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
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 to address those vulnerabilities. (Download) Executive Summary The safety and ...
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 convening on NGA Chair Governor Kevin Stitt’s “Reigniting the American ...
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 the Policy Academy to Advance Data Dashboards Measuring Student and ...
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
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 ...
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 ...
Healthcare Priorities in Governors’ 2026 State of the State Addresses
Across the country, Governors from coast to coast made healthcare a centerpiece of their 2026 legislative addresses—identifying common challenges around ...
Civility All the Way Down
Dr. Brandon Tatum Last week, at the National League of Cities 2026 Congressional City Conference, I had the pleasure of ...
Winter 2026 Workforce Development Policy Institute
Governors’ workforce policy advisors, state workforce agency leaders, and Governors' workforce board chairs from 39 states and territories convened in ...
Youth Mental Health Action Lab: Leveraging First Spouses to Drive Change
First Spouses and state policy teams from across the country convened in Asheville, North Carolina on March 9–10 for NGA's ...
How Governors Are Confronting Housing Shortages in 2026
A top priority in Governors’ 2026 State of the State addresses is housing affordability and supply. From accelerating construction to ...
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…