ASPA Celebrates Public Service Recognition Week

May 5, 2026, Washington, DC – Today, in celebration of the vital work public servants perform in support of our nation, The American Society of Public Administration (ASPA) issues this statement of support and recognition as part of its Public Service Recognition Week festivities. Further, we call on elected officials at all levels of government and our fellow Americans to demonstrate respect for and support of the public service workforce and join us in recognizing their efforts.

At no other time in our nation’s history has the civil service experienced such instability and turmoil as it has for the past 16 months. Yet despite the attacks, disparagement, fear-mongering, widespread terminations and more, millions of employees and contractors continue to show up every day to serve their communities and constituents with distinction and honor.

Since the federal civil service was formed in the 1880s, it has been the mainstay of our nation’s ability to administer its laws and regulations with fairness, efficiency and expertise. From the moment the spoils system collapsed and the merit system took hold, those in government service have made it their mission to perform their tasks with wisdom and expertise, ensuring the services and programs on which our nation’s citizenry relies for their safety and security not only function well but also improve our quality of life and wellbeing. That esprit de corps is as strong today as it was 150 years ago and will continue well into the future. Public Service Recognition Week celebrates that spirit and motivation.

“On behalf of ASPA and our 15,000 members serving at all levels of government, I am so pleased to honor our nation’s public servants,” said ASPA Executive Director and CEO Bill Shields. “It can not be stated enough that those in service to our country have been operating at high levels of stress for months, if not years. Public Service Recognition Week is an annual tradition providing a special opportunity to show our support for them as fellow human beings. I hope this year those of us in positions to do so will take extra steps to show how grateful we are for their work and tenacity.”

As the nation’s premier member society representing public administrators at all levels of government, ASPA stands in solidarity with all public servants. We are proud of your work and celebrate your achievements—this week and all year long.

ASPA is the leading interdisciplinary public service organization that advances the art, science, teaching and practice of public and nonprofit administration.