NGA Center for Best Practices
NGA Center for Best Practices teams develop innovative solutions to today’s most pressing public policy challenges. The NGA Center is the only research and development firm that directly serves the nation’s Governors.
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Governors Leading on Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness in 2026
Public safety and disaster preparedness emerged as central priorities in 2026 State of the State addresses, with Governors emphasizing proactive, state led strategies to protect communities, reduce crime and strengthen resilience in the face of growing threats. Across states ...
Opening Doors to Opportunity: How Governors are Supporting Entrepreneurship
New businesses – including small businesses – are the backbone of the economy. They drive job growth, reduce poverty and strengthen GDP. Yet, the rate of new business formation in ...
National Walking Day 2026
Solvitur Ambulando It is solved by walking. Whether attributed to St. Augustine or Diogenes, some ancient ideas are timeless for a reason. In the case of walking, the reasons are ...
Reigniting the American Dream
Every American should have the opportunity to build a life of purpose, to strengthen their community, and to help shape a nation defined not only by prosperity, but by potential realized. Yet across our very diverse states, too many people have lost faith in this opportunity. They’ve faced too many obstacles, encountered too many closed doors, and given up the hope of a brighter future. We can do better.
Reigniting the American Dream is more than an initiative. It’s an invitation for every U.S. governor to take action.
Program Areas
Center for Best Practices Library
MCH Update: States Protect Health Care Coverage During Recent Fiscal Downturn
Medicaid is the nation’s largest health insurance program for low-income persons. The data in this report show state efforts around ...
MCH Update 2002: State Health Coverage for Low-Income Pregnant Women, Children, and Parents
Since 1990, the NGA Center has reported on the status of state Medicaid coverage of children and pregnant women and ...
MCH Update 2001: Trends in State Health Insurance Coverage of Pregnant Women, Children, and Parents
Since 1990, the NGA Center has reported on the status of state Medicaid coverage of children and pregnant women and ...
Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Update: States Have Expanded Eligibility and Increased Access to Health Care for Pregnant Women and Children
In January 2001, the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) announced that more than 3.3 million previously uninsured children now have ...
PAST NGA CHAIRS INITIATIVES
- 2024-2025
Gov. Jared Polis’s Initiative
Let’s Get Ready! - 2023-2024
Gov. Spencer Cox’s Initiative
Disagree Better - 2022-2023
Gov. Phil Murphy’s Initiative
Strengthening Youth Mental Health - View all…