Policy Policy The Partnership for Public Service advocates for and supports initiatives to modernize federal management laws, policies and practices in the executive branch and Congress. We provide Congress, executive branch leaders, and the public with information, data, resources and policy recommendations to improve the operations and management of the executive branch and to support and strengthen the federal civil service. Our Vision for a Better Government We all encounter the federal government many times a day, often without even knowing it. It’s the federal government that protects our food and water supply, ensures planes reach their destinations safely, responds to natural disasters and more. Yet too many people believe our government is wasteful, lacking in transparency and accountability, and indifferent to public needs. Changing public perceptions of government requires constructive solutions and a dedication to changing the status quo so government works—for all of us, regardless of political beliefs. A nonpartisan, professional federal workforce and well-managed agencies are fundamental to this vision. Based on more than 20 years of expertise in government reform, the Partnership has homed in on the five most important priorities to improve how our government serves the people. This agenda should be the starting point for any discussion about improving our government’s ability to better serve the public. Read our recommendations Read the summary 1. Develop better government leaders.Read the overview document. 2. Make it easier to hire and keep great public servants.Read the overview document. 3. Hold poor performers accountable.Read the overview document. 4. Make better use of AI, technology and data.Read the overview document. 5. Provide efficient, customer-friendly service.Read the overview document. Our Policy Recommendations Through the Years Roadmap for Renewing our Federal Government In 2021, we released a reform agenda focused on four key issues: improving federal leadership, supporting the federal workforce, promoting innovation, modernizing technology and accelerating collaboration across government and across sectors. Read more SES Joint Policy Agenda In 2018, the Partnership, the Volcker Alliance and the Senior Executives Association released a policy agenda focused on strengthening the Senior Executive Service so that leaders can better meet the challenges faced by our government. Read more Renewing America’s Civil Service In 2018, the Partnership and the Volcker Alliance released this set of recommendations to press for an overhaul of the outdated federal civil service system. Read more Latest Resources Recent Congressional Testimony Jenny Mattingley’s statement for the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing “Ensuring a Trustworthy Government” On September 17, 2024 the Partnership’s Vice President of Government Affairs Jenny Mattingley testified before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing entitled “Ensuring… September 17, 2024 The Partnership for Public Service’s Vision for a Better Government Based on more than 20 years of expertise in government reform, the Partnership for Public Service has homed in on the five most important priorities… August 14, 2024 Jenny Mattingley’s statement for the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration hearing “Senate Procedures to Confirm Nominees” On July 30, 2024 the Partnership’s Vice President of Government Affairs Jenny Mattingley testified before the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration hearing entitled “Senate… August 02, 2024 Persistently Vacant: Critical federal leadership positions go unfilled for years July 10, 2024 Layered Leadership: Examining How Political Appointments Stack Up at Federal Agencies New data from the Center for Presidential Transition® shows that when there are multiple levels of political appointments requiring Senate confirmation that report to one… February 22, 2024 View all testimonies On the Blog Thumbnail for The government shutdown is now the longest ever—and the public is paying the price The government shutdown is now the longest ever—and the public is paying the price November 05, 2025 Thumbnail for Understanding the status of federal employees as the government shutdown continues Understanding the status of federal employees as the government shutdown continues October 30, 2025 Thumbnail for Reductions in force during the government shutdown Reductions in force during the government shutdown October 29, 2025 Thumbnail for The impact of the government shutdown on travel, business and benefits The impact of the government shutdown on travel, business and benefits October 27, 2025 Thumbnail for What federal employees should know about retroactive pay after a government shutdown What federal employees should know about retroactive pay after a government shutdown October 23, 2025 View more blogs
