Governing a Diverse Community: Georgia’s Rapidly Growing Hispanic Population

Abstract

Presenter: Peter Gess (Public Service Assistant, Carl Vinson Institute of Government, The University of Georgia). Abstract: Many of the opportunities and challenges of immigration are felt at the municipal and county levels and require that local policymakers respond in new and innovative ways. The Vinson Institute launched a pilot program in 2005 by taking 17 local government officials from Georgia to Mexico. The participants met with government officials of various levels and responsibilities, community and citizen groups, labor unions, and university experts. They also experienced cultural and societal norms. A traditional survey and Q-methodology was employed to measure participant views, values, attitudes, and understandings both before and after the study tour as an indication of impact.