Intergovernmental Affairs: FAQ's
- Is the Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) a part of the Bureau of Legislative Affairs?
- When should elected officials seeking help on trade missions contact IGA?
- Can IGA secure State Department speakers for events in my community?
- As a state or local official, how can I offer my feedback on U.S. foreign policy decisions?
- I work for an elected official in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Can I call IGA for help?
- How can IGA help my city reach out to the international community?
- How does IGA help elected officials with international travel?
- How does IGA support student exchange programs?
- How can my office start accepting passport applications?
For more information, please contact your IGA regional coordinator directly, or call us at 202-647-5358. You may also email us at paiga@state.gov.
Is the Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) a part of the Bureau of Legislative Affairs?
No, IGA is a division of the Bureau of Public Liaison. We make it easier for state and local officials across the U.S. to reach officers and experts at the Department of State. Our counterparts at the State Department's Bureau of Legislative Affairs work solely with officials on the congressional level.
When should elected officials seeking help on trade missions contact IGA?
The sooner you contact us, the better. We alert U.S. embassies of planned trade missions, arrange briefings and help elected officials with many other needs. Our office also helps answer questions about protocol for American officials hosting international delegations in their cities or states. We can also help coordinate exchange programs with Sister Cities International, Youth Exchange and Study, and Hometown Diplomats.
Can IGA secure State Department speakers for events in my community?
Yes. We will coordinate with other State Department offices to select an appropriate representative to attend your local event. Staffers from our office also represent the Department of State at many regional and national gatherings of state and local officials.
As a state or local official, how can I offer my feedback on U.S. foreign policy decisions?
We encourage local officials to share their comments and questions about the Department of State and U.S. foreign policy. Please contact your IGA regional coordinator.
I work for an elected official in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Can I call IGA for help?
Yes. We work closely with officials and their staffs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and all inhabited U.S. territories.
How can IGA help my city reach out to the international community?
We frequently help cities establish sister city relationships with communities abroad. We also help elected officials organize highly effective trade missions.
How does IGA help elected officials with international travel?
We can arrange briefings on the political and economic climate of the country you are visiting, assist you with visa and passport challenges, answer your questions about etiquette, protocol cultural differences, safety and security - and much more.
How does IGA support student exchange programs?
We can arrange for exchange students to volunteer in your office, working as a page or aide for a one-day assignment, or longer. We also arrange meetings between international exchange students and state and local elected officials.
How can my office start accepting passport applications?
Municipal clerks and many other local officials can be authorized to accept passport applications. You should contact the Department of State's nearest Regional Passport Agency to get started.
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