with a new academic pathway designed to prepare undergraduates for the work ahead.

Forging the Next Generation of Public Sector Leaders: Kim Nelson and the PELA Difference

For more than two decades, North Carolina's most accomplished local government executives have gathered in a program that challenges them not just to think differently about leadership—but to lead differently.

The bridge after the storm: School launches NC Local Government Disaster Recovery Portal with regional partners

Well over a year after Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, many communities remain deeply engaged in recovery. While the emergency phase has passed, local governments continue to navigate long-term financial, administrative, and infrastructure challenges left by the storm. Officials are balancing day-to-day service delivery with complex grant management, rebuilding efforts, and compliance requirements that will continue for years.

Six trends that state and local governments will face in 2026

Six trends that state and local governments will face in 2026

What big-picture issues and topics should we be monitoring this year? UNC School of Government faculty are looking ahead to the key issues local governments need to tackle this year—and the solutions they are working to create to solve them. Read about six trends that state and local governments will face in 2026.

 

Kirk Boone, on North Carolina’s rising property assessments and possible tax reform

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