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December 10, 2025
ASPANet.org | PA TIMES.org | Make Your End-of-Year Donation
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2026 Annual Conference Early-Bird Rates Expire Friday
ASPA is excited to welcome everyone to Hollywood, March 20-24.
Registration is open; current early-bird rates expire this Friday, December 12, 2025 and will not be extended.
Rates* are as follows:
- Early-Bird Members: $449
- Students/New Professional Members: $279
- Early-Bird Two-Day Member Admittance: $329
- Early-Bird Nonmembers: $559
- Early-Bird Two-Day Nonmember Admittance: $439
A full schedule of rates and programs and a link to register is online here.
This five-day event will include:
- Four plenary lectures
- Nine presidential panels
- Opening Reception
- International Assembly
- Multiple university and Section receptions
- Student and New Professional Summit
- More than 150 concurrent sessions
- Gloria Hobson Nordin Social Equity Luncheon
- SWPA National Awards Breakfast
- 10 Section symposia and a poster session
ASPA's Annual Conference is public administration's largest gathering of the year and the 2026 event will carry on this tradition. We're looking forward to bringing together as many people as possible for five days to focus on resilience and renewal. This year's conference will help us all begin building the bridge we need to take us from today's environment to what comes next. We can do "it" better. It is up to us to figure out how. It is up to us to share our knowledge, build our networks and be ready to help our communities, our workforce and our teams be more efficient, effective, economical, ethical and equitable. In short: Be resilient. We are living in a time of change and uncertainty; now is the time to plan for renewal.
Hotel rooms are available via our host hotel, the Loews Hollywood. Book online now; reservations are first come, first served.
Remember: Register by Friday, December 12 at 11:59 p.m. ET, while these early-bird rates are available—we will not be extending this deadline. We are excited to see everyone in Hollywood!
*ASPA registration rates do not include extra fees that apply for special events. Individual registrants may pay increased rates to add programming to their registration.
Election Ballots Available Now
Voting in ASPA's 2025-2026 election is open. Through Monday, December 22 at 11:59 p.m. EST, you will have the opportunity to vote for the individuals whom you believe should serve in ASPA's leadership.
This year, the following positions are open for election:
- District Representative (for Districts I, II, III, IV, and V), who will serve a three-year term representing their electoral District within the United States.
- International Director, who will serve a three-year term representing members outside the United States.
- Student Representative, who will serve a one-year term representing both Student and New Professional members of ASPA.
Click here to learn more about the candidates running for office.
You will need your ASPA login information to vote. Please contact TJ Riggs at [email protected] for assistance. (Need a paper ballot mailed to you? Please contact TJ for assistance.)
This is your opportunity to engage in ASPA's democratic process and choose who will represent your priorities and interests on the National Council and beyond. Vote by Monday, December 22!
E-Learning at Your Fingertips
ASPA staff work tirelessly to keep your skills up to date and the information flowing all year long through our e-learning program. Visit our website to see more details about upcoming KeepingCurrent, BookTalk and Student and New Professional series programming.
KeepingCurrent: FormerGov.com: Introducing Former Government Professionals to Opportunity
December 11 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET
Speakers:
Brian Levine, CEO, FormerGov.com
This webinar will introduce attendees to FormerGov, the first directory designed specifically for former government and military professionals. Participants will learn how the platform works, how to build and optimize their profile, and how FormerGov can help increase visibility, expand networks and support career advancement. Attendees will learn what FormerGov is and how to join (including free and discounted options); how to use FormerGov to enhance your professional visibility and advance your career; and best practices for optimizing your FormerGov profile so you can be easily found and selected by employers, recruiters and other searchers.
KeepingCurrent: ASPA and CAP: Current Performance Management Challenges in the Field
December 16 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET
In partnership with ASPA's Center for Accountability and Performance
More details coming soon!
