2026 Annual Conference Registration Is Open

ASPA is excited to welcome everyone to Hollywood, California next March. Registration is open; current rates stay in effect through December 12, 2025.

Rates* are as follows:

• Members: $449
• Students/New Professional Members: $279
• Two-Day Member Admittance: $329
• Nonmembers: $559
• Two-Day Nonmember Admittance: $439

• More than 150 concurrent sessions
• Fourteen presidential panels and plenary sessions
• Ten symposia
• Opening Reception
• Gloria Hobson Nordin Social Equity Luncheon
• SWPA National Awards Breakfast
• Numerous receptions and special events

A View from the U.S.: Challenges to Public Management and Government Institutions

The U.S. federal government is experiencing the greatest changes since the beginning of the New Deal in 1933. The new president hit the ground sprinting—not running—after having four years to plan how to start the administration and to draft executive orders ready for the first day.

All politicians want more power and one can appreciate that the president wanted to grasp as much power as fast as possible following his election. While that is an understandable impulse, the U.S. system is designed to prevent tyranny by balancing power. James Madison observed that “if men were angels, no government would be necessary.” We are not currently ruled by angels.

Madison’s insight was that “ambition must be made to counteract ambition." That is, power should be divided among independent branches of government. The first branch is the legislature, not the executive. Therefore, the first article of the Constitution describes Congress’ powers and limits.

Thomas Ricks (2020), journalist and author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book First Principles, wrote that: “The framers of the Constitution would be surprised and chagrined by the passivity of Congress in recent decades, and especially its failure to assert firmly its role as a co-equal branch of government with the executive. They intended Congress to be active, expecting it to be the most energetic branch of federal government.”

The president has significant authority to “faithfully execute” the laws and needs staff to do this. How staff are hired, promoted and terminated is important in any human resource system. Recent initiatives in the federal executive branch show that the separation of powers, federalism and the principles of good public administration currently are under attack. In the first century, the U.S. federal personnel system operated under the spoils system of political patronage. Some states still do—in fact, my first public sector job was a patronage appointment in the Illinois Driver’s License Bureau.

Eager office-seekers were a major distraction for all presidents in that period, culminating in the assassination of President Garfield in 1881 by a disgruntled office seeker. The Civil Service Reform Act of 1883 implemented the merit selection for some positions initially and the policy grew over time so most positions in the federal government were selected based on merit, not political patronage. It also made it illegal to fire or demote government officials for political reasons. The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 reformed the law and codified the principles of the merit system.

As a result of these reforms, the United States has long benefitted from a civil service that is hired competitively, on a professional and nonpolitical basis. Our civil servants are experts in their fields and offer objective advice to presidents and administrations of both parties based on their evidence and expertise.

Most higher level federal workers remain in government for many years, successfully navigating administration changes not because they are part of an imaginary, shadowy “deep state,” but because of their valued expertise and their attraction to a job where they can make a difference. They provide objective evidence, advice and policy options to support decision-making.

Civil servants also play a pivotal role in the continuity of government, especially during a transition from one administration to the next. Each administration has more than 4,000 political positions to fill noncompetitively. Therefore, a president can be sure he has loyalists in key positions.

Of course, the system is not perfect. There are many areas where many observers agree that the federal government’s human resources system needs reform. For instance:

• It takes too long to hire someone for a federal service position, leaving agencies without needed expertise and resources, and some applicants giving up on the process and accepting other jobs.
• As in many organizations, too often performance evaluations are ineffective and not tied to promotion and pay, leaving poor performers on the job for too long and making it difficult to reward and motivate high performers.

• Civil servants fired without the due process mandated by law because they work on programs the administration finds politically objectionable, such as diversity, equity and inclusion; foreign aid; climate change or simply to reduce the workforce with no regard for the tasks that need to be done.
• The creation of a new category of federal employment: A new classification, “Schedule Policy/Career” which can shift civil service positions with statutory protections to at-will employment based on an employee’s adherence to and support of the president’s priorities.
• A new Schedule G allowing for hiring an unlimited number of political appointees that would require White House approval. This is the second half of the “fire and fill” strategy.
• The addition of political questions on job applications, loyalty tests and polygraph tests.

