Government Performance

The Government Performance Project conducts extensive research and analysis to understand how states can better serve the public and its needs. We work closely with states to strengthen state policy and management in addressing the issues that directly affect taxpayers’ lives and wallets. 

The need for innovative management solutions is more important than ever as states face challenging economic times and increased demands for greater service. The Government Performance Project helps state policy makers navigate these challenges by sharing what works, learning from what doesn’t and helping states adapt ideas to their unique needs.

In September 2008, Pew created the Management Lab to partner with states to strengthen operations and save tax dollars. To learn more about how your state can be involved in upcoming lab seminars and for more information about our work with the three Lab States of Georgia, Ohio and West Virginia, click here.

What We Do

  • Build new knowledge. 
    How do we know what will work and won’t? We assess the effectiveness of each state’s management—providing recommendations to capitalize on strengths and address any weaknesses.

  • Make connections.
    Good leaders look for good ideas. We promote the exchange of innovation by connecting state leaders and sharing the best ideas with all states through our online catalogue of proven management practices.

  • Advance reforms.
    Change needs a champion. We offer programs that give state officials the data, guidance and tools that can help stretch limited resources and improve the public’s well-being.

 

Reports

Human Capital Trends and Innovations
Sep 14, 2009 - This first report in our People Forward series identifies a number of creative management practices that states are using to increase employee productivity and meet agency goals.

Read: Summary View: Full Report (Adobe PDF)
Trade-off Time: How Four States Continue to Deliver
Feb 11, 2009 - This report shows how tough economic times can be a crucible forging better decision making and a heightened vigilance to ensure every precious tax dollar delivers maximum value for the public.

Read: Summary View: Full Report (Adobe PDF)
Key People Data Points from Grading the States 2008
Sep 17, 2008 - This spreadsheet shows state data in strategic workforce planning, hiring, retention, training and development and managing employee performance.

Read: Summary View: Full Report (Adobe PDF)
Ten Steps Corrections Directors Can Take to Strengthen Performance
May 20, 2008 - “Ten Steps Corrections Directors Can Take to Strengthen Performance" showcases innovative strategies to improve correctional systems’ performance, transparency and accountability.

Read: Summary View: Full Report (Adobe PDF)
Grading the States 2008 Report
Mar 03, 2008 - As a vital component of Pew’s efforts to foster effective solutions to some of America’s most pressing challenges, the Government Performance Project’s Grading the States 2008 report is an assessment of the quality of management in the 50 states. The report’s findings, developed in partnership with Governing Magazine, are generated from extensive interviews and surveys of state-level managers and opinion leaders.

Read: Summary View: Full Report (Adobe PDF)
Grading the States 2005
Jan 02, 2006 - Grading the States 2005 is an assessment of the quality of management performance in the 50 states. It provided insights into the way the states weathered the last fiscal crisis.

Read: Summary View: Full Report (Adobe PDF)

New Lab Manual!

manual   The new Management Lab Manual highlights promising management practices identified through the Grading the States 2008 analysis.

New Reports

Human Capital Trends and Innovations identifies creative management practices states are using to increase employee productivity. promo bar GPP Budget Brief_cover promo bar Trade-off Time shows how tough economic times can be a crucible forging better decision making.

Ten Steps Corrections Directors Can Take to Strengthen Performance showcases strategies to improve the Corrections' system.

50 State Report

Grading the States 2008  GPP Small

State Spotlight

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A collaborative project with Stateline.org that looks at the successes and failures of states during the economic downturn.

View the Webinar

States Under Pressure: Responsibly Managing Stimulus Spending” hosted in partnership with the Harvard Kennedy School’s Government Innovators Network.

Q & A

manual Five former governors discuss raising standards for effective state governance and earning public trust.
Read the transcript 

View the Webcast

kittner   Click here to view the webcast from the release of Grading the States 2008 featuring Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue.

Contacts

The Pew Center on the States
901 E Street NW, 10th Floor
Washington, DC 20004
 

  • Phone:
  • 202.552.2000
   
  • Media Inquiries:
    If you are a journalist and would like additional information, please contact Jessica Riordan at: jriordan@pewtrusts.org.

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