From the Archives
KeepingCurrent: The Power of Performance Audits
While some efforts in the world of performance management can be little more than paperwork exercises, the significant role of performance audits cannot be overemphasized. They are mainstays of government accountability and when their job is done well, it can enhance trust on the part of residents who can see that there's someone out there whose role is to make certain that public dollars are being spent wisely and well. This webinar, featuring representation from cities, counties and states, provided honest insights into this world. (Members only)
Students and New Professionals: Preparing for Success: Interview Strategies in the AI Era
This workshop explored proven strategies for presenting yourself effectively in interviews, from preparation and research to professional presence and follow-up. Participants also learned how to leverage AI tools to refine resumes, practice role-playing and gain confidence before interview day. (Members only)
Project 2025 Implemented: A Five-Part Series
Project 2025. Dominating news headlines for more than a year, it has been at the center of heated political debate and public scrutiny. As we see this policy blueprint rolled out in real time and at breakneck speed, a real focus on its implementation and administration has been overlooked. Until now.
ASPA is hosting Project 2025 Implemented, a five-part series examining how the Trump administration has—or has not—implemented Project 2025. Focusing on good governance themes like professionalism, accountability, ethics and equity, speakers will discuss what we've seen so far, what we can expect moving forward and what lies ahead for public administration impacts and outcomes.
More details are as follows and on our website. These webinars are free and open to all participants (ASPA member or not); recordings are being posted to our website after each episode takes place. We hope you will join us for one of the upcoming programs.
Ethics under Pressure: Project 2025 and Public Integrity
January 29 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET
Part four of our Project 2025 series focuses on a critical and timely topic: the importance of ethics and accountability frameworks in the federal government. This discussion will examine how structural and personnel changes place additional strain on long-standing ethical norms and administrative responsibilities. We will discuss the many ramifications of these challenges and provide context, analysis and potential pathways for preserving ethical governance in a shifting political environment. Join us for this discussion on safeguarding integrity and responsibility in public service.
Social Equity in the Crosshairs: Examining the Equity Consequences of Federal Policy Reform
February 12 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET
Our final episode in this series examines the potential impacts of proposed reforms on historically underserved and marginalized communities. This webinar will explore how structural and ideological shifts in federal and state governance will reshape the landscape of equity-focused public service, with attention to the potential rollback or elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across federal agencies and service delivery; specific risks to equity in education, housing, health care and other essential services; and the role of public administrators and civil servants in protecting equitable access amid political and institutional pressure.
In a Year of Uncertainty, ASPA Stood with the Federal Workforce...
Help us continue the work.
2025 has been a defining year for the federal workforce. As the new administration continues to issue policy changes, restructuring proposals and personnel directives, millions of public servants are navigating profound uncertainty. ASPA has worked to ensure they do not face these challenges alone. As we look to 2026, please consider ASPA in your year-end giving.
Throughout the year, ASPA prioritized timely and accessible information to our members.
- Our twice-weekly Federal Workforce in Turmoil digest has become a trusted source for federal employees and those seeking clarity amid the chaos. One member recently shared, "These are exceptionally helpful. They have helped me understand what is going on at the federal level." We hear this often, and it reinforces why this work is essential.
- We expanded our monitoring and analysis of this fast moving landscape, focusing on what it means to our members and the public at large. Project 2025 Implemented, a five-part online series (discussed above in greater detail), features leading experts who discuss what we've seen so far, what we can expect moving forward, and what lies ahead for public administration. The series will continue into 2026.
- Through the work of our leadership and the ASPA President's Committee on the Federal Service, ASPA has provided its voice to the public discourse on such critical issues as the public service pipeline, the impact of rescissions on public services and why the merit system is as important today as ever.
Members tell us that ASPA's resources help them stay informed at a moment when misinformation and uncertainty are widespread. Our role as a steady, credible voice has never been more important.
This work must continue. And, it depends on your generosity.
As you consider your year-end giving, please support ASPA's federal workforce resources and our broader mission to support public servants. Your gift allows us to provide reliable information when our community needs it most.
Please click on the link below to make your 2025 year-end donation today.