• Advance the public interest.
• Uphold the constitution and the law.
• Promote democratic participation.
• Strengthen social equity.
• Fully inform and advise elected and appointed officials.
• Demonstrate personal integrity.
• Promote ethical organizations.
• Advance professional excellence.

ASPA 2026 Annual Awards Call for Nominations Opens

ASPA’s annual awards program is your opportunity to nominate someone to be recognized by ASPA and its members as one of public administration's most dedicated contributors.

• Do you know a current or former city official who has dedicated themselves to the public good?
• Do you know an unsung scholar who produces excellent research?
• Do you know a nonprofit manager who has served their community with excellence?
• Do you know a public official who has stood up for equity and integrity in public administration?
• Do you know someone who has bridged the academic/practitioner divide and encouraged best practices as a result?
• Do you know someone who is all-around excellent?

Make the most of this opportunity to nominate them to be recognized for their efforts this March during ASPA’s 2026 Annual Conference! More than 20 awards honor a variety of practitioners and scholars who advance excellence in public service at all levels. Your name, or someone you know, could be on the list!

All nominations are due by November 14; start planning yours today!

Just some of the awards categories for which one can be nominated include:

• National Public Service Award
• Nesta M. Gallas Award
• Gloria Hobson Nordin Social Equity Award
• Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Exemplary Practices Award
• Paul A. Volcker Public Integrity Award
• Elmer B. Staats Lifetime Achievement Award
• Paul P. Van Riper Award
• Wallace O. Keene ASPA Conference Scholarship

Find all of our categories listed online. Each award is a tremendous honor bestowed on those exhibiting excellence in public service. Please also be aware that the nominee does not have to be an ASPA member to be considered for all categories. City managers, local government service providers, nonprofit executives, public health advocates, organizations and more are eligible and our committees look forward to considering a wide range of nominees. Review the criteria for each award and think carefully about who you will nominate.

Every year more than 30 public servants are recognized by ASPA as exemplifying the best of public administration, but only those who are nominated can be considered! Review ASPA's awards program details and begin work on your nomination today.



All awards submissions are due November 14, 2025. Contact us with any questions or for more information.

ASPA Founders' Fellows Program Opens Application Period

Calling all rising stars! The application window for ASPA's Founders' Fellows program is open!

The Founders' Fellows program is ASPA's flagship program for the next generation of public service leaders and professionals. Fellows will receive unparalleled networking opportunities with public administration legends, the chance to attend and present at ASPA's 2026 Annual Conference, author a piece in PA Times Online, benefit from specially planned web-based professional development and more.

This program is for new public administration professionals at every level—federal, state, local and nonprofit—plus those pursuing careers in an academic or research setting. It is open to doctoral and masters students, as well as those in the first three years of their professional careers.

There are only 30 spots available. Review our application materials now and start thinking about how to create the best package you can that demonstrates why you (or a student you know) should be in the 2026 class.

All applications are due by November 17, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Click here to access the application form.

The Founders' Fellows program recognizes the exceptional accomplishments and future potential of the next generation of public servants—in the academic and/or practitioner communities. The 2026 class will demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and professional promise. Fellows receive the following benefits:

• Guaranteed acceptance to present their work at ASPA's 2026 Annual Conference, March 20-24 in Hollywood, CA, including complimentary registration and hotel room
• A year-long mentorship with a senior mentor in the discipline, matched with each Fellow based on professional and academic interests
• Tailored professional improvement webinars that address their specific educational and professional needs

• Contact information and relevant biographical details
• An outline of career and research interests
• A resume or curriculum vitae
• An essay
• A letter of recommendation

Have questions? Visit our website for more details, click here to access the application or contact ASPA staff for assistance.

Remember: All applications are due by November 17 at 11:59 p.m. ET.



Travel to the 2026 Annual Conference in Hollywood, CA, and all related expenses to be paid by individual Fellows or their sponsoring organization. Fellows are required to attend the entirety of the conference.

