he articles appearing on this web site comprise the first issue of Public Policy & Practice, an electronic journal of the University of South Carolina’s Institute for Public Service and Policy Research. This journal is designed to provide information on current and emerging public policy issues and contemporary management practices to policy makers, practitioners, researchers, and others with an interest in South Carolina government. In doing so, our intent is to foster government effectiveness at both the state and local levels, increase public awareness, and promote discussion on important policy issues facing the state.

Public Policy & Practice represents part of the Institute’s mission to address the critical challenges facing the state by bringing existing and new knowledge to bear on matters of public policy, governance, and leadership. The Institute of Public Service and Policy Research has grown from a rich tradition at USC. It began more than fifty years ago as the Bureau of Governmental Research and Service. In 1988 its mission was expanded to include more service-related policy research and it became the Institute of Public Affairs. In 2001, the name was changed to convey the functions of the organization more clearly: to meet the training and technical assistance needs of local and state government and to conduct research to find effective solutions to the public policy challenges facing our state and communities.

We hope that you will find this inaugural issue of Public Policy & Practice interesting, and welcome your suggestions concerning future issues. Please e-mail any comments to Young-Richard@sc.edu.