Better governance starts by closing the gap between the public and the public sector. The Collins Center helps bring citizens and government together in a transparent, representative and responsive form of democracy for meaningful engagement and productive dialog.
Named after one of Florida's greatest governors, LeRoy Collins, the Collins Center for Public Policy is no stranger to the challenge of governance, democracy and citizen engagement. Like former Governor Collins, the Collins Center also seeks a to attain a legacy of uncompromising integrity in government and in business.
The Collins Center is Florida's preeminent non-partisan organization with expertise in elections reform, civic education, governance and public involvement. We have been involved with and assisting in Florida's election reform efforts since the days of hanging chads.
Whether it's helping Florida voters better understand proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution; partnering with a number of civic organizations to present a series of lectures on American democracy and national elections; or developing curriculum for civics education in Florida schools, Public Policy is part of our name.
Regardless of how controversial the challenge may be or how large the initiative's scope, Collins Center functions at its best when it is in the middle of public debate around issues, events, projects, policies and legislation.
Related Resources
Florida Civic Education In 1999, the Collins Center for Public Policy, Inc. developed The Collins Legislative Classroom, a pilot model program designed to increase high school student knowledge about the democratic process and how government works.
Florida Voluntary Code of Fair Campaign Practices One of the Collins Center's early projects was a 1991 convening of citizens that devised the Florida Voluntary Code of Fair Campaign Practices for candidates, news media and the public.
Florida Amendment Web Site Explains Pros/Cons of Proposed Amendments Helping Florida voters better understand the proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution was the primary mission of an interactive web site launched by the Collins Center for Public Policy during last Fall's Presidential Election.
Collins Center - A Leader in Election Reform Florida is a bellwether state for elections. Because of its size, its status as a major source for campaign funds, its politically divided electorate and its history as an electoral battleground, what happens in Florida affects public confidence in elections systems throughout the nation. The Collins Center is Florida's preeminent non-partisan organization with expertise in elections administration and reform.
Encouraging Civic Participation with Former Governor Bob Graham "Democracy Was Never Intended to Be Spectator Sport"
SARASOTA, Fla . . . Asserting that, "We, as citizens, need some surgery and it won't be without pain and discomfort," Bob Graham the former two-term Governor of Florida who also served for 18 years in the United States Senate, urges more involvement in the political process. During a recent speech entitled "Keep it Civil: We CAN All Just Get Along" Graham asserted, "We need a new burst of democracy from citizens," suggesting that "candidates, media, the two political parties are co-conspirators in the degradation of our democracy”
A major land purchase by the South Florida Water Management District in Florida's Lake Okeechobee Region will have an important impact on the region's people, towns, jobs, and future economies.
Read or download the Lake Okeechobee Regional Initiative (LORI) brochure
Coalition for Smart Justice
A State-wide conversation to explore better ways to achieve a safer, more just, and more effective criminal justice system.
An Open Letter to the Governor, Legislature and to the People of Florida
Sustainable Florida - Collins Center
Sustainable Florida - Collins Center is the premier statewide organization committed to the balance of economic interests with the need to be socially and environmentally responsible.
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