The Volcker Alliance Expands Government-to-University Initiative (G2U) to Two New Regions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Neilia Stephens, Director of Communications
nstephens@volckeralliance.org
646-343-0155
THE VOLCKER ALLIANCE EXPANDS GOVERNMENT-TO-UNIVERSITY INITIATIVE (G2U) TO TWO NEW REGIONS
The next G2U Regional Councils will be launched in Los Angeles and Pittsburgh
NEW YORK, NY (February 13, 2020) – The Volcker Alliance is excited to announce an expansion of its signature Government-to-University Initiative (G2U) with the launch of two new G2U Regional Councils in Los Angeles, California, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. G2U is an innovative approach to addressing critical governance challenges by building structured regional networks of governments and universities. The initiative aims to catalyze a robust local marketplace that can sustainably connect governments' hiring and research needs with local university capacity.
“We have been delighted by the interest that has been shown in partnering to expand the G2U effort in regions across the country. It affirms the promise of this initiative,” said Thomas W. Ross, president of the Volcker Alliance. “We are strategically investing in the efforts in Los Angeles and Pittsburgh because each possesses concentrations of public employees at all levels of government, a strong university presence, and enthusiastic local champions committed to realizing G2U’s aims.”
In Los Angeles, the Volcker Alliance has partnered with the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) to anchor the effort. SCAG is the nation's largest metropolitan planning organization, representing six counties, 191 cities, and more than nineteen million residents. SCAG undertakes a variety of planning and policy initiatives to encourage a more sustainable Southern California.
“Our government partners are hungry for talent, and it is in Southern California’s best interest to connect university students with employers in the public sector,” said Kome Ajise, SCAG’s executive director. “We want the best and brightest from our universities to be the future leaders of Southern California.”
In Pittsburgh, the effort will be led by Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy and the Metro21: Smart Cities Institute. Metro21: Smart Cities Institute at Carnegie Mellon takes a forward-looking, creative approach to bringing people, technology, and policy together to improve quality of life for those in metropolitan areas.
“We have a long history of helping governments become more evidence-based and analytical in their decision making, and collaborating with an esteemed partner like the Volcker Alliance unlocks new possibilities for creating mutually beneficial relationships between universities and governments,” said Ramayya Krishnan, dean of Heinz College. “The relationship between Metro21 and the Pittsburgh region is a model of how universities and cities can work together to test bold new ideas. We’re excited to broaden the impact of Metro21 through the Pittsburgh G2U Regional Council.”
Each new G2U Regional Council will connect local, state, and federal government leaders in a region with key faculty and administrators from surrounding colleges and universities. They will identify and pursue opportunities to better strengthen the pipeline of talent from local universities into government and explore approaches to systematizing research exchanges focused on solving pressing government problems. With support from the Volcker Alliance, the Councils will provide a regional platform to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones among government practitioners and university leaders.
These new sites will build upon the success of the pilot G2U Coalition in Kansas City led by the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), which will celebrate its one-year anniversary with its first regionwide Coalition Convening on April 21.
Throughout 2020, the Volcker Alliance will work to build connections within the growing cohort of Regional Councils and will explore opportunities to expand the G2U network further. Those interested in launching G2U Regional Councils in their areas can email G2U@volckeralliance.org to learn more.
The Volcker Alliance advances effective management of government to achieve results that matter to citizens. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization is inspired by the legendary public service of our founder, Paul A. Volcker, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve, and his vision of a public sector workforce with the experience, preparation, and commitment to ensure that government is accountable and delivers with excellence. Visit volckeralliance.org to learn more. Follow us on social media @VolckerAlliance and subscribe to the Volcker Alliance newsletter for the latest news and developments. The Volcker Alliance is a 501(c)(3) organization.
