News
The Evolving World of Government Procurement: Trends Today and Tomorrow
4+ day, 7+ min ago (541+ words) By David GraganApril 3, 2026 Over my 30 years in the world of government contracting, I have seen continuous positive change. In recent years, I have seen increased trust between buyers and sellers, more openness to dialogue, greater understanding of the requisitioner's critical…...
Proportional Sequencing in Long-Term Care: A Process Design Approach for U.S. HCBS
4+ day, 20+ min ago (370+ words) By Ping XuApril 3, 2026 As states continue expanding Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS), much of the policy conversation focuses on funding levels, workforce shortages and service capacity. Yet many access challenges arise not from policy intent but from process sequencing....
Human Shields at the Public Counter: Building Personal Resilience and Citizens’ Trust
1+ week, 4+ day ago (147+ words) By Foteini VittouMarch 27, 2026 Resilience begins in the mind and with small actions It makes no sense to wait for large effective reforms such as better regulation to take a breath. Small human actions and practices starting from within the office…...
Understanding Gender in the Workplace Through a Historical Lens
1+ week, 4+ day ago (291+ words) By Meghan Scarlott, Nicole M. Elias & Maria J. D'AgostinoMarch 27, 2026 Gender representation and gender equity policies in public sector workplaces have been the subject of ongoing debate. Policy volatility may influence workplace culture, employee well-being and institutional accountability. Understanding how history informs contemporary…...
Advising Future Public Administrators: An Overlooked Form of Public Service
1+ week, 4+ day ago (230+ words) By Kyle W. RudrowMarch 27, 2026 What My MPA Taught Me About Academic Advising and Public Service The Advising Gap in Public Administration Education Moreover, undergraduate public administration programs are growing. These programs provide a foundation for pre-service students entering public service roles…...
When There is No Right Answer: Managing Tradeoffs in an Era of Wicked Problems
1+ week, 4+ day ago (257+ words) By Tanya SettlesMarch 27, 2026 Local government leaders are increasingly asked to make decisions where there is no clearly "right" answer. There are only competing priorities that cannot all be satisfied at once. In these moments, the challenge is not a lack…...
Does History Repeat Itself? An Enduring Question for Decision Makers and Managers
3+ week, 6+ hour ago (199+ words) By Stephen R. RolandiMarch 20, 2026 "History never repeats itself, but it does often rhyme." " Mark Twain (1835-1910) "Nor for the past alone " for meanings to the future." " Walt Whitman (1819-1892) While these quotations continue to raise questions about history, the question of whether history…...
The Hidden Costs of Revenue Caps
3+ week, 3+ day ago (690+ words) The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization. By Michael R. FordMarch 13, 2026 Here in Wisconsin, like in many other states, school districts and local governments face state-imposed tax levy…...
Preparing for the Future: Succession Planning in Local Government
1+ mon, 3+ week ago (357+ words) By James FlickFebruary 13, 2026 What Is Succession Planning? At its core, succession planning is the intentional effort to ensure there is a pipeline of qualified individuals ready to step into key roles when vacancies occur. It is centered on continuity. Rather…...
Appointed Boards & Committees: The Public Administration Challenge
1+ mon, 3+ week ago (313+ words) By Joseph G. JarretFebruary 13, 2026 Generally speaking, local government boards originate from multiple sources. While some are mandated by the state, others are created at the local level through city or county charters, ordinances, resolutions, bylaws or policies. In some cases, boards…...