Government leaders at all levels recognize the public’s demand for changes in the cost, size, quality and manner in which government has been operating. In response, government officials are actively reviewing and redefining the role of government at the local, state and federal levels and are seeking ways to involve the public in constructive ways. Consistent with the mission of the Fund to enhance the quality of life of New Yorkers by helping to improve the performance of their government, the Fund operates programs and develops tools to help government achieve its mission.

The Center on Municipal Government Performance creates new performance measures of government services from the public’s perspective. The national Government Performance Reporting Demonstration Grants Program promotes the production and dissemination to the public of annual performance reports in cities, counties, states and special entities across the country. Since 1973, the Sloan Public Service Awards Program has been bringing to the public's attention and honoring city employees who demonstrate extraordinary service during their long careers in government.