What does Good Government look like?
In 2024, with an important federal election around the corner, civil servants face a growing crisis: trust in government has collapsed. People believe they aren’t getting the government that they pay for. They believe the government they are getting to be ineffectual and not responsive to their needs. Regardless of the outcome of future elections, civil servants are facing enormous, looming generational challenges without the support of the public.
If we seek to rebuild trust in government, we must show people what good government looks like, and how effective, accountable civil servants are vitally important to the process of building a trustworthy government at the local, state and federal levels.
For the more than 1,000 fellows of the National Academy of Public Administration, the answer to the question of “What does good government look like?” becomes clear in the example. Our fellows have broad experience in agencies both large and small. They’ve led large cities and small towns; they’ve managed organizations that range in size from a dozen to hundreds of thousands.
The Academy’s fellows and staff believe it’s important to demonstrate what our hardworking civil servants do for the American people every day. To show how they connect with the people they serve and use those connections to build stronger programs. To show how those relationships they build contribute to creating the good, effective government that hardworking taxpayers deserve.
Prior to Election Day, we’re sharing our Fellows' perspectives through videos, podcasts, and a variety of papers, studies, and informational fact sheets that we believe can cut through the noise and help people see the value of good, effective government. To us, the value of an honest, trustworthy, and accountable government is clear.
We hope you’ll take some time to watch and listen to some of these stories and share them with your friends, neighbors, and fellow Americans! Good government is achievable, and we can start the process of rebuilding trust and attaining the government we deserve right now. The first step is seeing good government in action. What does good government look like? Follow us to find out.
Going beyond the forecast with Louis Uccellini, former National Weather Service
Election 2024 Podcasts
One-sheets and Additional Information
Download and review important updated information from our Standing Panels in an easily accessible format to share!
Click here for the Standing Panel on Public Service one-sheet Click here for the Standing Panel on Social Equity in Governance one-sheetOP-ED: How the next administration can make government more effective, restore trust
No matter who wins the next election, the success of their agenda will depend on delivering an effective federal government. But there are plenty of management challenges that can get in the way if the next leaders don’t focus intently on overcoming them. The good news is both campaigns have appointed leaders to plan for and execute a smooth transition. A management improvement plan and an effective strategy for communicating results have got to be on their agenda.
What should that agenda look like? Of the President’s Management Agenda pillars, what should change and what should stay the same?
Read more from this op-ed from Terry Gerton and Srikant Sastri at Federal News Network
The Business Case for Improving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the Public Sector
For Students and Educators: Pioneering Solutions, A Student Grand Challenge Memo Competition
In conjunction with Election 2024, the National Academy of Public Administration is partnering with the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (ASPIA) and the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) to offer a competition that gives students the opportunity to propose solutions to one of the 12 Grand Challenges of Public Administration.
The Academy’s vision is to promote a just, fair, and inclusive government that strengthens communities and protects democracy. Our 12 Grand Challenges in Public Administration offer an agenda for action that can drive solutions that enable good government, build resilient communities, and ensure the protection of democracy.
With this effort, the Academy aims to further our vision and encourage productive conversations that lead to a more efficient, effective, and trusted government by soliciting the input of the next generation of leaders worldwide.
We hope you'll share with students and educators you know! Get more information at the link below!
Pioneering Solutions: Student Grand Challenge Memo Competition