April 12, 2007 – On April 10 at the Utah City Managers Association (UCMA) annual conference, University of Utah Master of Public Administration (MPA) students competed in and won the second annual competition for the Utah City Manager’s Cup.

Beating out BYU for the second consecutive year, student teams analyzed a real life case study that occurred in Orem this past year. The question before the Orem City Council was whether Orem should create a new school district, separate from their current home in Alpine School District.

The student teams proposed solutions which they had to defend before a panel of judges and an audience of professional administrators and sponsors. The competition concluded with an audience question-and-answer session.

“We”re thrilled with the results and proud of our student team,” says Rick Green, director of the U’s MPA Program. “The competition was tough and BYU”s presentation was equally strong. In the end, the U of U team’s ability to respond to questions and analyze all factors contributed to the judges” decision.”

Congratulations go to University of Utah’s MPA team members: Jennifer Johnson, Rich Oborn, Brett Neumann, Craig Nielson and Erick Allen.

The University of Utah’s MPA program is administered by the Center for Public Policy and Administration (CPPA) under the College of Social and Behavioral Science.

The UCMA holds the annual competition to help foster excellence in the two MPA programs, particularly in those interested in local government careers. The UCMA consists of city administrative officials from all over Utah.