New Member Orientation Recording Available
ASPA held a new member orientation earlier this week; the recording is available on our website for those who missed it. This hour-long tutorial included:
- A brief history of ASPA and a look at who our members are and where you fit into the mix
- The member-exclusive resources you can access at any time
- An overview of the ASPA website so you know where everything lives
- Ways to network and get involved throughout the organization
- Chapter and Section highlights
- Webinars, awards and student programming
Access the recording any time. We will hold our next live orientation in mid-2026.
Have membership questions that we don't address? Email or call us any time and we'll be happy to help!
A New Member Opportunity: Communities of Interest
ASPA's National Council recently voted to establish "communities of interest" as a new way for members to affiliate with each other across a range of topics and interest areas.
ASPA has had Chapters and Sections for decades, which have ebbed and flowed in popularity and activity level. In adding communities of interest to this mix of options, the National Council recognizes that not all Sections are able to organize fully and stay active in ways required by ASPA's policies and procedures. This new option enables small groups of ASPA members to create and disestablish themselves as interest rises and falls.
The biggest difference between Sections and communities of interest will be the very limited staff support communities will receive: no rebates (money to spend), no staff assistance and limited web presence. This also means communities do not have requirements to fulfill, governance elements to maintain or member marketing to support.
Those who are interested in starting a community can read ASPA's policies to learn more and contact staff with any questions.
Boost Your Brand with ASPA!
Did you know: ASPA hosts advertising opportunities all year long? From a single website placement to a long-term ad in one of our newsletters (like this one!) to targeted email sends, there are so many opportunities to use ASPA's media to promote your brand.
In fact, this newsletter is one of our best placements! Sent to more than 15,000 people and receiving a 45 percent open rate, this is an excellent place for your brand to shine. Placements are available for future months—we'd love to feature your brand!
Additional options include:
- PA TIMES Online Email and Website
- Distributed via email to 12,000 people per edition with a 37 percent open rate
- 85 percent of website viewers are new
- Email and web placement: $2,150 per month
- Purchase this pair for six months: $10,000
- ASPA’s Website, www.aspanet.org
- Accessed by 30,000 unique viewers per month
- 82 percent of viewers are new
- Side navigation placement: $2,290 per month
- Purchase this for six months: $12,000
- Targeted Email Blasts
- Sent to your desired demographic
- You provide the art, we send out to our list!
- $1 per address
We're happy to help you with customized packages as well—targeted to your specific goals, to get you in front of the people you care about the most.
Placements are available for all of these resources in the coming months. Reach out now and get your brand in front of ASPA's members and beyond!
Becoming a 2026 All-America City
Each year, the National Civic League honors 10 outstanding communities with the All-America City Award, celebrating excellence in local innovation, civic engagement and cross-sector collaboration. This prestigious award highlights the remarkable potential within communities to address critical issues and drive meaningful change when residents, businesses and nonprofit and government leaders work in concert. As the nation marks 250 years since its founding, we reflect on the ongoing journey to fulfill the promise of a government by, for and of the people. The 2026 All-America City Award will recognize communities that are bringing these founding ideals to life by ensuring that the power to shape the future resides with the people. The award will spotlight communities across the country that are creatively engaging residents in collective efforts to create thriving and welcoming places where trust and belonging are abundant. Optional letters of intent are due by January 5, 2026; applications are due by February 26. Click here for more information.
New Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education Program: Leading People, Building Teams
Are you or your employees new to management roles? "Leading People, Building Teams" participants will build the skills and confidence needed to effectively lead individuals and productive teams—strengthening their organization's capacity to nurture and retain talent. Program chair Nathalie Laidler-Kylander crafted the curriculum to examine leadership through three distinct lenses: personal leadership, leading others and building teams. This program is offered online January 26-February 17, 2026 and includes an innovative blend of on-demand interactive sessions, collaborative group work and live faculty-led virtual sessions. Groups of five or more receive a 10% discount. Register today!
Tips, Resources and Updates
Nonprofit Budgeting in a Maelstrom
Nonprofit leaders are not simply planning around inflation, donor fatigue, or rising program costs. They’re operating in a landscape where federal support is unstable by design: funding cuts, shutdowns, targeted investigations, threats to strip nonaligned nonprofits of their status—all are being used by ideological operatives in the halls of power to attempt to cripple our sector.
