Partnership for Public Service launches new government reform initiative ahead of 250th anniversary of nation’s founding

November 14, 2025

WASHINGTON – The nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service today launched Government for a New Era, a comprehensive reform initiative to make government more effective, responsive and accountable to the American people. 

This initiative consists of three components: building connections among cross-partisan, cross-functional and cross-sector efforts working to improve government; involving and engaging the public in shaping the future of government; and developing bold solutions that will transform government and boost state capacity. 

“Small tweaks will not be enough to address the many challenges, both longstanding and emerging, that make our government less effective and responsive than it should be,” said Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service. “We need to think and act boldly.” 

Government for a New Era will initially focus on four key policy areas for government reform: leadership, hiring, performance management and accountability, and technology. These systems form the foundation of an effective government that is better able to deliver services, regardless of changing political and policy priorities. 

“When the founders signed the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago and began shaping what would become America’s federal government, they could not have anticipated a fraction of the challenges modern government faces,” Stier said. “We cannot prepare for the future with a government designed for the past.” 

This new initiative builds on and is informed by the Partnership’s nearly 25 years of work with federal leaders and employees, good government groups and policymakers across multiple administrations to create a better government and a stronger democracy. Since its founding, the Partnership has successfully championed dozens of government reforms on topics ranging from presidential transitions to federal hiring and workforce management. 

The Partnership invites organizations and individuals to join in this new effort. More information on this initiative and how to engage in it is available on the newly launched Government for a New Era website. 

During the past 24 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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