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 117th 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
- Sophia Yager, Senior Policy Analyst
- Eric Aboodi, Policy Analyst
- Malena Dailey, Policy Analyst
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
Governors’ Role in Promoting Disability Employment in COVID-19 Recovery Strategies
Creating a Responsive and Sustainable Statewide Work-Based Learning Structure
10 States Awarded Grants to Accelerate COVID-19 Workforce Recovery Efforts
Supporting A Trained Direct Care Workforce In Facility Settings During And After The Covid-19 Pandemic
Rethinking Occupational Licensing After COVID-19: The Governor’s Role
National Governors Association, Cognizant U.S. Foundation Launch Workforce Innovation Network to Support a Robust, Equitable Recovery
State Roadmap for Workforce Recovery
Workforce Innovation Network
Economic Policy Library
NGA Joins State, Local Coalition ‘Americans Against Double Taxation’
