"The Public Policy Institute of Marion County, Inc. is built on the traditional democratic principle that citizen involvement and participation is fundamental to a healthy community. It is the concerned citizens of Marion County who can best solve the problems we face. The PPI is designed to provide an opportunity for citizens to come together and address concerns in a rational, thoughtful manner."

The Public Policy Institute of Marion County, Inc., (PPI) is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, non-partisan organization established in 1999 to provide a careful analysis of the issues and trends that shape and affect public policy in Marion County. Housed at the College of Central Florida, the Institute is dedicated to advancing the public interest and improving quality of life by providing an opportunity for local citizens to come together in a structured and thoughtful manner to address recognized local concerns. To this end, the PPI Board of Directors, with the help of local leaders and decision makers, annually selects a timely study issue. Over the ensuing 4-6 month period a non-partisan study committee of interested citizens carefully and thoughtfully researched the study topic. Recommendations identified by the study committee during the process are brought to the public upon the completion of the project.