In honor of the America 250 celebration, Local Gov 250 and the National Academy of Public Administration are excited to announce a call for submissions to recognize and celebrate the exceptional individuals, from all levels of government, who make a significant impact in their work in cities, counties, regional councils, states and the Federal Government. We invite you to submit proposals for people currently working (or recently retired) in government who exemplify “democracy at the doorstep” through dedication, innovation, and the highest sense of public service. Your submissions will help us shine the spotlight on the unsung heroes who are making positive changes across America.
This forward-looking effort will explore how the field of public administration must evolve to meet the complex challenges of the next 250 years. The Academy will bring together leading voices in governance, public administration, and foresight. Through keynotes, scenario-building, and collaborative design sessions, participants will begin co-creating a shared vision for the future of Public Service grounded in the nation’s founding principles of good Government.
This work will culminate in a convening in September 2026, where participants will finalize and launch a comprehensive roadmap for the field’s continued relevance, adaptability, and impact.
The National Academy of Public Administration and the Bridge Alliance have joined together to launch a landmark initiative dedicated to strengthening American democracy and public service. This partnership brings together the Academy’s distinguished Fellows and the Bridge Alliance’s dynamic, cross-sector network to build a leadership infrastructure for the future of our republic.
Fellows’ Challenge—Solutions for Advancing American Democracy and Public Service
We invite thought leaders and practitioners to contribute actionable solutions that advance democracy and public service through a request for proposals.
This culminating celebration will serve as the ceremonial centerpiece of Celebrating the American Public Servant partnership and a national stage to honor the people who make our Government work through their exemplary Public Service. The Celebrating the American Public Servant 250 Gala & National Awards Celebration will take place in Washington, DC, in June 2026, during the peak of America’s Semi-quincentennial commemorations. Attendees will include leaders from all levels of Government, emerging Public Servants, and civic partners who share a commitment to strengthening democracy through service.
Watch this space for more details!
Celebrating the American Public Servant will serve as a unifying brand for the Academy’s curated signature initiatives, aligning them under a shared goal of honoring and humanizing Public Service. These ongoing programs will be infused with new messaging, storytelling, and public-facing engagement, including:
An ongoing video and storytelling campaign featuring real Public Servants reflecting on why they chose service. This campaign will expand to include new voices, feature...
A national civic dialogue series exploring trust in Government, Public Service leadership, and the future of public administration. Celebrating the American Public Servant will bring...
Recognizing lifetime achievement and outstanding contributions to public administration. The 2026 award cycle will be part of Celebrating the American Public Servant narrative, connecting past...
Co-sponsored by the Academy, this prestigious honor recognizes exemplary Public Servants. In 2026, awardees will be featured as Celebrating the American Public Servant honorees and...