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
Oregon Policy Academy Workshop on Energy Transmission
On October 7, the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE), in partnership with the National Governors Association (NGA) and the office of Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, held a workshop to discuss ...
Governor’s Pocket Guide to Early Literacy
In 2019, NGA published the Governor’s Pocket Guide to Early Literacy, an exploration of the policy levers available to governors to help strengthen early reading proficiency. In the years since, ...
SNAP E&T Toolkit
Drawing on the experiences of the Policy Academy, this toolkit provides practical guidance for state SNAP E&T administrators and Governors’ office staff. (Download) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training ...
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
Oregon Policy Academy Workshop on Energy Transmission
On October 7, the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE), in partnership with the National Governors Association (NGA) and the office ...
Governor’s Pocket Guide to Early Literacy
The 2019 Governor’s Pocket Guide to Early Literacy underscores the importance of early literacy with compelling state examples of outcomes, initiatives ...
Permitting Reform
America’s energy problem is not resources, it is speed. Governors from both parties have united behind a package of commonsense ...
SNAP E&T Toolkit
Drawing on the experiences of the Policy Academy, this toolkit provides practical guidance for state SNAP E&T administrators and Governors’ ...
Youth Mental Health Action Lab: Strengthening School-Based Mental Health
Cross-agency teams from five states convened in Annapolis, Maryland, Oct. 7-8, for NGA’s second Youth Mental Health Action Lab focused ...
Key Takeaways: NGA Fall Infrastructure Workshop on Alternative Delivery and P3s
On Oct. 1-2, 2026, the National Governors Association (NGA) held its Fall Infrastructure Coordinator Workshop in New York City. Based ...
Match Ready, Mission Ready: Public Health Emergency Preparedness Lessons from the 2026 FIFA World Cup
On September 22, 2026, the NGA Health Team convened state and territory health advisors to discuss best practices and future ...
2026 Energy Resilience Roundtable for U.S. Territories, Alaska & Hawaiʻi
Energy supports daily life, economic opportunity, and public safety, and its importance is never clearer than when the power goes ...
Briefing on State and Local Law Enforcement Coordination
On Thursday, September 17th, the National Governors Association (NGA) hosted its monthly briefing for the Criminal Justice Policy Advisors (CJPA) ...
Skills-Based Talent Metrics Toolkit
The Skills-Based Talent Metrics Toolkit provides a practical starting point for moving from policy intent to implementation, from implementation to ...
2027 Bridging Pathways Policy Academy
A National Governors Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices initiative, supported by Ascendium Education Group Quick Facts Program: 2027 Bridging ...
NGA Convenes State and Territory Leaders Focused on Strengthening Safety Net Programs and Implementing New Federal Requirements
On September 14 and 15, 2026, NGA convened state and territory leaders at the Microsoft Innovation & Policy Center in ...
PAST NGA CHAIRS INITIATIVES
- 2024-2025
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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…