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: Transforming Local Government through Data: Lessons from the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative
October 9 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. EDT
Sponsored by ASPA's Center for Accountability and Performance

Speakers:
Rachel G. Bloom, Senior Program Associate, Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, GovEx
Freddy Cumerma, Senior Program Associate, Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, GovEx
Vidushani Jayalal, Program Manager, Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, GovEx
Rudy de Leon Dinglas, Board Member, ASPA's Center for Accountability and Performance; Chief of Staff, GovEx
Laurie Moise Sears, Senior Program Associate, Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, GovEx

Join us for an engaging webinar exploring how city leaders across the globe are using the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative (BHCLI) to turn data into a shared language for problem-solving. This session will walk through BHCLI's comprehensive approach to data—combining coaching, peer learning and technical support—to help cities embed data-driven practices in everything from public safety and housing to budgeting and sustainability. Participants will gain practical insights from real-world use cases in cities like Memphis, Reykjavik, Missoula and Beaumont. Speakers will highlight how data is being harnessed across all levels of city government to improve outcomes for residents through more effective, equitable and accountable decisions.




KeepingCurrent: Staying the Course: Sustaining Equity in Challenging Times
October 14 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET
In partnership with ASPA's Frederickson Center for Social Equity

Speakers:
John Bartle, President, American Society for Public Administration, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Kim Desmond, City of San Diego, Race Forward Board of Directors
Carlton Eley, Senior Director of Federal Strategies, Race Forward
Michael Jacobson, Moderator, King County, Chair NAPA Standing Panel on Social Equity in Governance

The National Academy of Public Administration's Standing Panel on Social Equity in Governance, the American Society of Public Administration's H. George Frederickson Center for Social Equity and Race Forward/the Government Alliance on Race and Equity invite you to a webinar discussing how different organizations are maintaining a focus on social equity and racial justice in our current, challenging environment. Hear from speakers who remain committed to ensuring the work on equity and a multiracial democracy continues. The panel represents leading organizations, advocates, academic researchers and jurisdictions who are working to practically embed best practices into their daily work and operations.




KeepingCurrent: 2025 Ferrel Heady Roundtable
Sponsored by ASPA's Section on International and Comparative Administration
October 16 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. EDT

Speakers:
Jamie Berryhill, AI in Government Lead, OECD
Mila Gascó-Hernandez, Associate Professor and Research Director for the Center for Technology in Government, SUNY Albany
Jeehye Kim, Senior Economist, World Bank
Gregory Porumbescu, Associate Professor, Rutgers University—Newark
Jinghan Zeng, Professor of Public and International Affairs, City University of Hong Kong

The increasing adoption of AI by governments worldwide can transform public services, enhance decisionmaking and boost efficiency on a global scale. However, AI adoption raises pressing issues such as data privacy, bias in AI systems, ethical governance and bridging the digital divide across different regions and communities. This roundtable brings together leading academics and international development experts for a multidisciplinary exchange of ideas and diverse perspectives shaping the future of AI in public governance.




KeepingCurrent: AI Auditing AI—Toward Digital Accountability
October 22 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. EDT
Sponsored by ASPA's Center for Accountability and Performance

Speakers:
Antoinette A. Samuel, Moderator, Retired; Board Member, Center for Accountability and Performance
Alan R. Shark, Associate Professor, George Mason University

As AI increasingly influences critical areas such as policing, hiring, health care, finance and cybersecurity, traditional oversight struggles to keep pace with the speed and complexity of modern algorithms. Join Alan Shark for an eye-opening discussion on how "AI auditors"—systems designed to test, verify and monitor other AI models—may become essential tools in ensuring fairness, transparency and trust. Drawing on real-world examples and emerging governance frameworks, we will explore both the promise and the pitfalls of using AI to hold AI accountable—always with human judgment serving as the ultimate safeguard.




Students and New Professionals: Preparing for Success: Interview Strategies in the AI Era
October 30 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. EDT

Speakers:
Linda Nathan, Moderator, Advocate Supervisor, Disability Rights Texas; Student Representative, ASPA National Council
Miha Vindis, Director, Texas Certified Public Manager® Program; Professor of Practice, Texas State University

This interactive workshop explores proven strategies for presenting yourself effectively in interviews, from preparation and research to professional presence and follow-up. Participants also will learn how to leverage AI tools to refine resumes, practice role-playing and gain confidence before interview day. The session provides practical tips on preparation, dress and mindset, offering a comprehensive guide to navigating today's interview landscape.




