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. 2. Make it easier to hire and keep great public servants.Read the overview document. 3. Hold poor performers accountable. 4. Make better use of AI, technology and data. 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, Volcker Alliance and 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 a Trustworthy Government: Examining the National Security Risks of Replacing Nonpartisan Civil Servants with Political Appointees.” September 17, 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 Procedures to Confirm Nominees” August 02, 2024 Max Stier’s statement for the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability hearing “Toward an AI-Ready Workforce” On January 17, 2024 the Partnership’s CEO and President Max Stier submitted a statement for the record in connection with the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability’s hearing “Toward an AI-Ready Workforce.” January 17, 2024 Max Stier’s public comments on OPM’s “Recruitment and Relocation Incentive Waivers” proposed rule On January 12, 2024, the Partnership submitted public comments on OPM’s “Recruitment and Relocation Incentive Waivers” proposed rule. January 12, 2024 Max Stier’s Letter for the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Hearing on CX and AI, “Harnessing AI to Improve Government Services and Customer Experience” On January 10, 2024, the Partnership’s President and CEO Max Stier submitted a letter for the record in connection with the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee’s hearing “Harnessing AI to Improve Government Services and Customer Experience. January 11, 2024 View all testimonies On the Blog Thumbnail for Mr. Smith may go to Washington, but he’s not the only one–our 2024 Sammies finalists visited Congress for a day of meetings and conversations Mr. Smith may go to Washington, but he’s not the only one–our 2024 Sammies finalists visited Congress for a day of meetings and conversations June 06, 2024 Thumbnail for 4 tips to stay resilient during a government shutdown 4 tips to stay resilient during a government shutdown January 17, 2024 Thumbnail for A government shutdown would threaten air travel and safety A government shutdown would threaten air travel and safety November 13, 2023 Thumbnail for Why another shutdown would be bad for the US military Why another shutdown would be bad for the US military November 06, 2023 Thumbnail for Shutdown avoided, but new fiscal year brings uncertainty for federal agencies’ funding Shutdown avoided, but new fiscal year brings uncertainty for federal agencies’ funding October 04, 2023 View more blogs