Taubman Center

The Taubman Center for State and Local Government is a prominent research and educational institution within the Harvard Kennedy School. Established to enhance governance at various levels—states, counties, and cities—the center focuses on supporting current and future public sector leaders through a variety of initiatives, programs, and research efforts.

Mission and Objectives

The center's mission is to improve governance by providing resources and support to public sector leaders. This includes:

• Research: Conducting studies that inform policy and practice in state and local governance.
• Teaching: Offering courses and seminars aimed at equipping students with the skills necessary for effective public service.
• Programs: Implementing initiatives such as the Economic Development Seminar and the Government Performance Lab, which engage students directly with real-world governance challenges.156

Leadership

Rafael Carbonell serves as the Executive Director of the Taubman Center. He has been instrumental in advancing its mission since August 2017, focusing on economic development and facilitating transitions for newly elected officials.2 The center also features a team dedicated to connecting students with opportunities in local government through programs like the Transition Term.4

Facilities

The Taubman Center is housed in the Taubman Building, which was completed in 1990. This facility was named after Adolph Alfred Taubman, a philanthropist whose contributions helped establish the center. The building has undergone renovations to enhance its capabilities for research and education.3

Overall, the Taubman Center plays a crucial role in shaping effective governance practices through its commitment to education, research, and community engagement within the public sector.