It’s not all about Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania in November. Nathan Gonzales dissects the six other races that will “open windows into political dynamics playing out around the country.”
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Business PACS are finding their footing again two years after the pandemic lockdowns and a year after the Jan. 6 attempted insurrection. Learn about changes PACs are making to their giving practices, and other findings from the new PAC Benchmarking Reports.
While it might feel like consensus and compromise are relics of the past, long-term policymaking often happens in the middle. Advocacy experts explain why the narrowing center is still a lobbyist’s best bet.
The relationship between business, the public and America’s two major political parties is changing. Council President Doug Pinkham looks at how Democratic voters are becoming more pro-business than many Republicans.
It’s been nearly a year since the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Nathan Gonzales predicts that Republicans will likely test the electoral process once again, and corporations and associations will have to decide how far is too far.
Dynamic. Ever-changing. And entering a new phase of its history. That’s how the Council’s new chair, Thrivent’s Karen Himle, views the profession. Read on to learn more about her priorities for the year ahead.
What happened in the Garden State signals a good-to-great set of midterm elections for the GOP next year. Nathan Gonzales explains what the governor’s race means for the future.
European governments and businesses won’t likely rely on pre-pandemic advocacy tools any time soon. We explore how global public affairs is embracing the digital world – and the new challenges that come with it.
Expectations of corporate America are changing. A new report from the Foundation for Public Affairs looks at the growing pressure for corporations to take a stand on social issues and how companies can help create a better, more equitable society.
The Virginia governor’s race is a chance to test issues and messages. Nathan Gonzales shares why it’s important for both parties to get the election aftermath right.
What industries does the public trust the most? Are Republicans breaking with business on social issues? Do Americans view society as becoming more or less racist? We unpack the findings from the 2021 Public Affairs Pulse Survey.
Successful PACs have maintained the trust of their members and fostered strong relationships during a time like no other.
“Who can predict the future?” While we don’t know for certain what November 2022 will hold, political developments and historical trends can guide the way. Nathan Gonzales breaks down three midterm scenarios and their likelihood of happening.
With a background in law and accounting, Adam Kerns brings a unique perspective to his lobbying work as assistant vice president of state affairs for Zurich North America. He explains why belonging is a huge component of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
What do Jedis have to do with politics? Focus determines reality. Nathan Gonzales breaks down why it’s true in Star Wars and elections.
Differing party views. Overlapping authority. Learn more about regulatory complexities in the states and how organizations are responding.
It’s a busy time if you work in sports betting policy. We chatted with the American Gaming Association’s vice president of strategic communications and responsibility about how the industry has evolved. She also shares how you know when you’re an official Washingtonian.
Don’t let complacency seep into your summer plans. Nathan Gonzales explains why election excitement won’t be on pause for long.
Name tags, breakout sessions and convivial receptions are back! But what have we learned from the virtual event experience? Read on for what’s coming for conferences.
Getting to the equity part of DEI can be complex, but smart companies understand the value of diverse leadership. Hear from public affairs executives on paths forward for the profession.
Despite losing the White House and Senate and failing to take back the House last cycle, Nathan Gonzales explains why Republicans are feeling quite good about the state of their party.
In the new vlog series Rough Ideas, Council President Doug Pinkham discusses how low diversity is discouraging entry into the public affairs field, but also how the Council and its member organizations are uniquely positioned to make progress on DEI priorities.
A new survey from the Public Affairs Council finds that people of color represent only 17% of the profession. Learn more about the findings on DEI practices in strategy, hiring, external partnerships and more.
Digital advocacy professionals have stepped up their game. Read on for how they’re combating screen fatigue, reaching new audiences and turning virtual pivots into long-term solutions.
Nathan Gonzales envisions the former president staging a comeback. Journey to 2022 and how these potential midterm outcomes might spur another presidential bid for Trump.
The winners of the 2021 Outstanding PAC Awards approached a year like no other with ingenuity and a spirit of community. Learn more about how the American Society of Anesthesiologists PAC and Dell PAC brought their members together and used technology in new ways.