How Stoicism Can Make You a More Successful Leader
Practicing the principles of stoicism, including remaining calm and focused in a crisis, can improve your leadership, writes LaRay Quy.
Northwestern to Pay $75 Million in Deal with Trump Administration to Restore Federal Funding
Northwestern University has agreed to pay $75 million to the U.S. government in a deal with the Trump administration to end a series of investigations and restore hundreds of millions of dollars in federal research funding.
Trump Administration Will Expand Travel Ban to More Than 30 Countries, Noem Says
The Trump administration will be expanding its ban on travel for citizens of certain countries to more than 30, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said, in the latest restriction to come since a man from Afghanistan was accused of shooting two National Guard members.
In the News
Today's headlines contain plenty of news coverage of some of our nation's most pressing public administration challenges. ASPA has curated some of the most important stories from recent weeks. If you have not seen these yet, make sure you read them now!
Infrastructure
Public Finance
Public Service
Most news related to federal workforce changes by the current administration are being reported in Federal Workforce in Turmoil. Bridge subscribers have been automatically subscribed to that publication; contact us if you need to check about your ASPA email subscriptions.
Social Equity
Members in the News
Barrett and Greene:
The Consequences of "Survey Exhaustion"
Don Kettl and Phillip Joyce:
Why America Needs the GAO: DOGE Done Right
Don Moynihan:
Pardon the Corruption
Ron Sanders:
Compromise NDAA Would Let DoD Promote Civilians Faster, Increase Cyber Pay
Alan Shark:
AI As a Thought Processor: Implications for Learning and Understanding
Stan Soloway:
Federal Agencies and Congress Hold the Keys to Success As States Take on SNAP and Medicaid
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Around Public Administration
Here are the most recent updates from across the profession. Did we miss you? Send us your news and we'll include it in the next round!
Upcoming Events:
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Harvard Kennedy School Executive Program for New Managers
Online | January 26-February 17, 2026
Title: Leading People, Building Teams
Click here for more information
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2026 COMPA Conference
North Carolina Central University | February 22-25, 2026
Theme: Building Futures by Bridging Divides: Public Servants Charting the Course for Tomorrow’s Governance
The Call for Proposals is open
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2026 PATNet Conference
New Delhi, India | February 26-March 1, 2026
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2026 ASPA Annual Conference
Hollywood, California | March 20-24, 2026
Theme: Building a Bridge to Resilience and Renewal
Registration is open
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2026 NAPA SELC
Newark, NJ | May 28-30, 2026
Theme: Leading and Learning toward a Future for All—A 25th SELC Anniversary Celebration
Call for Proposals is open
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Seventh World Conference on Remedies to Racial and Ethnic Economic Inequality
University of Minnesota | August 3-5, 2026
Theme: Partnerships, Pathways and Pipelines: Cross-Sector and Interdisciplinary Collaborative Strategies for Human Prosperity
Call for Papers is open
Calls for proposals, calls for nominations and other updates:
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Teaching Democracy in Challenging Times? Take the Public Administration Instructor Survey
Recent actions of the current presidential administration and some states are calling on public administration and policy studies instructors across the United States to critically examine the extent to which their teaching and learning objectives align with democratic values and standards. We recognize that in some states, instructors are being forced to cancel courses and modify curriculum. Others are doing so to preempt any action by state officials. To better understand the depth and breadth of challenges to teaching public administration and policy studies in the current environment, we invite all full and part-time instructors of public administration and policy studies to complete a survey. This survey asks about the extent to which democratic standards are being addressed in courses taught and whether course content and curriculum is being censored by the state or self-censored by the instructor. The survey also looks at the extent to which democratic standards are being addressed in present accreditation standards. Respondents will have the option to remain anonymous. The information collected will be used to better understand the extent to which the public administration and policy studies field is responding to the present times. It also will be used to inform a pre-conference workshop focusing on the role of democratic standards in teaching public administration and policy studies during the upcoming Network of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration conference. The survey should take no longer than 15 minutes and has undergone human subjects review. Only aggregated results will be shared in public forums and used to inform workshops designed to address the pressing challenges of the times. The survey is being advanced by a group of researchers including Christopher Koliba, University of Kansas; Mary Guy, University of Colorado Denver; Richard Callahan, University of San Francisco; Sarah Young, Kennesaw State; and Sean McCandless, University of Texas, Dallas. Any questions about the survey can be directed to Chris Koliba. The link to the survey may be found here. Any and all full and part-time instructors teaching public administration or policy studies in the United States are invited to complete the survey by December 15, 2025.