From the Archives
KeepingCurrent: Disaster Response in Challenging Times—Nonprofit Perspectives
Attendees joined ASPA and NASPAA for a jointly sponsored webinar discussing the challenges and needs of nonprofits engaged in disaster response in a turbulent environment of public service. (Members only)




Students and New Professionals: Effective Study Skills and Time Management
Our time management expert focused on methods for improving study habits, employing time-management skills, creating a productive study environment and translating these skills into the workplace as you transition into the next phase of your career. (Members only)

Fall Is the Perfect Time to Join ASPA!

The summer months are almost behind us and everyone is speeding up for the fall—which means it is time to add new resources to your library and encourage those around you to do the same! The good news is so many resources you need are included in ASPA membership, whether in webinar, article, conference or journal format, saving you time and effort in finding the expertise you need to overcome your challenges.

ASPA's mission is to advance excellence in public service; when you join ASPA, you're not only gaining access to all of our resources but also supporting public service as a profession. Now more than ever, we need to join together in promoting the great things public service makes happen across society.

If you've been meaning to rejoin ASPA, now's the time to do it. If you are a professor and have classrooms full of students, now is the time to sign them up! If you have never joined ASPA, try it now and see what you've been missing.

Check out our list of benefits and services and then head to our application form to sign up. Professors: ASPA can help you sign up groups of students any time. Contact us for assistance.

Every fall we welcome hundreds of new members to our society. We look forward to counting you, your peers and your colleagues among them in the next few months! Join today!

Boost Your Brand This Fall 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 November and December editions!

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 provide the list!
  • $1 per address

Looking for a Chapter Home? Join NCAC as Your Virtual Chapter

Are you an ASPA member who currently does not belong to a local chapter? The National Capital Area Chapter (NCAC) invites you to make us your Chapter home virtually!

NCAC is one of ASPA’s most active chapters, bringing together professionals, students and thought leaders across all levels of public service. While our roots are in the Washington, D.C. region, our reach extends far beyond geographic boundaries. All of our events are hosted virtually, making it easy for members everywhere to participate. Our Board of Directors also hails from locations across the country, reflecting the diverse perspectives and experiences that strengthen our chapter community.

By joining NCAC as your virtual chapter, you will:

• Stay Connected: Participate in webinars, virtual networking sessions and discussions that highlight timely issues in governance and public administration.
• Expand Your Network: Engage with public administrators across the country who share your commitment to service, leadership and innovation.
• Shape the Conversation: Lend your voice to our committees and initiatives, and help us strengthen the impact of public service.

Submit Comments to the EAC About Proof-of-Citizenship Requirements

The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) has opened a public comment period regarding adding additional proof-of-citizenship requirements for voting access.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration issued an executive order requiring all citizens to provide proof of citizenship (likely in the form of a passport) to register to vote. The SAVE Act, aiming to turn the executive order into law, failed in Congress. In July, the EAC received a petition for rulemaking from America First Legal Foundation asking the EAC to amend its regulations and the National Mail Voter Registration Form to require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.

Visit Regulations.gov to share your comments about this proposed amendment. (You can share your name or comment anonymously.) All comments must be submitted by October 20.

Shaping What’s Next: A National Gathering on the Future of Governance

The National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) invites you to join them for its 2025 National Conference, taking place November 2-4, 2025. The National Conference has been reimagined as the premier gathering for public administrators to engage in candid dialogue about the current state of government and chart a bold course for its future. The event comes at a critical moment: a time of significant change in our governing landscape and at the launch of the Academy’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. From state and local government to federal fiscal health, NAPA invites you to join them and their keynote speakers General (Ret.) McCrystal and OPM Director Scott Kupor, at this year's conference. Click here for more information.

Virtual Museum of Public Service Online!

The Virtual Museum of Public Service (VMPS) is now online, featuring more than 20 exhibits, all available for free. The museum’s mission is to inspire future public servants, educate the media and the public as to the sacrifices and achievements of government professionals and document the contributions and critical roles of our partners.

VMPS offers visually appealing multimedia exhibits across eight galleries, including foundations of public service; science in service to the public; education for the public service; breaking barriers in public service; public service beyond government; public service: dangerous service; public service: ideals into actions; and special exhibits. Teaching and Learning resources, and a bookstore offering scores of titles, help deepen classroom and individual discovery.

