What is public affairs?

Public affairs represents an organization's efforts to monitor and manage its business environment. It combines government relations, communications, issues management and corporate citizenship strategies to influence public policy, build a strong reputation and find common ground with stakeholders.

What is the Public Affairs Council?

The Public Affairs Council is the leading association for public affairs professionals. It provides unique information, training and other resources to its members. Its mission is to advance the field of public affairs and provide tools and resources that enable public affairs executives and managers to achieve their business and professional goals. Learn more about the Public Affairs Council.

How many members does the Public Affairs Council have?

The Public Affairs Council has over 550 member corporations, associations and consulting firms that work together to enhance the value and professionalism of the public affairs practice, and to provide thoughtful leadership as corporate citizens. If interested, you can view a list of Council members.

What is the size of the staff?

The Public Affairs Council has 17 staff members. Meet the staff.

How many training sessions does the Public Affairs Council conduct annually?

The Public Affairs Council conducts more than 50 educational events a year that cover a wide range of public affairs topics. View our conference calendar.

Does the Public Affairs Council sell publications?

Publications from the Public Affairs Council include how-to public affairs handbooks, the much-honored newsletter, research reports, surveys, brochures, and briefing papers. View our listing of publications.

What is the Foundation for Public Affairs?

The Foundation for Public Affairs, an affiliate of the Public Affairs Council, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research and educational organization. Learn more about the Foundation for Public Affairs.

What is Consulting Services?

The Council’s management consulting staff conducts research to help members benchmark their public affairs budgets, staffing, strategies and performance against other companies and associations. Visit the Consulting Services area.

How do I access the Members-Only area of the Web site?

You must be a member of the Public Affairs Council to access the Members-Only area. If you are a member, you need a user name and password. Register online for a user name and password.

Where is the Public Affairs Council located?

The Public Affairs Council is located at 2033 K Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20006. The entrance to our building is on 21st Street between K and L streets in Washington, DC's central business district.

• Via Metro
  • We are within 4 blocks of the following Metro stations: Foggy Bottom (blue and orange lines), Farragut West (blue and orange lines), Farragut North (red line). View a map of the Metro.
• Via Car
  • There are numerous one-way streets in this area and, sometimes during rush hour (Monday - Friday, 7 a.m.-9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. -7 p.m.), indicated turns may not be permitted by law. There is a parking garage on the left hand side of the street immediately after the CVS at the corner of 21st and L and before the building entrance. For directions, please see below or click here to see a map of where we are located and get directions from Mapquest.
• From Maryland 495
  • Take the Connecticut Avenue Exit (towards Chevy Chase & Washington). Connecticut Avenue is a long, busy street with many stoplights and circles. Follow along Connecticut Ave. for approximately 8 miles. Turn Right on M Street. Left on 21st Street. Go through one light at L Street. The Council will be mid-block on the left.
• From Virginia Route 66
  • Take 66E over the Potomac River and Roosevelt Bridge (the Kennedy Center will be on the left). Exit on the Left at the E Street Exit. Immediately after exiting, keep to the Right towards E Street. Go under small tunnel. At the first stoplight, turn left on 20th Street. Follow 20th Street approximately 8 blocks. Turn Left on M Street. Take next Left onto 21st Street. Go through one light at L Street. The Council will be mid-block on the left.
• From Virginia 395N
  • Go over 14th Street Bridge. Keep to the Left over the bridge. Follow 14th Street to K Street. Turn Left on K Street. Turn Right on 20th Street. Left on M Street. Left on 21st Street. Go through one light at L Street. The Council will be mid-block on the left.
• From Bethesda, Maryland
  • Take Massachusetts Avenue East to 21st Street. Right on 21st Street. After New Hampshire Avenue and M Street, and L Street, the Council will be mid-block on the left.
• From Mclean, Virginia
  • Take George Washington Parkway towards Washington. Exit onto Key Bridge. Stay in Right lane over the bridge. Halfway across the Bridge, take a quick Right onto Whitehurst Freeway. Exit at K Street. Go through small tunnel. Left on 20th Street. Left on M Street. Left on 21st Street. Go through one light at L Street. The Council will be mid-block on the left.
• From National Airport
  • Take George Washington Parkway (North) towards Washington - Left exit. Exit at Memorial Bridge and stay in Left lane. Turn left onto 23rd Street. Stay on 23rd Street to Washington Circle. Go approx. 1/3 mile around the circle to New Hampshire Avenue (on right). Take New Hampshire to 21st Street and make a Right. Go through one light at L Street. The Council will be mid-block on the left.

Other questions? Please contact us at 202.872.1790 or by?email.