The Local Government Innovation Initiative reflects Penn State’s broader commitment to extending the knowledge and resources of the University to communities across Pennsylvania. Local governments are among the institutions closest to the everyday lives of Pennsylvanians, and by exploring ways to strengthen their organizations and professionals, Penn State Outreach is advancing the University’s commitment to public impact, community engagement, lifelong learning, workforce development, and service to the commonwealth.
The initiative also creates opportunities to connect education, research, and outreach more intentionally, bringing together University expertise and practitioner knowledge to address real-world challenges while creating opportunities for applied learning, knowledge exchange, and collaboration.
As the initiative develops, potential services and partnerships will be considered not only in terms of demonstrated practitioner need, but also in terms of their alignment with Penn State’s mission, the distinctive value the University can contribute, opportunities for collaboration across the institution, and the ability to deliver support in a sustainable and meaningful way.