John Buechner, former CU President, faculty member at the School of Public Affairs and long-time scholar of local government in Colorado.
The Buechner Institute for Governance works with governments, organizations, and communities across Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West to improve decisions and policy making in matters of public importance.
The institute was created in honor of John Buechner’s commitment to public service, as a former president of the University of Colorado system, a former faculty member at the School of Public Affairs, and a lifelong scholar of local government.
The mission of the Buechner Institute for Governance is to advance the understanding and practice of public affairs in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West. We provide relevant and timely research, training, facilitation, and other services to local, regional, and state governments, nonprofit organizations, and other groups involved in public affairs.
Research and evaluation: Our staff, working together with the faculty of the School of Public Affairs and our university and community partners, conducts just-in-time evaluation and research on issues of importance to government and nonprofit organizations. BIG is the central hub for applied research on public affairs at the university and in Colorado and the region.
Public engagement support: Democracy works best when citizens participate in decision-making processes. Our staff provides planning, facilitation, and staffing support for public engagement processes such as citizen advisory panels, commissions, task forces, and blue ribbon panels.
Training and leadership development: We strive to improve the performance of leaders and managers in all sectors by providing specialized training and leadership development programs that improve knowledge and skills and build lasting networks.
Organizational improvement: We offer support for organizations through assistance with strategic planning, facilitated discussions, and organizational and program evaluations.