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COMPA Awards Call for Nominations
COMPA announces its 2026 awards call for nominations for a few awards. Contact COMPA with further questions.
The Best Paper Award recognizes scholarship on public service. You must be a COMPA member to submit. The first place prize is $1,500, the second place prize is $1,000 and the third place prize is $500. Click here to submit your nomination. All nominations for the Best Paper Award are due by December 31, 2025.
The Public Service Award in honor of Gwendolyn Bullock-Smith is COMPA's highest honor and is awarded to an academic or practitioner in recognition of an exemplary public service career. The Mentorship Award in Honor of Sy Murray is awarded to an academic or practitioner with a track record of mentoring and supporting students or young professionals. The Trailblazer Award in Honor of Jewel Prestage is awarded to an academic or practitioner for their pacesetter role in public service. Click here to submit a nomination for these three awards. All nominations for these categories are due by January 9, 2026.
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SDSJ Awards Call for Nominations
ASPA's Section on Democracy and Social Justice (SDSJ) has released its call for nominations for its annual awards: Peer Reviewed Article of the Year, Book of the Year, Capstone/Thesis of the Year and Doctoral Dissertation of the Year. All works submitted for consideration must have been published between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025. Articles assigned to a volume/issue as well as OnlineFirst publications are accepted; solo- and co-authored books and edited volumes are also accepted. Capstones/theses and doctoral dissertations submitted for consideration must have been successfully defended by December 31, 2025. Self-nominations and nominations submitted on behalf of others are accepted; multiple submissions also are welcome. All nominations are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, December 31, 2025. Award recipients will receive a certificate and be acknowledged at the Section's annual business meeting at ASPA's 2026 Annual Conference, as well as in Section communications. Click here to access the form.
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SENRA Davis Student Paper Award
ASPA's Section on Environmental and Natural Resources Administration (SENRA) invites students in graduate programs to submit their papers on any environmental topic for consideration in the student paper competition. Faculty members also can nominate student paper(s). Conference papers, term papers and journal manuscripts are eligible for submission while literature reviews and review essays are ineligible. The paper should be entirely written by the student and should not exceed 20 double-spaced pages (excluding citations/references). All submissions are due by December 31, 2025. Contact Jonathan Fisk with questions or for more information.
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SPAR Best Book Award Call for Nominations—Deadline Extended
ASPA's Section on Public Administration Research (SPAR) invites your best book award nominations. The Section welcomes nominations for public administration books published in 2025 and 2024. The criterion for the award is a book that significantly contributes to research in public administration. All research methods and books across the wide range of public administration research are welcome. Books primarily written as textbooks will not be considered. The Section welcomes international publications written in English. Only books that contribute to public administration research and theory will be considered. This recognition will be awarded at the ASPA Annual Conference in Hollywood in March. A nominating committee comprised of SPAR members will review each nomination and choose the award winners. Nominations should list the book title, author and publisher and include at least a one-page summary outlining the book's unique contributions. The nomination documents should be emailed to the review committee chairperson, Brad Johnson. The deadline for nominations for books has been extended to December 31, 2025.
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STPA Awards Call for Nominations
ASPA's Section on Transportation Policy and Administration (STPA) is accepting nominations for the Truitt-Felbinger Award. The award was established in memory of Lawrence J. Truitt and Claire Felbinger and is presented annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to transportation administration and/or policy. Practitioners and academics are both eligible to receive the award. In the nomination (max 1 page), please describe what/how the individual has contributed to the field and why they are deserving of the award. Please send nominations to the STPA Chair by Friday, January 2, 2026.
