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
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, ...
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, ...
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 ...
Governors’ Policy Actions on Behavioral Health Access
(Download) Behavioral health workforce shortages remain a significant barrier to accessing care in rural areas across the United States. According ...
GHSAC Executive Committee Annual Meeting with Key Congressional and Administration Staff
The Governors Homeland Security Advisors Council (GHSAC) executive committee met May 19-20, in Washington, D.C., with key members of the federal executive ...
Policy Academy to Strengthen Benefits Systems Through Innovative Technology
This project will support up to six states and territories in advancing their governors’ priorities to strengthen SNAP and Medicaid ...
Governors’ Policy Actions in Rural Health Workforce
Rural Health Transformation Program Insights (Download) Governors play a critical role in shaping the health workforce, using levers such as ...
New Research Confirms What Governors Know: Academic Supports Are a Priority
A new national report from researchers at Harvard and Stanford offers a timely and sobering assessment of where American students ...
Charting a Course for Workforce Pell
From May 5 through May 7, the National Governors Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices convened the NGA Workforce Pell ...
2026 SNAP E&T Policy Academy Convening
The National Governors Association (NGA) recently convened states for the final meeting of its SNAP Employment and Training Policy Academy, ...
NGA and NMVC Support State Efforts to Improve Mass Violence Emergency Management Plans
In 2025, state teams from Colorado, Missouri and Nevada participated in the Learning Collaborative on Victim Services in Mass Violence State Emergency Plans. This Learning Collaborative ...
Governors at Work During National Apprenticeship Week
This week, governors across the country are joining employers, educators and workers to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, running April 26 ...
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…