Please share this message with your faculty. All are welcome to submit proposals for exhibits, curricular resources and related books or articles that would deepen the dialogue on public service. Professors and faculty may also be interested in submitting articles to the museum's peer-reviewed, open-access journal, Public Voices, which is linked to the museum under the “About” tab.

Please also consider becoming an organizational sponsor of VMPS (via the "donate/sponsor" button). As a special offer for schools and programs in public affairs and administration, sponsors at the bronze level ($ 1,000-$ 5,000 per annum) will have their logo recognized on the sponsorship page and in all promotional materials.

Tips, Resources and Updates

How to Use Impostor Syndrome to Your Advantage
Impostor syndrome is a fear-based perspective that is trying to “protect us.” But we may be misinterpreting what its presence actually means.

Asking the Right Questions
Asking well-timed and well-framed questions can improve collaboration and reveal new ideas..

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

• Trump Administration Moves to Repeal Landmark Public Lands Rule
• Half of U.S. Residents "Uncomfortable" About AI in Government: Survey
• Upgrades Begin on Plane Donated by Qatar to Serve as Air Force One
• Pentagon CTO Wants AI on Every Desktop in 6 to 9 Months
• DOGE Caucus Co-Chair Says the Cost-Cutting Unit’s Work Will Continue
• OPM Adds OpenAI to Its Employees' Computers
• NASA Plans First Crewed Moon Mission in 50 Years for February
• "Widespread" Breach Let Hackers Steal Employee Data from FEMA and CBP
• DOGE Risks Americans’ Data by Operating Outside Federal Law, Democrats Say
• IRS Announces the Phased End of Paper Check Refunds
• ICE Wants to Build Out a 24/7 Social Media Surveillance Team

• Senate Finance Chair Wants Details from SSA Following Whistleblower Allegations of Data Endangerment
• Trump Approves Federal Disaster Aid for Storms and Flooding in 6 States
• After Trump’s Cuts, "Crippled" NPR and PBS Stations Must Transform
• HUD Asked Grantees to Apply for Soon-to-be-Expired Funding 3 Separate Times. Democrats Want a Watchdog Review.
• GAO: Trump Violated Law for Sixth Time in Withholding FEMA Funds
• Judge Orders Trump Administration to Restore $500 Million in Grant Funding to UCLA
• Millions Could Lose Housing Aid Under Trump Plan
• Trump is Handing Out Public Land and Millions of Dollars to Revive Big Coal, Sending Advocates Reeling
• Student Loan Borrowers Can’t Access Repayment Plans under Trump. What to Know
• Trump Administration Says It Will Pay Migrant Children $2.5K to Return to Home Countries

• Federal Deputy CIO Leaving Government for Private Sector Role
• Senate Republicans Confirm Four Dozen Nominees after Rule Change
• Senate Confirms Rhodes to Lead White House Procurement Office
• Bisignano to Lead IRS in Addition to SSA Duties, Raising Questions about the Senate Confirmation Process
• Top Bessent Aide, Daniel Katz, Expected to Be Tapped as No. 2 at I.M.F.
• Kennedy’s Advisory Panel Votes to Limit M.M.R.V. Vaccine for Children under 4
• Census Advisory Committee Meets Despite Trump Administration Nixing It
• Retirement Surge Expected as Federal Employment Officially Ending for 100,000 Workers
• Just 23% of Fed Workers Would Be Furloughed if the Government Shuts Down, under the Trump Administration’s Plan
• Agency Shutdown Messaging Draws Hatch Act, Antideficiency Act Challenges

• How Millions of Dollars in Funding Cuts Will Impact Hispanic Serving Institutions
• Trump Education Department to Divert Grants from Colleges Serving Students of Color
• Higher Education’s Diversity Myth
• CDC Ends Telework for Employees with Disabilities, Union Says
• Trump Moves to Scrub National Parks Sites of Signs That Cast America in a "Negative Light"
• New Policies Are Making Life Harder for Trans People—and Prompting Big Financial Decisions
• Hegseth Axes Panel That Encourages Women to Enter Military
• Trump Administration Targets Urban Infrastructure Projects, Citing "Race-Based Contracting"

