The Big Ideas Conference is an invitation-only event that brings together some of the brightest and most inspired leaders who care passionately about their communities and the local governments that serve their citizens.  The Alliance for Innovation has gathered these groups together over the course of the last three years to explore the future of local government and the BIG ideas, concepts and trends impacting that future. 

Approximately 100 participants from think tanks, foundations, businesses, universities, public interest groups, and of course, local governments have attended.  BIG IDEAS participants contribute to the provocative conversation and explore important topics in an innovative and interactive forma.  In groups, the participants are called upon to provide thought provoking ideas around our changing society, critical and timely issues, and identifications of the innovations needed to better address these issues. 

The 2011 BIG Ideas Conference was held in Fort Collins, CO. The format was highly interactive, with attendees bridging the roles of provocateurs and being a participant.  Participants left Colorado feeling energized and inspired by the conversation that took place.

Over the course of two and a half days, attendees discussed

1. What will the future of local government look like?
2. Who should work there? 
3. What work will they be doing?
4. How will they do their work? and
5. How will we create a place for community?

You will find below the links to the white papers that were generated to help participants prepare for the conversation:

• How can local government and academic professionals inspire and serve as a catalyst to influence the best and brightest individuals to become future local government leaders? – By Jason Rollins, Alliance for Innovation

• Bridging the Gap of Leadership Challenges from the Midwest – By John Nalbandian, School of Public Affairs, University of Kansas

• What’s the Future of Local Government? – By Frank Benest, Mark Denaj, Debra Figone, and Kim Walsh

• Local Governments in the Wake of the Great Recession: Are Big Changes Ahead? – David Ammons, Karl Smith and Carl Stenberg, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

During these events, sessions are live scribed.  Below is the link to the 2011 BIG Ideas Notes that were taken during the event:

• 2011 BIG Ideas Notes

Mark your Calendar – BIG Ideas Goes to Williamsburg, VA November 2-4, 2012

Invitees must be sponsored by an Alliance Board Member or Staff Member, or a former BIG Participant.  Please send your request for consideration to Brandi Allen, ballen@transformgov.org along with contact information for your sponsor.