UMKC - The Bloch School

Bloch

 Welcome to the L.P. Cookingham Institute of Urban Affairs

The L.P. Cookingham Institute promotes community building and development as a means to contribute to urban area revitalization through scholarship, practice and community engagement. The Institute is part of the Department of Public Affairs at UMKC’s Bloch School of Business and Public Administration. The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree offered by the Bloch School is one of the oldest  public administration degree programs in the country and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).

Cookingham Institute of Urban Affairs Goals:

• Engage students in applied, interdisciplinary research to work with government, business, and nonprofits to achieve this mission.
• Conduct research on urban public policy issues related to community building and development that will inform decision leaders in the KC metro area.
• Collaborate with other UMKC faculty, staff, and students to promote our community building and development interests through contracts, research, student projects, and other mechanisms of civic and community engagement.
• Partner with national organizations to bring the best and most cutting edge practices to Kansas City for the benefit of research, student engagement, and community enhancement.
• Contribute to community dialogue through Institute grants, contracts, and other means to undertake research, provide field experiences for students, hold community forums and workshops, and bring in national speakers and organizations to contribute to the issue conversations in Kansas City.

As you explore our web site, think about the possibilities for your professional growth and development. Let us help make the next stage of your career a reality. If you have any questions, contact our department by emailing  blochmpa@umkc.edu.