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SNP Awards Call for Nominations
ASPA's Section on Nonprofits has issued its call for awards nominations, due by January 10, 2026. Award categories are Best Paper Award and Travel Scholarship.
The Best Paper Award will be presented to scholarly work that advances our understanding of nonprofit and philanthropic research and practice, acknowledging the interdisciplinarity of the field and its connections to public administration, policy or other relevant literature. At least one author must be a member of the Section on Nonprofits during 2025-2026; each author may submit only one paper for consideration; at least one author must be an early career scholar at time of publication; the article must be published during 2024-2025; the article must be written or translated in English. The award committee is chaired by Alisa Moldavanova. Contact her with any questions.
Two Travel Scholarships will be awarded to cover expenses for the 2026 Annual Conference. Award selection will be made based on a committee review of the timeliness and impact of the proposed nonprofit research. Students must be presenting research at the conference. The $500 award can be used toward travel, hotel and food expenses. SNP also will cover the cost of joining the Section for one year. The awardee will be honored during the Section's business meeting at the conference. The selection committee is chaired by Seongho An. Contact them with any questions.
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SECM Awards Call for Nominations
ASPA's Section on Emergency and Crisis Management (SECM) is proud to announce its awards call for nominations.
Its 12th annual dissertation award program, newly renamed the Dr. Louis Comfort Dissertation Award, is aimed at supporting dissertation research in progress. The award supports dissertation research being performed by Ph.D. candidates who have successfully defended their proposal but have not completed a dissertation yet, and are working in the broad area of emergency and crisis management. The award includes a one-time $500 minimum stipend (up to $750) as well as a one-year SECM membership. The stipend may be used to support data collection, provide travel funds, etc. All applicants must have a complete application to be considered. The winner will be recognized at ASPA's 2026 Annual Conference during SECM's business meeting. Attendance to the Annual Conference is not required, nor is membership in SECM at the time of application, but is required for award acceptance. All nominations are due by January 12, 2026. Contact award chair Kaila Witkowski with questions or to submit your nomination.
The William Petak Best Paper Award is presented to the best paper on an emergency management topic delivered at ASPA's Annual Conference in honor of William Petak, a founder of SECM and a seminal scholar in emergency management. Both SECM members and non-members presenting papers on emergency management at the conference are encouraged to submit their work for consideration. The winner of the award will receive a certificate and a $200 cash prize. All nominations are due by February 15, 2026. Submissions should be sent to the award committee chair, Qian Hu.
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SASPA Awards Call for Nominations
ASPA's South Asian Section for Public Administration (SASPA) is accepting nominations for three awards. All nominations materials for these awards are due by January 15, 2026. Send your nomination information or any questions to [email protected].
The Krishna K. Tummala Award for Emerging Scholars recognizes outstanding scholars from South Asia and highlights emerging talent in public administration and policy in the region. The award includes a $300 cash prize and honors work that advances knowledge and discourse on issues significant to public administration, especially in South Asia. Emerging scholars are defined as anyone who has graduated with a Ph.D. in public administration or a similar program within the last three years; is an active member of ASPA; is from a South Asian country; and is committed to serving on the SASPA board for at least a year and participating in several committees during that time.
The Student Scholarship award is dedicated to supporting and celebrating South Asian students whose work demonstrates exceptional promise for advancing within the field of public administration. The award aims to recognize emerging scholars with a $250 cash prize. The goal is to help students bear the costs of attending ASPA's Annual Conference. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in a full-time graduate degree program in the United States; be an active member of ASPA; attend the Annual Conference; be from a South Asian country; and be willing to serve on the SASPA board for at least a year and participating in several committees during that time.
The Sh. Jai Mangal Paswan Early Career Practitioner Award is presented to recognize the outstanding contributions of an early career practitioner in South Asia. The award will be presented at ASPA's 2026 Annual Conference (during the SASPA business meeting) and includes a cash prize of $200. To be eligible, you must have fewer than 10 years of experience in public service; be from a South Asian country; demonstrate a clear commitment to strengthening public administration and governance in the region; and be an active member of ASPA.