Members in the News

Barrett and Greene:
Let’s Not Be So Hasty to End Remote Work in Government

Pamela Herd:
The Big Beautiful Bill Has a SNAP Poison Pill

Don Kettl:
RFK Jr. Needs the States to Move His Health Agenda

Bob Lavigna:
HR’s Undervalued Contributions to Government Outcomes

Ron Sanders:
A New "Activist" OPM is Incrementally Reforming the Civil Service, Part 2

Robert Shea:
Innovation from the Ground Up: How State and Local Leaders are Shaping the Future of Performance Management

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:

• ABFM 37th Annual Research Conference
  Atlanta | October 23-25
  Theme: Collaborative Budgeting: Fiscal Relationships and Financial Networks to Advance Government Work
  Registration is open
  
  
• 2025 NECoPA Conference
  Kean University, Union Township, New Jersey | November 7-8
  Theme: Democratic Governance in a Turbulent World: Innovation, Inclusion and Comparative Perspectives in Public Administration
  The Call for Proposals is open; registration is open
  
  
• 2026 COMPA Conference
  Durham, North Carolina, 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
  
  
• 2026 PATNet Conference
  New Dehli, India | February 26-March 1, 2026
  
  
• 2026 ASPA Annual Conference
  Hollywood, California | March 20-24, 2026
  Theme: Building a Bridge to Resilience and Renewal
  Registration is open

• IRSPM Call for Abstracts
  Join Sara Rinfret (NASPAA President-Elect), Roger Hartley (ASPA President-Elect) and Martha Bohrt (NASPAA Interim Executive Director) as they lead the organization of and discussion about a 2026 IRSPM Conference track examining the evolving role of public service leadership in an era of global uncertainty, democratic backsliding and technological change. Those interested can submit an abstract by Monday, October 12, to join them on track P22: Bridging Global Public Service Leadership: Innovation, Equity, and the Future of Public Affairs Education. More details are online here.
  
  
• SAPA Call for Proposals
  ASPA's Section on African Public Administration announces its call for proposals for its 2026 symposium, taking place at ASPA's 2026 Annual Conference, March 20 in Hollywood, California. The theme will be, "Continuity and Change in Public Administration: Building a Bridge to Africa’s Futures." SAPA’s members are excited to explore the theme of astute renewal and resilience, which resonates with its goal of promoting research and sharing knowledge, norms and values anchored to effective, equitable and responsive governance primarily in African countries and from output to outcome, among others. Taking advantage of a vibrant administrative landscape, and given Agenda 2063 for change and transformation, as well as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, the Section requests colleagues and all those interested in the symposium to take a step back and explore the following grand challenges and issues of theoretical and practical consequences: (1) if, as historians claim, the only constant in history is change, what have African countries learned from their experiences with administrative transformations? (2) What models of change have worked to strengthen broad public participation, and what models have not, and why? (3) What themes are worth research attention? (4) How can scholars, researchers and practitioners use the lessons learned from the implementation of administrative changes to build a bridge to Africa’s futures? (5) Where are the research, theory and practice gaps in the development setting, and how can they be productively addressed? (6) What kind of knowledge, skill and ability do practitioners need to help build a bridge to astute renewal and resilience, and what will such a bridge look like? (7) Lastly, what does the future of African public administration look like in a new multi-polar world? Five tracks will explore the theme and guide discussions: redefining the concept of "development" for African public administration; community and collaborative governance; public service delivery in disruptive contexts; sustainable development and climate governance; and digital governance and AI. Contact SAPA academic affairs committee chair Shin Kue Ryu and Section Chair Rym Kaki with your proposal or for more information. All proposals are due by October 31, 2025.
  
  
• SICA Call for Nominations
  ASPA's Section on International and Comparative Administration (SICA) has opened its call for nominations for its annual awards program. It seeks nominations for three awards: the Fred Riggs Award, the David Gould Scholarship and the Jeanne-Marie Col Leadership Award. All nominations are due by November 15.
  
