• About BGR
• Guiding Principles
• Organizational Structure
• Current Programs

BGR's Mission

BGR is a non-profit, citizen-supported, independent research organization dedicated to informed public policy making and the effective use of public resources in the New Orleans Metropolitan Area. BGR also focuses on state and national public policy issues which affect the metropolitan area.

About BGR

Since it founding in 1932, BGR has completed over 1,500 studies, reports or position papers in the areas of municipal finance, governmental structure, metropolitan cooperation, collective bargaining, city charter provisions, tax proposals, civil service, procurement, public bid law procedures, and other aspects of local and state government.

BGR has won several national awards for distinguished research and most effective citizen education, local recognition awards for civic effectiveness, and a recent local award for effective management of a non-profit organization.

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Guiding Principles

BGR is committed to maintaining its credibility and integrity by strict adherence to three paramount principles:

1. develop information whose accuracy is beyond challenge;
2. conduct research that is fair and objective, and;
3. maintain BGR's independence as an organization.

BGR values the point of view of the citizen in public affairs -- not a special interest, a group of contributors, a public official, or a political party.

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Organizational Structure

BGR is a membership organization. It currently has approximately 550 members from the metropolitan area. Members consist of individual citizens, small businesses, large corporations, foundations, and educational institutions. BGR's members elect a 30-person Board of Directors as the policy-making and governing body of the organization. Members of the Board elect a seven-member Executive Committee and appoint a president, the chief executive officer of the organization who is responsible for hiring other staff and research contractors. The Board of Directors approves all public positions taken by BGR.

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Current Programs

• BGR conducts research on matters of public concern, generally related to governmental finance, management, and administration.

• BGR sponsors educational programs on issues of public concern to the New Orleans metropolitan region.

• BGR promotes excellence and effectiveness in local governments by presenting awards to honor innovation, creativity, and cost-savings.

• BGR provides an information resource center on governmental policies and institutions for members of the media, public officials, and the general public.

• BGR facilitates productive interaction among the public and private sector persons or groups who make, influence, or carry out public policy.

For more information about joining the Bureau of Governmental Research,
please contact Mary Hogan, 504/588-2055, email.