Bureau of Governmental Research

Founded in 1932, BGR's mission is to be an independent voice for informed public policy making and using public resources effectively to improve government in the New Orleans metropolitan area

BGR's work contributes to a Greater New Orleans that is vibrant and successful.

Backed by our in-depth research, we recommend ways for government to be more effective, efficient, transparent, accountable, and responsive to citizen needs. We advocate for public programs to be driven by data and best practices, not politics. We urge local governments to use limited public resources strategically to meet more of the community's needs.

Let's create the government we want in the greater New Orleans area. By joining BGR, you can:

* Advocate to ensure major issues factor in local elections

* Make non-partisan explanations of tax and charter change proposals available to all voters

* Create blueprints for constructive solutions to local government challenges

Support from our members makes BGR's work possible. To preserve our independence, we do not accept government funding and we adhere to a rigorous ethics policy to guard against conflicts of interest. These high standards rule out many sources of revenue. As a result, we rely heavily on the contributions of members, foundations and companies for support.

Testimonials

When you join BGR, you are part of a larger constructive force for change in the New Orleans area. Our donors agree:

BGR "is nonpartisan and takes a deep look at critically important issues in our community."

"BGR explains better than anyone else how local government works (or doesn't work)."

BGR provides "professional reports and data I trust, enabling me to be a more informed citizen."