IRG’s Work Bridging the Political Divide and Digging into the Impact of the Immigration Crisis in Wisconsin Named as Finalists for National Awards
State Policy Network Recognizes IRG as a finalist for the Bob Williams Award for Most Influential Research and Innovation in Marketing
Delafield, Wis. – The State Policy Network (SPN) nominated the Institute for Reforming Government (IRG) as a finalist for two national awards among state-based think tanks. Winners will be announced at SPN’s Annual Meeting in August after voting takes place from June 30-July 10 on SPN’s website.
Finalist for Innovation in Marketing Award:
IRG’s Civil Society Summit: Bridging Wisconsin’s Divides on Education and Opportunity told the story of what’s still possible in a divided America—when people stop shouting and start listening. In post-election Wisconsin, IRG brought together Black Harris voters from Milwaukee and white Trump voters from rural Wisconsin for a four-hour discussion. Rather than arguing over politics, they found common ground on education, opportunity, and values. Two participants penned an oped in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel detailing their experience finding common ground.
Finalist for the Bob Williams Award for Most Influential Research:
IRG’s report, Immigration Crisis in Wisconsin, detailed Whitewater, Wisconsin’s immigration crisis. IRG obtained over 400 records that suggested significant strain on local resources in the City of Whitewater after the arrival of over 1,000 migrants from Central America. IRG’s Jake Curtis was invited to testify in front of Congress on his research from the report.
THE QUOTE:
“These two projects showcase what IRG is all about – bringing people together to solve problems, and holding government accountable when it fails families and communities,” said CJ Szafir, CEO of IRG. “In a divided state like Wisconsin, it’s essential to reach across partisan lines to solve real issues. I’m proud that our peers across the country see the impact of our work and the promise it holds for a stronger future.”
VOTING:
Only those attending the State Policy Network Annual Meeting in August are eligible to vote for the winner this year. Voting is open until 11:59 EST July 10, 2025. Anyone registered to attend can learn more about the finalists and cast your vote at:
Communications Excellence Awards
PAST IRG NOMINATIONS:
2022
Bob Williams Award for Best Issue Campaign: Wisconsin Should Eliminate the Income Tax
Communications Bold Brand Boost Award: Leading a Public Relations Campaign to Drive State Tax Reform
2023
WON: Communications Bold Brand Boost Award: Promoting Accountability and Transparency with Launch of Center for Investigative Oversight
2025
Bob Williams Award for Most Influential Research: Immigration Crisis in Wisconsin
Communications Innovation in Marketing Award: Civil Society Summit: Bridging Wisconsin’s Divides on Education and Opportunity