Intergovernmental Affairs

The Intergovernmental Affairs Office (IGA) provides international services to state, county, and city officials. IGA devotes much of its efforts to the "Big Seven" national organizations representing state and locally elected officials which include the National Governors Association, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the National Conference of State Legislatures. The office reaches out to national organizations representing minority elected officials. It arranges briefings and provides information on foreign policy issues, international markets, exchange programs, and sister city relationships. It also assists governors, mayors and legislators with official trips abroad and with welcoming visiting foreign dignitaries or receiving foreign economic development trade missions to the United States. The office coordinates meetings with Department experts for local elected officials and contacts U.S. embassies to facilitate travel.