Penn State University Libraries - Government-affiliated Associations and Organizations

American Planning Association (APA)
"APA is a nonprofit public interest and research organization committed to urban, suburban, regional, and rural planning. APA and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners, advance the art and science of planning to meet the needs of people and society."

American Public Transit Association (APTA)
"To strengthen and improve public transportation, APTA serves and leads its diverse membership through advocacy, innovation and information sharing. APTA and its members and staff work to ensure that public transportation is available and accessible for all Americans in communities across the country."

Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO)
"The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. The Council seeks member consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public."

Council of State Governments (CSG)
"The Council of State Governments, the multi-branch organization of the states and U.S. territories, champions excellence in state government, working with state leaders across the nation and through its regions to put the best ideas and solutions into practice. To this end, the Council: builds leadership skills to improve decision-making; advocates multistate problem-solving and partnerships; interprets changing national and international conditions to prepare states for the future; and promotes the sovereignty of the states and their role in the American federal system."

County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP)
"The County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania is a state-wide, nonprofit, bipartisan association representing the commissioners, chief clerks, administrators, their equivalents in home rule counties, and solicitors of Pennsylvania's sixty-seven counties. The Association serves to strengthen Pennsylvania counties' ability to govern their own affairs and improve the well-being and quality of life of their constituents. To this end, the Association effects the achievement of favorable state and federal legislation, programs and policies, and provides appropriate programs, services and training to its membership, county leaders, and their staff. The Association strives to educate and inform the public, administrative, legislative and regulatory bodies, decision makers, and the media about county government."

International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
"ICMA is the professional and educational organization for chief appointed managers, administrators, and assistants in cities, towns, counties, and regional entities throughout the world. Since 1914, ICMA has provided technical and management assistance, training, and information resources to its members and the local government community."

Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington (MRSC)
"The Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) is a non-profit, independent organization created in 1969 to continue programs established in 1934 under the Bureau of Governmental Research at the University of Washington. Our mission is 'working together for excellence in local government through professional consultation, research and information services'."

National Association of Counties (NACo)
"The National Association of Counties (NACo) was created in 1935 when county officials wanted to have a strong voice in the nation's capital. More than six decades later, NACo continues to ensure that the nation's 3066 counties are heard and understood in the White House and the halls of Congress. NACo — the only national organization that represents county governments in the United States."

National Association of Regional Councils (NARC)
"The National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) is the preeminent alliance for fostering regional cooperation and building regional communities. We advocate for regional approaches with federal and state governments; provide training and technical assistance on the latest regional developments; and conduct research on timely regional topics."

National Center for State Courts (NCSC)
"The mission of NCSC is to improve the administration of justice through leadership and service to state courts, and courts around the world. Through original research, consulting services, publications, and national educational programs, NCSC offers solutions that enhance court operations with the latest technology; collects and interprets the latest data on court operations nationwide; and provides information on proven 'best practices' for improving court operations."

National City Government Resource Center
"This website serves as a collection of city-related URLs from throughout the United States. For ease of reference, these internet sites have been broken down into the following categories: General City Links, Functional City Links, Regional City Links, and Other City-related Links for those sites that do not fit neatly into these categories. You may check-out most cities in the United States on this page by using either CityGuide and/or CityNet."

National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)
"NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation's 50 states, its commonwealths and territories. NCSL provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues. NCSL is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of state governments before Congress and federal agencies."

National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA)
"The mission of the NFBPA is embodied in the organization's commitment to strengthen the position of Blacks within the field of public administration; to increase the number of Blacks appointed to executive positions in public service organizations; and, to groom and prepare younger, aspiring administrators for senior public management posts in the years ahead."

National League of Cities (NLC)
"The National League of Cities is the oldest and largest national organization representing municipal governments throughout the United States. Its mission is to strengthen and promote cities as centers of opportunity, leadership, and governance."

National Urban League
"Established in 1910, The Urban League is the nation's oldest and largest community- based movement devoted to empowering African Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream."

United States Conference of Mayors (USCM)
"The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of the nation's 1183 U.S. cities with populations of 30,000 or more. Each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor."

Western Governors' Association (WGA)
"The Western Governors' Association addresses important policy and governance issues in the West, advances the role of the Western states in the federal system, and strengthens the social and economic fabric of the region. WGA develops policy and carries out programs in the areas of natural resources, the environment, human services, economic development, international relations and state governance."