Publication
09.21.13

Endeavors, Achievements, and Breakdowns

Background paper prepared for “Restoring the Public’s Trust: Delivering on Public Policy Goals,” convened by the Volcker Alliance from September 22-25, 2013 with the Salzburg Global Seminar.

This memo, by Professor Paul C. Light, looks to past government successes and breakdowns to gain insight into potential areas of improvement for the U.S. federal government. This effort asks four broad questions: (1) What types of endeavors has the federal government undertaken? (2) What has the federal government actually achieved? (3) How has the federal government broken down between 2000 and 2012? (4) What might the Volcker Alliance do to strengthen government’s ability to deliver success? 

Files
Download the full working paper (933.69 KB)

Related Initiatives

Salzburg Seminar 2013

In September, 2013, the Alliance held its inaugural meeting, in partnership with the Salzburg Global Seminar, on "Restoring the Public's Trust: Delivering on Public Policy Goals."

Related News & Events

News

Press Coverage of Research on Federal Government Breakdowns

Press Release

Research Shows Growing Number of Federal Government Breakdowns

News

Press Coverage for New State Budgeting Research

Press Release

New Research to Prevent State Budgeting Crises

News

Event Announcement: A Crisis in Government Performance

Press Coverage

05.08.18
FCW

OPM, OMB officials push major workforce changes

05.08.18
fedscoop

OPM’s Pon wants broad direct-hire authority for STEM, cybersecurity jobs

05.08.18
GovExec

OPM Chief Defends Pay Freeze as a Chance to 'Right-Size' Compensation Across Oc…

05.08.18
NPR's All Things Considered

Story on Public Service Recognition Week and Civil Service Reform

05.08.18
Government Executive

Rising Agency Leaders Overwhelmingly Expect a Career in Government, Survey Finds