DU's Strategic Issues Program engages academic and professional experts and thoughtful advocates to present to its panels. Speakers provide in-depth knowledge of the subject matter. As the sources of information from which the Strategic Issues Panel will draw its findings and recommendations, presenters obviously play a key role in the process.
It is clear that state governments across the nation face serious challenges. Falling revenues, service cutbacks, deteriorating infrastructure, struggling schools and personnel layoffs are but some of the woes confronting virtually every state, including Colorado. The fundamental issues of state effectiveness, transparency, stewardship, performance and responsiveness were the focus of the 2012 Strategic Issues Panel on State Government.
More about the Strategic Issues Panel on the Future of State Government
Immigration remains one of this country's most difficult and politically-charged issues. It is also one of the most important. Immigration affects our national security, shapes the fabric of our society and impacts our economic future. Few topics are more consequential?and few have been more resistant to resolution. The 2009 panel on immigration makes a series of recommendations for comprehensive immigration reform in its report:
The most serious constitutional issues facing Colorado involve conflicting provisions, the unintended consequences of amendments, and unchangeable policies frozen within the constitution. Each of these conditions frustrates the ability of policy makers to respond to changing times and meet the diverse needs of Colorado's citizens, businesses and other organizations.
In order to protect the demands on Colorado?s water supply, we must begin today to address problems forecasted 20 years and more into the future.
The 2005 panel examined in detail the fiscal and economic characteristics of the state as a whole. As the panel studied a broad range of issues affected by economic policy, it became apparent that rebuilding public trust and improving the process used for public decision-making and governance are fundamental to the long-term success of Colorado.