Established in 1931 as the Institute of Government, the School provides educational, advisory, and research services for state and local governments. The School of Government is also home to specialized centers focused on information technology and environmental finance.

School of Government faculty members have made notable contributions to North Carolina government:

• Study to reorganize state government
• Study of the state’s court system
• North Carolina Constitutional Commission
• Local Government Study Commission
• Open Meetings Study Commission
• NC Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission
• Governor’s Crime Commission on Juvenile Crime and Justice