The William D. Ruckelshaus Center builds collaborative capacity by helping individuals and organizations better understand, initiate, and lead collaborative public policy efforts. Increasing collaborative capacity is a vital part of the Center’s vision – a future in which government leaders, policy makers, and community members routinely employ the tools of collaborative decision making to design, conduct, and implement successful public policy processes.
WA-CELI
The Washington Collaborative Elected Leaders Institute (WA-CELI) is an innovative program that provides local elected officials with collaborative leadership skills. Launched in 2024 by the William D. Ruckelshaus Center and the University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy and Governance, WA-CELI serves as a pilot program to reduce polarization and enhance civic engagement. Program participants learn about managing conflict, sustaining relationships, and framing discussions around shared interests. 96% of participants agree that WA-CELI helps them become better leaders.
Project for Civic Health
The Project for Civic Health brings together elected officials and community leaders to promote trust, dialogue, and democracy in the State of Washington. Established by Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, the project allows participants to uncover shared interests and discuss creative solutions to complex public policy challenges. The project is a collaboration between the William D. Ruckelshaus Center, the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, and the University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy and Governance.
University Network for Collaborative Governance
The University Network for Collaborative Governance (UNCG) brings together centers, institutes, and programs that engage in practice, scholarship, and teaching to increase the capacity for collaborative governance in their communities. UNCG promotes the role of universities as neutral forums and resource centers in collaborative governance. As the organization’s secretariat, the Center oversees administration and event planning.
Faculty Ambassador Network
The Faculty Ambassador Network (FAN) provides space for faculty members to learn about collaborative governance. Participating faculty members provide the Center with subject matter expertise in a variety of policy areas, including education, health care, natural resources, and more. All faculty members at the Center’s host universities, Washington State University and the University of Washington, are invited to join.