Snelling Center for Government

SNELLING CENTER FOR GOVERNMENT

The Snelling Center for Government is a non-partisan, non-profit (501(c)3) corporation. Established in 1992 in memory of Governor Richard Snelling, the Snelling Center is committed to his vision of government that works for the people of Vermont. In keeping with this vision, the mission of the Snelling Center is to foster responsible and ethical civic leadership, encourage public service by private citizens, and promote informed citizen participation in shaping public policy in Vermont. 

We work to fulfill our mission by:

• offering the premier leadership development programs in Vermont;
• engaging the public in issues facing Vermont; and
• consulting on projects to make government and government programs more effective.

Leadership Development

From its beginning, the Snelling Center has developed leadership programs to support Governor Snelling’s passion for responsible and ethical leadership, democracy, and Vermont. The Vermont Leadership Institute, the Vermont School Leadership Project, and other leadership programs and projects provide participants with the skills to work effectively in the public arena, and to make thoughtful decisions and take well-considered action as they serve their organizations, their communities, and Vermont.

Civic Engagement in Public Policy Issues

The Snelling Center works to engage the public in discussions surrounding important public policy issues. The Snelling Center’s expertise often helps to bridge differences, especially when an important issue is in political deadlock. Some of our current efforts include work on "term lengths" for elected state officials, the funding of our transportation infrastructure, and the future of economic development efforts in the state. Previously, the Snelling Center worked with the Vermont legislature on the highly charged issue of health care reform in Vermont.

Consultation and Facilitation Projects

The Snelling Center provides assistance to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government programs and projects. Examples of such efforts include “Rethinking the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources;” working with Learning Works, an adult basic education organization, to improve certain working relationships; and leadership development programs for Vermont Community Foundation grantees. Current work includes assisting AARP on its initiative, the Burlington Livable Cities Project, and facilitating public discussions on the Agency of Transportation’s long range plan for the state.