About BILLD

The Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development (BILLD) was conceived and created in response to significant changes in state government. States have grown in importance in the federal system of government. A heightened role in the governance of major public policy programs, along with factors such as high legislative turnover and the impact of term limits, highlights the need for early legislative leadership training. And while expectations and responsibilities of state lawmakers have increased, their opportunities for professional training and continuing education have not.

The Bowhay Institute is the only leadership training program designed exclusively for Midwestern legislators. BILLD helps newer legislators develop the skills necessary to become effective leaders, informed decision-makers, and astute policy analysts. The program offers a unique opportunity for lawmakers to improve their leadership skills and explore the issues of the day with nationally renowned scholars, professional development experts, and legislative leaders and colleagues from across the region.

In its third decade, BILLD continues to be one of the only sources of training designed specifically for legislators early on in their legislative careers. The Institute offers newer legislators the opportunity for advanced instruction to develop their leadership skills and to effectively manage the issues in a time of growing challenges in state government. By helping them refine their policy analysis skills and heighten their leadership skills, BILLD teaches legislators to ask the right questions and to critically examine the answers they receive. The Bowhay Institute offers training to help ensure that future legislative leaders are prepared to meet the challenges they will face.