
Workforce Development & Economic Policy
A top priority of the nation’s Governors is expanding economic opportunity and advancing the nation’s global competitiveness by developing the skilled workforce and economic environment required for individuals, businesses and communities to thrive and prosper. As the chief executive officers of their states, Governors are responsible for setting strategic priorities that align workforce and economic development activities across their states toward a shared vision of societal and economic wellbeing. The NGA Center supports the nation’s Governors by sharing best practices and providing technical assistance services to state leaders including Governors’ economic policy advisors, Governors’ workforce development policy advisors, state economic development organization leaders, state workforce development board chairs and state workforce agency leaders. Focus areas include reducing barriers to economic participation; fostering economic dynamism and job growth; and providing training and employment opportunities that support employers’ talent needs and lead to family-sustaining careers.
COVID-19 Response & Recovery

Understanding & Supporting the On-Demand Workforce
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State Strategies to Leverage RESEA in Response to COVID-19
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Short-Time Compensation Programs as a COVID-19 Response and Recovery Strategy
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Key Steps and Considerations for Building a COVID-19 Contact Tracing Workforce
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State Strategies to Transition Dislocated and Incumbent Workers into High-Demand Industries
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Solutions for Rural Economies in Response to COVID-19
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Delivering Workforce System Employment and Training Services Remotely
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Economic Recovery Planning & Resources to Support Businesses and Local Communities
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Information and Guidance on Supporting On-demand Workers through the COVID-19 Crisis
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CARES Act & Emergency Appropriations for Coronavirus Health Response and Agency Operations: Workforce Provisions Summary and Analysis
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Featured
Exploring The On-Demand Economy In Colorado

To address the lack of place-based context needed to understand what drivers underlie trends in nonemployer work, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, in cooperation with Colorado State University and the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, framed a pilot study using focus groups of workers and firms that rely on nonemployer work to better understand the on-demand economy in Colorado.
Creating An Agenda For Workforce Recovery: A Workshop Series For States
We recently hosted a four-part design workshop series for Governors’ advisors and state leaders to facilitate peer-learning, collaboration and the creation of a state agenda for workforce recovery.
- Expanding Access to Essential Support Services
- Rapidly Connecting Jobseekers to Work
- Advancing Digital Inclusion & Resilience
- Enhancing Job Quality for All Workers
Meet Our Team
Rachael Stephens, Program Director
Sally Rood, Senior Policy Analyst
Loren Shimanek, Senior Policy Analyst
Kristin Baddour, Policy Analyst
Madelyn Rahn, Policy Analyst
Shanelle Oliver, Policy Coordinator
Workforce Development Library

Unemployment Insurance During COVID-19
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New Relief Coming From Washington – What Does This Mean For Rental and Utility Assistance?
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National Governors Association, Cognizant U.S. Foundation Launch Workforce Innovation Network to Support a Robust, Equitable Recovery
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State Roadmap for Workforce Recovery
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Outdoor Recreation Learning Network – Annual Meeting 2021
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State Initiatives for Small Business Recovery During the COVID-19 Pandemic Economic Crisis
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Exploring the On-Demand Economy in Colorado
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Letter on Unemployment Insurance and Economic Recovery
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Putting CARES Act Funds To Work: Getting Main Street Back on its Feet
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Economic Policy Library

Unemployment Insurance During COVID-19
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New Relief Coming From Washington – What Does This Mean For Rental and Utility Assistance?
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National Governors Association, Cognizant U.S. Foundation Launch Workforce Innovation Network to Support a Robust, Equitable Recovery
Read More

State Roadmap for Workforce Recovery
Read More

Outdoor Recreation Learning Network – Annual Meeting 2021
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State Initiatives for Small Business Recovery During the COVID-19 Pandemic Economic Crisis
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Letter on Unemployment Insurance and Economic Recovery
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Putting CARES Act Funds To Work: Getting Main Street Back on its Feet
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Putting CARES Act Funds To Work: Prioritizing Testing and PPE to Protect Americans
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