Media Advisory: Partnership for Public Service Summit To Explore Trust In Government

September 20, 2023

WASHINGTON – The nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service will host its first-ever Trust Summit on, Sept. 27, 2023, with media partner Axios, to explore the current state of public trust in government. 

America is experiencing a crisis in public trust of government and a potential government shutdown does more harm. In the Partnership’s most recent survey, which will be discussed at tomorrow’s summit, an overwhelming 68% of respondents say the threat of a government shutdown decreases their trust in government.  

A lack of trust has serious implications for how the public interacts with our government and how federal agencies respond to the major challenges facing the country—both of which are critical to a healthy and vibrant democracy. 

At the Partnership’s first annual summit, federal agency leaders, including IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, and private sector experts will discuss the current state of public trust in government and the opportunity to rebuild the relationship between government and the public it serves. 

WHO:  Speakers include:

• Danny Werfel, Commissioner, Internal Revenue Service
• Amanda Bennett, Chief executive officer, U.S. Agency for Global Media 
• Richard Coffin, Chief of research and advocacy, USAFacts    
• David Shipley, Editorial page editor, The Washington Post 
• Peter Lattman, Managing director, media, Emerson Collective   
• And more. 

WHAT:  This event is the first annual summit focused on trust in government, driven by the Partnership’s public perception research. According to the Partnership’s recent polling, only 36% of Americans have a favorable view of the federal government, compared with 58% who have an unfavorable view. 

WHERE:  Partnership for Public Service 

600 14th Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20005 

(The event will be livestreamed and available online for virtual participants.) 

WHEN:  Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM ET

To register to attend this event, please email the Partnership’s press secretary, Amanda Farnan, at afarnan@ourpublicservice.org.  

During the past 22 years, the nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service has been dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy. We work across administrations to help transform the way government works by providing agencies with the data insights they need to succeed, developing effective leaders, inspiring the next generation to public service, facilitating smooth presidential transitions and recognizing exceptional federal employees. Visit ourpublicservice.org, follow us @PublicService and subscribe today to get the latest federal news, information on upcoming Partnership programs and events, and more.  

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