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
2025-2026 U.S. Supreme Court Term: Summary of Key Decisions and Implications for States
The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2025-2026 term featured a number of significant decisions affecting state and territorial governments. The Court issued approximately 68 decisions, along with additional orders on its emergency ...
Behavioral Health Risks and State Strategies Related to Increasingly Potent and Accessible Psychoactive Products
On August 26, 2026, the NGA Health team convened state and territory health policy advisors to discuss how they are addressing the rapidly evolving market for psychoactive substances. The call ...
2026 “Bridging Pathways” Institute: Supporting Higher Education Opportunities in State Correctional Facilities
The 2026 “Bridging Pathways” Institute: Supporting Higher Education Opportunities in State Correctional Facilities was held on August 10-11th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hosted by the National Governors Association (NGA) Center for ...
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
Gubernatorial Considerations for Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Implementation
Pandemics, emergencies, and other catastrophic events require governors and state and territory leaders to consider how they will continue to ...
Flexibilities Under CCDBG/CCDF, CARES Act Supports for Small Businesses and Child Care
During the webinar, state leaders from the Parents and Children Thriving Together: Two-Generation State Policy Network (PACTT Network) shared how ...
Early Release from Incarceration in Response to COVID-19
Correctional institutions are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 outbreaks. As part of state and local COVID-19 response efforts, officials are taking ...
Implementing Effective Social Distancing Policies to Mitigate Spread of COVID-19
As COVID-19 is rapidly spreading throughout communities in the United States, policies promoting social distancing have been a critical strategy ...
Gubernatorial Strategies for Health Care Workforce and Facility Capacity
COVID-19 is posing a serious threat to the nation’s health care workforce. As cases continue to rise, there will be ...
Rural Energy Affordability Solutions
Rural households typically spend 40 percent more on energy bills than urban households (ACEEE). States are working to reduce rural ...
Postsecondary Strategies for COVID-19
Postsecondary education in states is a complicated ecosystem that connects oversight of adult basic education, workforce training programs, veterans’ programs, ...
COVID-19 Responses in the Juvenile Justice System
As the number of COVID-19 cases increases, governors are taking action to limit the spread of this disease, including coordinating ...
CARES Act & Emergency Appropriations for Coronavirus Health Response and Agency Operations: Workforce Provisions Summary and Analysis
Note: Title II of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) contains detailed provisions on the design ...
Law Enforcement and Stay-at-Home Orders
As the number of COVID-19 cases increases, governors are taking action to limit the spread of the disease, including issuing ...
Impacts of COVID-19 on Transportation Operations and Revenue
Governors and their states are on the frontlines of response to the evolving coronavirus pandemic. State transportation agencies are playing ...
Pertinent Higher Education Provisions in the CARES Act
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) includes an Education Stabilization Fund of $30.75 billion. Funding is ...
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…