Our Story
Founded by Dr. Kathleen Yang-Clayton in 2023, The Center for Equity, Effectiveness and Efficiency (C3E) is a pioneering force in public sector transformation, dedicated to embedding equity as a foundational principle of governance. C3E reimagines what learning and organizational transformation could look like for leaders and staff in the institutions that directly impact the lives of the communities we care for the most.
Since its inception, the center has helped local government leaders drive meaningful change. Traditional training raised awareness but failed to address deeper systemic barriers to equity. Forward-thinking leaders sought more than quick fixes—they needed a clear roadmap for lasting transformation. In response, we developed a research-based approach to help them create real, sustainable change.
Our Values
At C3E our mission is rooted in the belief that equitable, effective and efficient governance is essential to building strong, resilient, and inclusive communities. Our values reflect this commitment:
Equity: is our ongoing commitment to identifying and eradicating systemic inequities by continuously assessing policies, programs, and practices to ensure they meet the needs of those most impacted.
Integrity is the cornerstone of everything we do. We are committed to honesty, transparency and ethical conduct in all our actions. Our integrity ensures that we build lasting relationships based on mutual respect and trust.
Abundance: We believe in a culture of abundance, where resources, opportunities and potential are limitless when shared. We operate from the belief that collaboration, generosity, and creative thinking can unlock new possibilities for growth, innovation, and impact. Through this lens, we approach our work with optimism, ensuring that we give generously, invest in relationships, and uplift all those we serve.
Trust is the foundation of our relationships and the key to our success. We cultivate trust by being transparent, reliable, and consistent in all interactions with our employees, partners and donors and the communities we serve.
Innovation: We embrace forward-thinking approaches to governance. By promoting innovation, technology, and creativity, we help local governments adapt to changing circumstances and address emerging challenges.
Mission
At C3E, we believe strong, resilient communities start with equitable, effective, and efficient governance—our mission is to empower state and local leaders to drive lasting change through organizational transformation and performance improvements that serve everyone.
Vision
We envision public institutions that strengthen democracy by earning trust, embracing inclusivity, and evolving to serve every resident, today and for generations to come.