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Central Virginia Chapter Awards Call for Applications
ASPA's Central Virginia Chapter leaders are pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 ASPA Central Virginia Chapter Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the fields of public administration, public policy, public affairs and public service within the Commonwealth of Virginia. This year, the Chapter invites applications/nominations for two awards. Full award descriptions, eligibility criteria, and required application materials are included in the online Google form. Find information about the Student Paper Award online here. Find information about the Excellence in Public Service Award online here. All nominations are due by January 16, 2026. Contact the Chapter with any questions.
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Seventh World Conference on Remedies to Racial and Ethnic Economic Inequality
Academics, legal scholars, civic leaders, policy makers, advocates and activists committed to eliminating racial and ethnic inequality will gather to share the latest research, cutting edge programs and projects, and emerging approaches to develop new remedies to reducing economic inequality around the world. The Seventh World Conference on Remedies to Racial and Ethnic Economic Inequality will foster a dialogue between those conducting rigorous academic research and those delivering practical programs to generate new ideas and tactics based on the latest evidence from academia and successful community efforts. The conference will discuss and propose solutions along four themes: global collaboration for impact, community and ubuntu; youth and leadership in the 21st century; the future of prosperity and new economic models; human rights, dignity and the future of democracy. This call for papers is open to all individuals from around the world; each proposal should be submitted in support of one of the four themes. All proposals are due by January 16, 2026. Click here for more information.
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Call for Proposals: NAPA SELC 2026
Throughout the world, we are witnessing shifts in governance and democracy, what it means to be a citizen and who is deserving of civil and human rights. In this changing global environment, leadership in public service and advocating for justice to enhance equity in practices and policies are profoundly important. This year, we embrace the call to enhance social equity in public service by focusing on learning from each other to help us lead our institutions and communities toward the future in ways that benefit all. The 2026 SELC will focus on how and what we can do to address the challenges facing social equity in public service today and into the future. As NAPA celebrates SELC's 25th anniversary, the conference seek to advance social equity and build a path that will lead to a better future. Organizers particularly encourage proposals from practitioners and community leaders, as well as academics and students. Proposals that highlight intersectional dimensions of leadership are especially welcome. Tracks include: leadership in the public and nonprofit sectors; pursuing equity and safeguarding civil rights; challenges to higher education in a changing world; impacts of federal policy changes on state and local governments and nonprofit organizations; artificial intelligence, data and evidence; and governance, equity and human rights around the world. Click here to submit your proposal. All proposals are due by January 18, 2026.
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Call for Papers: Special Issue on Accounting for What Matters (Financial Accountability & Management)
Public sector organizations are navigating economic instability, climate crises, inequities and political pressures, often forced to balance financial sustainability with the equally vital goals of social sustainability and equity. This special issue invites research that rethinks public sector accounting and accountability, not only as tools for fiscal management but also as frameworks that foster inclusion, fairness, resilience and long-term public value. Editors welcome conceptual, empirical and comparative studies addressing how accounting can better embed social sustainability, manage value trade-offs, strengthen organizational resilience and challenge existing power dynamics. Case studies, longitudinal analyses and critical perspectives across diverse contexts (health care, education, social services, etc.) are encouraged. Click here for more information. Submissions are due June 30, 2026.
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AI Survey Inquiry
If you are using AI tools in your classes and/or allow your students to use them, and would like to share your experience, please contact Mila Gasco Hernandez. She is conducting a research study, “AI in Public Affairs Education: Future Promise or Present Reality?” which aims to understand the extent to which public affairs programs are addressing and discussing AI in the classroom environment. In particular, this research study addresses two research questions: (1) how and under what conditions are AI tools being used in the classroom by both faculty and students? and (2) what are the benefits and the challenges of using AI tools in the teaching-learning process?
PA TIMES Online
Here's a selection of current pieces on PA TIMES Online, covering a range of issues within the profession. We accept individual articles on a rolling basis; if you have a piece you think would fit our publication, submit it to [email protected] for consideration. (Please review our submission guidelines in advance!)
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