  The 2026 Fred Riggs Award for Lifetime Achievement in International and Comparative Public Administration: This award was established by SICA in 1985 to recognize scholars who made significant and widely recognized contributions to the conceptual, theoretical and/or operational progress in the fields of international, comparative and/or development administration. This award is named in honor of Fred W. Riggs, a pioneer in these fields and a leading founder of SICA. Each letter of nomination should indicate in some depth the person's intellectual achievements and relevant qualifications for the Fred Riggs Award. You should include the nominee's CV as well as any other supporting documents. There should be at least two letters of recommendation with at least one letter from a SICA member. All nomination materials should be sent directly to Cristina Stanica. The committee will announce the winner in January 2026 and present the award at the SICA business Meeting at the 2026 ASPA Annual Conference.
  
  The 2026 David Gould Scholarship: This scholarship offers talented graduate students in the fields of public administration, public policy or international development some support to facilitate their participation in the ASPA Annual Conference. This scholarship is named in honor of David Gould, who was an active SICA member and long-time professor of public administration at the University of Pittsburgh. He was among those killed in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, December 21, 1988. Each year one or two students receive a nominal stipend ($500) to attend the ASPA Annual Conference and SICA’s Riggs Symposium. For the 2026 ASPA Annual Conference, the stipend will help students defray registration costs. To nominate a graduate student, send a letter of nomination by a faculty member and the student’s CV to Charlene M. L. Roach.
  
  The 2026 Jeanne-Marie Col Leadership Award: Established by SICA in 2016, the award recognizes individual members who have made significant contributions to the development of the Section on International and Comparative Administration. Letters of nomination should indicate detailed contributions of nominees to, and leadership roles within, SICA. You should include an explanation about how the nominee’s contributions have helped to transform and enrich SICA and how SICA will continue to benefit in the future from the nominee’s work. Include relevant supporting documents as well. Each nominee will require at least two letters of nomination from SICA members. The Jeanne-Marie Col Leadership Award Committee will give due consideration to all nominations and related materials after the submission deadline. The Committee will announce the winner in January 2026 and present the award at the SICA business meeting at the 2026 ASPA Annual Conference. Send all nominations to Atta Ceesay.
  
  
• SPAR Best Book Award Call for Nominations
  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 is December 1, 2025.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Interested in Human Rights? Support a New ASPA Section!
  ASPA members Hillary Knepper and Jessica Kritz are investigating starting a new ASPA Section: a Section on Administration and Human Rights (AHR). AHR proposes to advance interdisciplinary scholarship that bridges public administration, international and domestic law, and human rights, fostering new research agendas and practical frameworks for rights-based governance. Focus areas include examining how rights are operationalized in administrative systems, exploring the role of public managers in upholding human rights and generating practical tools for advancing equity and accountability. This proposed new Section is a complementary and integrative addition to ASPA’s existing Sections, offering a unifying framework that brings legal and human rights perspectives into direct dialogue with core administrative functions on how administrative systems themselves can be designed and reformed to fulfill legal and normative human rights obligations. Please take a moment and share your level of interest in this proposed new ASPA Section by filling out a brief survey. This survey will explore the potential number of individuals interested in participating in this Section, affiliations with other Sections and recommended dues levels. The survey should take no more than three minutes to complete. Those with questions can reach out to Hillary Knepper.
  
  
• New Book Release from Marc Fudge and Marc Holzer
  Improving Equity through Fiscal Policy: Dashed Dreams from Marc Fudge and Marc Holzer, published by Routledge, explores the delivery of key services to the public and to what extent equity is considered when government allocates resources. Authors Marc K. Fudge and Marc Holzer examine the key topics in a typical public budgeting, finance or policy course including taxation, public choice and political economics from an equity-based lens. They then offer a deep dive into the development of U.S. public policies, tackling a complex history of policies written expressly to undermine or suppress the advancement of Blacks and people of color. The result is a timely supplement to public budgeting and finance courses that encourages readers to recognize and reckon with the persistence of deep disparities—and the ways in which contemporary public budgeting cannot be understood without considering equity. More information is online here.
  
  
• 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!)

• The Role of Nonprofits in the U.S. Economy
  By Biswanath Bhattacharjee
  
  
• The Fall 2025 Shutdown Should Have Been Avoided
  By Michelle M. Buehlmann
  
  
• Flexibility within Structure: The H-1B Visa National Interest Exception as a Model for Administrative Discretion
  By George Farag