Grand Challenges in Public Administration: Annual Meeting 2018

In November 2018, the National Academy of Public Administration held its Annual Meeting. Since 1967, our congressionally chartered non-partisan non-profit Academy has provided expert advice to government leaders in building and managing more effective, efficient, accountable, and transparent organizations. Our national network of over 900 Fellows includes former cabinet officers, Members of Congress, governors, mayors, and state legislators, as well as prominent scholars, business executives, and public administrators.

The 2018 meeting featured an all-star cast of keynote speakers and insightful discussions to address the topic of "Grand Challenges in Public Administration." KPMG worked with the Academy to highlight key findings and takeaways from this meeting.

Consistent with the meeting's theme, breakout session on specific topics included:

• Predictions on the future of government, including in the areas of artificial intelligence and emergency management
• Importance of building social equity into policy and practice
• Role of women in public administration
• Revitalization of the middle class
• Role of state and local governments in managing elections in the United States
• Reflections on the field of public administration 50 years after the famous Minnowbrook Conference
• Reform of the federal government's civil service system and hiring process