Workforce

To Get People the Help They Need from the Government, Postcards May Be the Answer

Government agencies are setting up new websites and phone hotlines to provide information. But those might not be the best ways to engage with people who need help the most.

Management

Can Biden Deliver Better ‘Customer Experience’ for Americans Than His Predecessors?

He is now the fifth president since Bill Clinton to announce a new customer focus for federal services.

Management

Biden Orders Agencies to Take Steps to Improve Government Customer Service

The people-first approach tackles everything from federal benefits to passport services to disaster recovery. 

Management

Restoring Trust in Government One Customer at a Time

Improving trust will require more than just improving services to citizens, but it’s a critical start.

Management

Building a Better Experience for Government’s Customers

The pandemic is spurring some agencies to retool the way they interact with the public.

Oversight

Senate Investigation Criticizes the IRS for Failing to Oversee Free Filing Program

Millions of Americans have spent billions on TurboTax and other tax prep that they shouldn’t have. The Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations recommends the IRS advertise the free filing option.

Management

Report: IRS Should Have an Official In Charge of Customer Experience

The agency could also improve its website and share more feedback, analysts conclude in first-of-its-kind report.

Management

What Popular Government Service Providers Could Teach Other Agencies

First of its kind report looks at successful practices that could be replicated governmentwide.

Management

HHS’s Suspension of Acquisition Services Leaves Outside Agencies and Contractors in Limbo

It’s been three months since the department announced it was closing down its shared services operations, and many questions remain unanswered.

Management

Democrats Ramp Up Attacks on Agriculture’s Planned Office Relocations

With a site announcement imminent, lawmakers demand documents and move to block plan.

Management

IRS Told to Do Better Research Before Closing Taxpayer Help Offices

Effort to save money by curbing face-to-face counseling ignored Congress’s directive.

Management

Alabama Senator to the IRS: Stop Picking on the South

Why are the rural poor audited more frequently than other groups, he asks, citing ProPublica. Another Democratic senator adds, “There are two tax codes in America, and there are also two enforcement regimes.”