We’re keeping the discussion going from the National PAC Conference. Nathan Gonzales answers your questions on everything from the litigating of the electoral process to why you should never diss Ohio.
Alan Elias, senior manager of digital advocacy and public policy for eBay, shares how the world is opening up for small businesses and what it was like to work for John McCain.
Americans have wrestled with how to fund elections for most of our country’s history. But a world without corporate PACs could lead to more dishonesty and more extreme candidates. Council President Doug Pinkham explores why PACs are campaign finance reform that works.
A batch of House special elections are just around the corner. Nathan Gonzales walks us through what to watch and what to expect.
Working in public affairs means learning to live with uncertainty. Council President Doug Pinkham outlines the major risks and how to manage them.
Will the new administration mean changes in the process of policymaking? We interviewed some of the sharpest minds in public affairs for their take on what’s ahead. Read on for their thoughts on working with lobbyists, changes to campaign finance, a return to normalcy and more.
Derision and division won’t stop with the beginning of a new presidency. Nathan Gonzales explores how we might get to a more unified and respectful Congress – and America.
Broussard Williams has a passion for inspiring others to be change makers. Both in her role as senior manager of public policy for Amazon and in her book Find Your Fire, she is working to better communities and turn moments into movements.
With a new administration come new ethics rules and discussions of campaign finance reform. While the “No PAC Pledge” has gained popularity with some candidates, polling data show Americans view PACs as an acceptable way to fund elections. Council President Doug Pinkham explores how the pledge plays into election outcomes.
Governing and campaigning are not mutually exclusive. Nathan Gonzales dives into how legislating has become a part of campaign tactics and how some of the 2022 races have already started.
Major companies have helped push change on racial justice issues. Case in point, the Washington Football Team wouldn’t have changed its name without pressure from the business community. But how aware is the public of these efforts? Read on for where corporate activism might go from here.
An active Council member since the ’90s, Board Chair Peter Wilkinson is setting a plan of action for the year ahead. He’s also taking the helm as both the first Canadian and international chair, with a first priority on diversity, equity and inclusion.
After each presidential election we ask the winning candidate to bring the country together. Nathan Gonzales explores why unifying the nation is going to be no easy task.
No one knows for certain what will happen on Election Day, but Nathan Gonzales explains why our collective shock from 2016 shouldn’t drive us away from the data this time.
In a year marked by COVID-19 and questions of election integrity, the public is putting more trust in business and less in government. Read on for insights from the 2020 Public Affairs Pulse Survey and how companies can take a bigger role on the biggest issues.
As the boundaries between corporations and nonprofits blur, Walter Powell of Stanford University provides a fresh understanding of charitable organizations.
This is a time for open conversations about race, diversity and equity. It’s also a time to move beyond lip service to real action. Companies share the meaningful investments and actions they are taking.
Like major crises before it, COVID-19 will have lasting effects on society. Council President Doug Pinkham breaks down both the trade-offs and the opportunities before the public affairs profession as a result of the pandemic.
Candidates need to win bigly this fall to avoid skepticism of the voting process. Nathan Gonzales explains why a peaceful transition of power may be at risk this year.
Public affairs today requires a sophisticated understanding of how the C-suite thinks. An MBA could be your path to mastering the business know-how to rise in your career.
How do you know which business schools “get” public affairs and integrate it into their curricula? We have you covered. This analysis of U.S. News and World Report’s Top 100 Business Schools shows which programs are best for public affairs leaders.
Nathan Gonzales says a lack of imagination was the biggest mistake in predicting the 2016 race. Here are his predictions for what the race will look like over the next few months for the presidency, Senate and House.
Renowned risk management expert Peter Sandman shares his thoughts on the pandemic response. From knowing your risk matrix to honest communications, here’s what should guide us in the future.
Nathan Gonzales takes a trip to Indiana and gains an understanding of how people experience the pandemic differently, and how the battle for the presidency and Congress is really fought.