Public management & finance

This field looks at the effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of government management and leadership, providing valuable insights into making government work better for everyone. Notable areas of the School of Public Affairs faculty expertise include local government, budget and finance, disaster and emergency management, healthy and sustainable communities, and social equity and representation in government. Our alumni serve in government positions across Colorado, the nation, and the world.


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Alumni stories

Our School of Public Affairs alumni make a huge impact in Colorado and beyond! Read their stories.


  • Greg LeBlanc

    Six Questions for SPA Alum Greg LeBlanc, Assistant Town Manager of Snowmass Village

    Jul 7, 2023
    Greg LeBlanc joined the Town of Snowmass Village in March of 2022 after serving for five years with the City of Grand Junction, Colorado. Prior positions include serving Boulder County, Colorado and the City and County of Denver. He holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental biology (Ecology) from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado Denver.
    Full story
  • Melinda Pollack 2 (1) (1)

    Six Questions for SPA Alum Melinda Pollack, Managing Director at Blue Meridian Partners

    Jun 23, 2023
    Melinda Pollack, Managing Director at Blue Meridian Partners, provides strategic and executional leadership on critical business priorities and leads innovation efforts which will expand Blue Meridian’s work as it evolves. She explores new philanthropic investment opportunities, leads due diligence on potential Blue Meridian investees, and manages relationships with current investees, with a focus on Place Matters. Melinda earned a BA at George Washington University and an MPA from the University of Colorado, Denver.
    Full story
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    MPA alumni Bookman and Butler share experiences of leading COVID responses in Colorado

    Sep 11, 2020 by Joan Fishburn
    At both the local and state level, School of Public Affairs alumni have been instrumental in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Scott Bookman (MPA '15), Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment incident commander for COVID-19, and Geoff Butler (MPA '19), Battalion Chief, Poudre Valley Fire Authority, recently took some time to answer questions about their current roles addressing COVID-19 and how they have grown as leaders dealing with the challenges posed by the pandemic.
    Full story
  • DCLF Alumni Spotlight: Renzo Amaya

    Aug 4, 2020 by Guest Contributor
    Renzo Amaya, Health Navigation Workforce Specialist, Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, shares his experiences of participating in the School of Public Affairs Denver Community Leadership Forum.
    Full story


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Latest news on public management & finance

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    CU Denver’s School of Public Affairs: For 50 Years, a Place to Lead, Solve, and ChangeOpens in a new window

    Feb 28, 2023
    This year, as CU Denver celebrates its own golden anniversary, SPA is also celebrating 50 years of education, research, and outreach that helps cities and communities operate better and more equitably.
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    What is the Difference between Public Policy and Public Administration?Opens in a new window

    Feb 28, 2023
    Look around you: From roads that link neighborhoods to city governments that introduce recycling programs, to people that raise funds to build playgrounds and concert venues, our world is shaped by civics and public affairs. And students who are interested in a career in these sectors can make big impacts in their communities. At CU Denver, students can choose an educational path that focuses on public administration or public affairs—but how do these degree choices differ?
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    Six Questions for Denver City Council Member Chris HerndonOpens in a new window

    Feb 21, 2023
    For Aaron Franz, a CU Denver student and veteran, the future is always on his mind. That’s why he decided to meet with CU Denver’s February Alumni Resident: Denver City Council Member Chris Herndon MPA ’13. As an International Studies major hoping to pursue a career in public administration, Franz had the opportunity to talk with Herndon about transitioning to being a civilian after serving, higher education later in life, and future career goals.
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    Six Questions for SPA Alum Katy Anthes, Colorado Education CommissionerOpens in a new window

    Jan 31, 2023
    Imagine if your day job involved stewarding a public education system with nearly 900,000 students and 178 districts? That’s the reality for Katy Anthes MPA ’01, PhD ’07 Colorado’s Commissioner of Education and two-time graduate of CU Denver’s School of Public Affairs (SPA). A self-described “education policy wonk,” Anthes earned a master’s and a doctoral degree from SPA and taught statistics and public administration as an adjunct faculty member. These experiences laid the groundwork for her current role leading education policy on a statewide level.
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  • Economic Development Class Strengthens San Luis Valley Communities throughout the years

    Nov 16, 2022
    Since 2017, students in Randy Harrison’s ‘Economic Development’ class (PUAD 5630) have had the opportunity to engage with Colorado communities in an experience unlike any felt in a typical classroom. Through its partnership with Downtown Colorado, Inc., this SPA course allows students to become project coordinators in a process known as the Colorado Challenge Program; here, students connect with community members and experts in the field to establish a plan of work to engage public, private, and non-profit partners in addressing a significant community challenge over the course of their semester. Through their partnership, SPA students and DCI have connected with and created initiatives for almost 30 Colorado communities.
    Full story
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    Five Questions for Michael Penny

    Oct 18, 2022 by Joan Fishburn
    For more than three decades, Michael Penny (MPA '97) has exemplified the ideals of leadership, collaboration, partnership, and teamwork as the administrative manager for both large and small municipalities across Colorado. His passion and dedication to building robust communities that address the critical needs of citizens, businesses, and industry are evidenced by the strong footprint Michael has left in each community he has touched.
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    University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs to Host 2022 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders

    Jan 26, 2022 by Toula Wellbrook
    CU Denver is proud to announce its selection as an Institute Partner for the 2022 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. Beginning in mid-June, the CU Denver School of Public Affairs will host 25 of Africa’s bright, emerging Public Management leaders for a six-week Leadership Institute, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
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    CU Denver School of Public Affairs to launch Master of Public Policy in Fall 2022

    Nov 10, 2021 by Toula Wellbrook
    In its November meeting, the CU Board of Regents approved a new Master of Public Policy (MPP) program to be offered by the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs beginning with the fall 2022 semester.
    Full story
  • Showing 1 - 8 of 37 results


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    Economic development class forges connections in Old Colorado City

    Sep 21, 2020 by Guest Contributor
    Since 2017, students in Randy Harrison’s Economic Development class (PUAD 5630) have had the opportunity to engage with Colorado communities in an experience unlike any felt in a typical classroom. Through its partnership with Downtown Colorado, Inc., this CU Denver School of Public Affairs (SPA) course allows students to become project coordinators in a process known as the Colorado Challenge Program. Students connect with community members and experts in the field to establish a plan of work to engage public, private, and non-profit partners in addressing a significant community challenge over the course of their semester. Through their partnership, SPA students and DCI have connected with and created initiatives for almost 30 Colorado communities.
    Full story