Economic development policies affect economic growth, job creation, and overall prosperity, among many other things, and the evaluation of such policies ensures they act as intended and explores strategies for improvement.

The research at CSLF often seeks to improve economic development and urban policy. Our analyses of feasibility studies for potential cities or annexations of unincorporated areas in Georgia help to estimate potential economic advantages from redistricting. The center also regularly produces a jobs report—looking at changes to jobs across Georgia and incorporating potential impactful factors like COVID-19 or the introduction of artificial intelligence into job markets. CSLF also undertakes research projects evaluating demographic changes in Georgia, like aging in place or racial segregation.

The introduction of appropriate fiscal management techniques at all levels of government is needed to ensure that the three objectives of expenditure management—aggregate fiscal discipline, expenditure prioritization, and operational efficiency—are achieved.

ICePP recognizes that fiscal management techniques are increasingly pertinent internationally in developing and transitional economies, including the placement of the budget process in the context of a medium-term budget strategy, devolution of budget responsibilities, and the introduction of performance-based budget techniques.

Domestically, CSLF offers an annual executive education program tailed for public-sector professionals who primarily deal with financial management. The program offers six core public finance courses that focus on the strategic thinking and analytical skills that today’s public finance leaders need to succeed. Additional special sessions are offered periodically.

The quality of educational programs is related to numerous aspects of an individual's life, from job earnings to health to civic participation. Public education constitutes one of the largest shares of governmental expenditures, so ensuring funds are used in the most efficient and effective ways possible can have large ramifications.

The CSLF team researches a variety of key financial aspects of K-12 education. Recent studies have evaluated the impact of charter schools on earnings, academic milestones, and local property values. Other studies have evaluated the effectiveness of the Head Start Program and Dual Enrollment Program as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the early childhood education industry in Georgia.

Infrastructure is crucial for the function and development of communities, and state and local governments rely on financing to build and maintain these vital systems. Investing in infrastructure not only improves quality of life for residents, but also creates jobs and stimulates the economy.

ICePP's robust working papers series regularly curates innovative and cutting-edge research about infrastructure financing across the global. In addition, the center recently held a conference about infrastructure financing and the impact of climate change, co-hosted by Andrew Young School associate professor Can Chen, founder of the Infrastructure Finance and Policy Lab (iFPL) and an expert in developing innovative, efficient, and effective infrastructure financing to support critical infrastructure that is sustainable and resilient.

CSLF has also evaluated state-level transparency practices and issues with the accounting for deferred infrastructure maintenance in its work with the Volcker Alliance's Truth and Integrity in Government Finance Initiative.

Governments play a critical role in implementing policies and initiatives to mitigate the impacts of climate change, promote sustainability, and protect the environment for future generations. By incorporating environmental economics into decision-making processes, governments can balance economic growth with environmental conservation, leading to a more sustainable and resilient society.

ICePP's working paper series regularly adds new research in environmental economics relevant to governments all over the world, including the work of Andrew Young School assistant professor and affiliated faculty member, Stefano Carattini, an environmental economist with interests in behavioral economics, public economics, and political economy, as well as cooperative behavior and the diffusion of green behaviors, practices, and technologies.

Additionally, ICePP has recently hosted a conference about climate change and the impact to infrastructure financing from a global perspective.

Public-sector capacity building and training programs provide opportunities for professional development, leadership training, and skill-building that are essential for public servants to effectively carry out their duties and responsibilities. By investing in the training and development of public-sector employees, governments can improve the quality of public services, promote innovation and efficiency, and enhance organizational effectiveness—while helping to attract and retain top talent.

For the last decade, CSLF has offered an executive education in public finance training program that focuses on the foundational skills needed to succeed in public financial leadership roles. The courses are grounded in the content knowledge needed to become a Certified Public Finance Officer through the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), with continuing education credits available via the National Association of State Boards and Accountancy.

ICePP has offered numerous tailored training and capacity building programs to government ministries across the globe in tax reform and revenue forecasting, fiscal decentralization, and public financial management. The center has also brought public servants to Atlanta for specialized master's degree programs geared toward the most pressing needs of their home countries.