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AskNC: Putting the public back in public policy

Why does North Carolina elect a Governor and a Lieutenant Governor separately? Why are our community colleges, four-year institutions, and primary schools all funded differently? Who controls school district budgets?

You may know the answers to these questions, but what questions do you have? And would a better understanding of public policy in North Carolina lead to better outcomes?

For the past 40 years, the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research has researched important issues facing our state. From mental health reform to telemedicine to the teacher pipeline, the Center produced analysis and research to promote a healthy, productive North Carolina.

Throughout this time, our readers have provided valuable comments, critiques, and opinions that have shaped the work. While we will continue to seek feedback from our readers, it is time to engage in a more meaningful relationship.

This week, we are introducing”AskNC,”  a new initiative of the Center, EdNC, and Reach NC Voices designed to put the public back in public policy.

With AskNC, we want your input. What questions do you have about our state government, policy, and politics? What do you wonder about North Carolina government and how it impacts your life?

We hope to answer your questions and in the process spark a renewed interest in how our state government serves its citizens.

Here’s how it works:

HearkenProcess (1)

Over the next few months, we hope you will share your voice, from asking questions, to voting on which question you would most like to see answered, to giving us your feedback on that answer.

Our work with Reach NC Voices is based around one core belief — our policies will be stronger when the public is at the center. This has been the work of the NC Center for Public Policy Research for four decades, and we are excited to use new tools to bring even more voices to the table.

Please join us in this process and invite your friends, family, and neighbors to participate as well. AskNC is ultimately powered by you. We look forward to the conversation.

Molly Osborne Urquhart

Molly Osborne is the vice president and director of operations for EducationNC.