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.
Latest
2026 Governors’ Education Policy Advisors Institute
The National Governors Association convened its annual Governors' Education Policy Advisors Institute (GEPA) in New Orleans from May 27-29, 2026, bringing together 34 leaders from 21 states and territories. Over ...
NGA’s Spring 2026 Infrastructure Coordinator Workshop
A Focus on What Comes Next for States and Territories After the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act On May 19-20, the National Governors Association (NGA) hosted its 11th Infrastructure Coordinator ...
Building a Skills-First Future: NGA Skills in the States Convening
From May 19-21, 2026, the National Governors Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices convened the Skills in the States Annual Convening at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. Governors' workforce ...
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
Governor’s Energy Priorities in 2026
State of the state addresses are important annual traditions for many governors, providing an opportunity for governors to communicate directly ...
2026 Broadband Leaders Workshop
On April 21–22, the National Governors Association convened public and private sector leaders in Alexandria, Virginia for its fifth annual ...
NGA Holds 2026 Convening for Governors’ Schedulers, Executive Assistants, Residence Managers and First Spouses’ Staff
First Lady Moore Hosts Third Annual First Spouses Retreat NGA’s Governor Office Engagement team holds multiple meetings and events each ...
Strategic Financing For Early Care And Education Systems
State and territory early care and education (ECE) systems operate across a complex landscape of programs, agencies, and funding streams ...
States’ Role in Addressing Foreign Threats in U.S. Critical Energy Infrastructure Sectors
This issue brief examines the vulnerabilities of critical energy infrastructure sectors and assets to foreign threats and identify possible actions ...
Energizing the American Dream in Philadelphia
The National Governors Association brought together five Governors, energy leaders, and private-sector voices to Philadelphia on April 16, for a ...
Kickoff Convening for Data Dashboard Project Measuring Student Success
On April 8–9, NGA convened participating states and territories in Charleston, South Carolina for a kickoff convening in support of ...
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 ...
2026 GHSAC Spring Meeting
The Governors Homeland Security Advisors Council (GHSAC) met April 8-9, 2026, in Nashville. The GHSAC regularly brings together Governors’ homeland ...
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 ...
National Walking Day 2026
Solvitur Ambulando It is solved by walking. Whether attributed to St. Augustine or Diogenes, some ancient ideas are timeless for ...
Education Themes in 2026 State of the State Addresses
Education has been top of mind for Governors across the country as they have delivered their 2026 State of the ...
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…