Financial Sustainability, Cultural Relevance and Resource Management Top Issues at 2013 Gathering of Public Administrators

More than 1,100 public servants working at the city, state and federal level are gathered in New Orleans in an exchange of theory and best practices related to sustainability and effective management of resources. The 2013 Annual Conference of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) draws both practitioners and scholars to one setting to network, collaborate, discuss emerging trends in public service and launch innovative ideas for addressing challenges.

In addition to the more than 120 panels led by experts, attendees also heard from high-profile civil servants. Louisiana Lt. Gov. John ‘Jay’ Dardenne in his keynote address offered the audience a rich lesson on Louisiana’s political and cultural history, including its notorious list of governors and politicians. Meanwhile, the Elliott Richardson Lecture featured U.S. Comptroller General Gene Dodaro. Dodaro discussed the role of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in promoting integrity and ensuring accountability. His presentation, widely received by conference attendees, spurred several questions about the furloughs and best practices for the state level.

On Monday, the conference hosted the Donald C. Stone Lecture featuring Dr. Kenneth J. Meier, professor at Texas A&M University. The ASPA conference concludes with an awards ceremony, where outstanding public servants and scholars are recognized for their contributions, dedication and service to the field and ASPA. To see pictures from the conference, click here.