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
Telecom Infrastructure Vandalism and Public Safety Impacts
Vandalism of telecommunications networks is a growing problem, driven by theft of copper and fiber optic cables for scrap metal. More than 800 incidents are reported each month. That’s 27 ...
Strengthening Rural Maternal Mental Health
By the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health and NGA H.R. 1 created the Rural Health Transformation Program, offering states an opportunity to reimagine rural health care systems through a ...
Empowering every learner: What the US can learn from the Swiss about apprenticeships
The Swiss apprenticeship model is considered the world’s gold standard – credited with generating job opportunities for workers and ensuring a skilled workforce for employers. As part of his NGA ...
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
Governors Working for the Workforce
Workforce Development Month is a nationwide celebration recognizing the vital role workforce development plays in helping Americans build the skills ...
Governor’s Leading Innovative Skills First Networks
Over the past two years, governors in more than thirty states have taken intentional steps to expand access to economic ...
Preparedness Starts at Home
National Preparedness Month is observed every September to promote disaster and emergency readiness among individuals, families and communities. Each year, ...
Dignity and Respect, Not Division
On September 4th, NGA Vice Chair Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Utah Governor Spencer Cox sat down at the National ...
Charting Future-Ready Pathways: Governors’ Playbook for Strengthening Education and Industry Alignment
America’s Governors play a vital role in shaping the education-to-workforce pipeline, ensuring every student is prepared not only for college ...
Utilizing Data to Evaluate Skills-Based Practices and Non-Degree Credentials: NGA’s Intersectional Policy Lab
On August 27-29, the NGA Center’s Postsecondary team brought together two project cohorts—the Data and Non-Degree Credentials Learning Community and ...
State of the State – 2025
Governors of America's Commonwealths, States and Territories are outlining their priorities for 2025. To showcase their leadership and priorities for ...
Rural Health: A Strategic Opportunity for Governors
Rural communities are foundational to the nation’s health and economy. With nearly 60 million people living in rural America, these ...
NGA Convenes State Workforce Leaders in Montana to Advance Pathways to Work, Unlock Economic Opportunity, and Harness the Power of AI
The NGA Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) hosted its Biannual Workforce Development Policy Institute in Billings, Montana from August ...
Governors Leading on Job Creation and Skills Development
Governors want everyone in their states to have a shot at living their own American Dream. That means not only ...
Highlighting America’s History & Strengthening Civic Engagement
The country’s First Spouses gathered in Colorado Springs during the 2025 NGA Summer Meeting to focus on ways Governors and ...
Permitting Progress
“Permitting reform is one of those issues where both Republicans and Democrats recognize the problem, we largely agree on solutions, ...
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…