Workforce Development & Economic Policy

Governors are working to expand economic opportunity and advance the nation’s global competitiveness by developing the skilled workforce and economic environment required for individuals, businesses and communities to thrive.

As the chief executive officers of their states, Governors set strategic priorities to align workforce and economic development activities to build a shared vision of societal and economic well-being. The NGA Workforce Development & Economic Policy program supports Governors and their appointees in developing and executing on these priorities.

Featured Initiatives

NGA Workforce Development Technical Assistance Program

NGA provides advisors and other Governor-appointed state workforce system leaders with technical assistance on a broad range of workforce development policy issues through policy memoranda; in-state site visits and presentations, and facilitated connections with subject matter experts. The team also holds biannual convenings and monthly briefings and issues a weekly newsletter.

Workforce Strategic Planning Collaborative

The NGA Center’s joint project with the U.S. Department of Labor supports Governors and their advisors as they develop and implement their federally required four-year strategic plans for workforce development. Technical assistance offerings include an emphasis on implementation of federal investments that passed during the 117^th Congress, namely the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act.

NGA Economic Policy Advisors and Economic Policy Technical Assistance

NGA provides Governor-appointed state economic development leaders and advisors with highly responsive and customized best practice research, strategic planning facilitation, timely information from federal partners and subject matter experts, and other support on a broad range of economic policy priorities. This includes an upcoming virtual event series as well as a bi-weekly newsletter.

Meet The Team

Jack Porter, Program Director
Sally Rood, Senior Policy Analyst
Jordan Morang, Senior Policy Analyst
Sophia Yager, Senior Policy Analyst
Eric Aboodi, Policy Coordinator

Focus Areas

Apprenticeship and youth apprenticeship
Sector-focused workforce and economic development strategies
Workforce development financing, governance, and innovation
Outdoor recreation & economic development
Service-to-career pathways and public sector employment
IIJA, CHIPS and IRA implementation Future of work, digital transformation and digital skills
Disability inclusive workforce policy

Services Available

Strategic planning facilitation and best practice guidance on workforce and economic development topics or initiatives
Strategic guidance, feedback and meeting facilitation services for Governor-appointed state workforce development boards
Convenings for workforce and economic development advisors and state leaders on emerging issues
Regular newsletters for state workforce and economic development leaders
Customized research briefs and best practice presentations upon request

Workforce Development Library

State Solutions for Supporting the Return to Work and Filling Open Jobs

As the economic recovery picks up, governors and state leaders are identifying and addressing barriers that keep their workforce from returning to work and filling open positions posted by employers ...

Governors’ Role in Promoting Disability Employment in COVID-19 Recovery Strategies

Because people with disabilities face disproportionate consequences of COVID-19, it will be critical to ensure adequate protections and supports are available to them in order to promote opportunities for safe ...

Creating a Responsive and Sustainable Statewide Work-Based Learning Structure

This reference guide outlines what policymakers should consider when creating a statewide work-based learning structure. (View/Download) Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic forced state education and workforce systems to quickly adapt to ...

10 States Awarded Grants to Accelerate COVID-19 Workforce Recovery Efforts

Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, New Mexico, Nevada and Washington Named to Inaugural Workforce Innovation Network Cohort Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, New Mexico, Nevada and Washington ...

Supporting A Trained Direct Care Workforce In Facility Settings During And After The Covid-19 Pandemic

The direct care workforce is a critical component of a well-functioning health system. These occupations are reliable entry points into the health sector, but limited wage potential as well as ...

Rethinking Occupational Licensing After COVID-19: The Governor’s Role

The Occupational Licensing Final Report: Assessing State Policies and Practices highlights lessons learned from the consortiums’ work with 16 states that can inform future action by Governors and state legislators ...

National Governors Association, Cognizant U.S. Foundation Launch Workforce Innovation Network to Support a Robust, Equitable Recovery

As Governors lead efforts to promote equitable and forward-looking economic recovery in their states and territories, the National Governors Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices announced the launch of the ...

State Roadmap for Workforce Recovery

This roadmap is designed to help Governors and state leaders address four objectives necessary to respond holistically to the unemployment crisis as well as to recover and build resilience in ...

Workforce Innovation Network

The Workforce Innovation Network will help facilitate innovative state-level policy solutions that improve employment and workforce outcomes. This page should redirect to: https://www.nga.org/workforce-innovation-network/ If not redirected please click here to ...

Economic Policy Library

Governors Renew Bipartisan Request for Fiscal Relief for States

National Governors Association Chair Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and NGA Vice Chair New York Governor Andrew Cuomo issued the following statement:“The nation’s governors continue to appreciate our collaboration with the ...

The Additive Manufacturing Response to COVID-19

As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts global supply chains and manufacturing operations, the medical community faces a critical shortage of certain devices and personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly those essential for ...

National Governors Association Outlines Need for ‘Additional and Immediate’ Fiscal Assistance to States

Calls on Congress to Allocate Additional $500 Billion National Governors Association Chair Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and NGA Vice Chair New York Governor Andrew Cuomo issued the following statement:“Governors across ...

Flexibilities Under CCDBG/CCDF, CARES Act Supports for Small Businesses and Child Care

The National Governors Association recently hosted a webinar in partnership with the Office of Child Care within the Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and ...

Request for Guidance on the Coronavirus Relief Fund

March 28, 2020 The Honorable Steven Mnuchin Secretary of the Treasury U.S. Department of Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, D.C. 20220 Dear Secretary Mnuchin: Thank you for working with ...

Governors’ Request for Third Congressional Supplemental Bill

March 20, 2020 The Honorable Mitch McConnellMajority LeaderUnited States SenateU.S. Capitol Building, Room S-230Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Chuck SchumerMinority LeaderUnited States SenateU.S. Capitol Building, Room S-224Washington, D.C. 20510 The ...