Resources for Transition Teams

The Center for Presidential Transition® supports transition teams as they plan, staff and build a new administration. Below are key resources to equip transition teams with the best guidance available and prepare a new president to hit the ground running following the inauguration.

Presidential Transition Guide

The Center for Presidential Transition’s® comprehensive guide on the activities required for transition teams and federal leaders engaged in second-term planning.

November 20, 2023

The States of Our Union

Modern presidents come into office promising national change in areas such as education, health care, immigration and infrastructure. To execute their agenda, their administration must coordinate across all levels of government. The Partnership for Public Service’s Center for Presidential Transition® and Deloitte created this resource to identify the practices that lead to effective collaboration, including how transition planning can help establish successful intergovernmental relationships.

September 14, 2023

Effective presidential transitions can earn the public’s trust

Presidential transitions can only be effective if the public trusts that the people involved will honor the results of democratic elections and value the need for new administrations to prepare to govern even before taking office. The Center for Presidential Transition® conducted a nationally representative survey to understand the country’s views on the custom of presidential transfers of power. The survey found that 56% of Americans agreed a peaceful transition would take place if a different candidate wins in 2024. By contrast, 44% of Americans did not think a transfer would be peaceful or were unsure. The public’s doubt should serve as both a call to action and an opportunity. Government leaders and organizations such as the Center must support public understanding of the importance of peaceful transitions as a critical function of our democracy.

Advice to Incoming Agency Leaders From Those Who Have Been There

Starting a new role midway through a president’s term has unique challenges; it can feel like relationships and processes are already established. To help new political leaders hit the ground running, the Partnership for Public Service’s Center for Presidential Transition® and the Boston Consulting Group interviewed about 15 current and former officials from across different administrations with top management experience in government. These officials shared reflections on their first few months on the job and offered advice to future political appointees.

January 18, 2023

The 2020-21 Presidential Transition: Lessons Learned and Recommendations

A new report by the Partnership and Boston Consulting Group looks back at the 2020-21 presidential transition and offers key recommendations to improve future transfers of power.

January 20, 2022

Presidential Transition Act Summary

In passing the Presidential Transition Act of 1963, Congress explained: “Any disruption occasioned by the transfer of the executive power could produce results detrimental to the safety and well-being of the United States and its people.” To promote the orderly transfer of power, Congress established a framework for the federal government to prepare for a transition from one president to another.

Agency Review and Landing Team Principles, Guidance and Materials

This guide contains the Center for Presidential Transition’s recommendations for agency review efforts before and after the election. It outlines the information that agency review and landing teams need to gather to best inform comprehensive policy implementation plans and briefing documents for appointees. Included are two practical table of contents that can be modified by transition teams.

August 16, 2016

Transition and Agency Directors Coordinating Councils

Infographic that outlines the responsibilities and membership of the White House Transition Coordinating Council and the Agency Transition Directors Council.