Workforce and economic development are at the top of Governors’ agendas in 2026. Governors are making investments to attract and expand businesses in key sectors, increasing education and training opportunities to build a skilled workforce, and aligning these efforts under coordinated strategies to grow state economies.
“As a small business owner and a construction guy, I believe so much good can come from an honest day’s work at a job that pays a good wage. And that’s why my administration from day one has prioritized economic development, job creation, and bringing investment to all four corners of our state.”
Governor Brian Kemp
GeorgiaGovernors are kicking off the year with bold proposals in their 2026 State of the State Addresses. Here are just a few examples:
Economic Development
- “We are prioritizing workforce development, guaranteeing site readiness and remaining steady and reliable for economic growth.” Alabama Governor Kay Ivey
- “My proposed budget begins with job-creation. It contains $70 million for site development to create build-ready, job-ready sites. It contains $100 million for large projects that just need that last bit of infrastructure or an access road to say yes. And for the first time, it includes a $25 million rural economic development fund.” Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear
- “Economic development is a top priority for this administration…I’m urging the General Assembly to support enhancing the Missouri Works program to include incentivizing capital investments exceeding 50 million dollars.” Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe
- “The Grow the Good Life Incentive […] will provide significant tax credits to businesses of all sizes that grow their businesses and bring new, high-paying careers here to Nebraska.” Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen
- “I’m proposing a $115 million economic development bond to expand maritime and defense infrastructure at Quonset, invest in the 195 District and life sciences, grow our ocean-tech industry, and develop more construction-ready sites that attract advanced manufacturers and create jobs.” Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee
“We are attracting entrepreneurs and multinational businesses to set up shop in Arizona. We are connecting thousands of Arizonans to apprenticeships and family-sustaining jobs. We are investing in rural infrastructure like bridges and affordable, high-speed internet across all communities.”
Governor Katie Hobbs
ArizonaWorkforce Development
- “Just last year, we unveiled the state’s first concrete economic development blueprint. Not top-down, but bottom-up, region by region, over 10,000 people participated in the development of this plan. We call it Jobs First. Thirteen economic and workforce development strategies, aligned with universities and trade schools.” California Governor Gavin Newsom
- “That is why we are calling for a unified department to serve as a one-stop-shop for Coloradans to access high-quality skills, training, apprenticeships, and education.” Colorado Governor Jared Polis
- “LAUNCH remains one of my top priorities for one simple reason – it’s working. More Idaho kids are choosing to stay in Idaho after high school than ever before…Now in year two, LAUNCH is preparing young Idahoans to step directly into the most in-demand jobs in our state, including skilled mechanics, healthcare workers, teachers and others.” Idaho Governor Brad Little
- “We’re investing over half a billion dollars to help New Yorkers gain the skills they need to succeed. […] This year let’s expand that opportunity even further adding new fields like logistics, air traffic control and emergency management.” New York Governor Kathy Hochul
- “Our economic development strategy includes significant workforce investment to ensure West Virginians have the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow. This is how we build a stronger economy for future generations.” West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey
Check back as this page will be updated as Governors’ addresses are given, and bookmark the Center for Best Practices Workforce Development & Economic Policy landing page to follow Governors’ work in these areas.
