2024 Deil S. Wright Lecture Focuses on Future of AI and Local Government

UNC MPA faculty, staff, and alumni gathered at the UNC School of Government on October 25 to participate in the 2024 Deil S. Wright Public Service Forum. The forum—held annually and focusing on a timely topic affecting public administration—convened a panel to discuss the current landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) as it relates to the policies and programs in public service and local government.

Our Ongoing Response to Hurricane Helene

The School of Government and partner organizations are ready to provide support to local governments as they address the aftermath of the storm in the coming days and months.

Managing Disruption in a Rapidly Changing World: A Briefing Book for Decision-Makers in North Carolina

North Carolina’s communities, like many across the nation, are experiencing the effects of disruptive, accelerating change caused by technological developments, natural disasters, economic fluctuations, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other events. This report provides a clear framework and practical tools that North Carolina communities can use to strengthen their resilience to these shocks and stresses.

Faculty Help Edgecombe County Efforts to “Get Off the Lists”

To improve its statewide position among North Carolina’s counties in rankings measuring quality of life, Edgecombe County’s public officials adopted an initiative in 2022 known as “Getting Off the Lists" (GOTL).  Facing persi

Building Skills Employers Need: Carolina partners to offer two no-cost opportunities connecting young adults to employment

Connecting North Carolina’s young adults with high-demand employability and digital technology skills necessary for today’s workforce is the focus of two new no-cost opportunities sparked through collaboration of the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS), Microsoft, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Carolina Across 100 and ncIMPACT initiatives.

Rebecca Fisher-Gabbard joins School of Government faculty to work with municipal attorneys

The School of Government is excited to announce the addition of Rebecca L. Fisher-Gabbard to its faculty ranks. Fisher-Gabbard joined the School’s law and finance division in May 2024. As assistant professor of public law and government, she will advise and instruct municipal attorneys.

She joined the School after working in private practice in the area of education law and as a judicial law clerk for a judge at the North Carolina Court of Appeals.

Understanding Law for Public Administration

Cynicism about the law abounds. The legislative process often seems aimless, and individuals regularly suffer injustice in the court system. Despite even the best intentions, the law will be flawed—it is a human endeavor subject to human limitations and differences. But history proves that there is no form of governance better suited to the pursuit of happiness than a rule of law. Studying the law in principle and in practice enables us to honor it when it works and to reform it when it does not.

Celebrating 20 Years of PELA, With an Eye Toward the Future

More than 20 years ago, members of the North Carolina City/County Management Association (NCCCMA) identified a need for advanced professional development. They envisioned a program that would serve the state’s senior executive leaders in local government: department heads, assistant managers, and managers. And when North Carolina’s local governments are in need, the UNC School of Government answers the call.

Camber Foundation Supports Our State, Our Wellbeing

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), suicide is the state's leading cause of death for youth aged 10 to 18 and the third leading cause of death for adults aged 19 to 34. Suicide is a major public health issue and affects not only the victims but their families, friends, and community. Research shows that, on average, 135 people are exposed to each suicide. 

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