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.

Latest

Supporting Successful Workforce Reentry for Justice-Involved Individuals

Supporting Successful Workforce Reentry for Justice-Involved Individuals

As Governors continue to address workforce shortages in nearly every sector of the economy, state workforce development policymakers and their private sector partners remain focused on increasing labor force participation ...
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State Longitudinal Data Ecosystem

State Longitudinal Data Ecosystem

The National Governors Association in partnership with the Data Quality Campaign is working with states in a new learning ecosystem to help Governors’ offices and other state officials better understand ...
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Governors Tout Bold Investments in Workforce Development During 2023 State of the State Addresses

Governors Tout Bold Investments in Workforce Development During 2023 State of the State Addresses

A vast majority of Governors spent time during their State of the State addresses outlining their strategy for navigating 2023’s tight labor market, and bold investments in workforce development programs ...
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Governors Propose Bold Economic Investments in 2023 State of the State Addresses

Governors Propose Bold Economic Investments in 2023 State of the State Addresses

In 2023 State of the State addresses, Governors outlined efforts to grow and diversify their states’ economies. In their 2023 State of the State addresses, Governors announced bold investments to ...
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Featured

How Six States Are Planning To Advance Digital Skills For Equitable Economic Participation

Governors are prioritizing digital skill development across the education and training continuum, from K-12 curriculum to upskilling and reskilling for workers and adult learners.


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Workforce Development Library

Additional States Support Work-Based Learning to Expand Employment Opportunities

WASHINGTON— The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) announced that six states and one territory—Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, South Dakota and American Samoa—have been selected to participate in a state knowledge exchange focused on ...
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AV START Act

The Honorable John Thune Chairman Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation United States Senate 512 Dirksen Senate Building Washington DC, 20510 The Honorable Bill Nelson Ranking Member Committee on Commerce, ...
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Human Capital Learning Lab

October 23–24, 2017 | New Orleans, LA The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) hosted the Human Capital Fall Learning Lab in New Orleans, Louisiana. The learning ...
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States Support Work-Based Learning to Expand Employment Opportunities

WASHINGTON— The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) announced that six states— Alabama, Idaho, Illinois, Nevada, North Carolina and Rhode Island— have been selected to participate in a policy academy focused on scaling ...
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Eleven States Chosen for Occupational Licensing Policy Study

In a joint project with the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Council of State Governments, the National Governors Association helped to select 11 states to participate in a peer learning ...
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Developing Talent in Rural America through Work-based Learning Experiences

Developing Talent in Rural America through Work-based Learning Experiences

As rural communities struggle to grow their economies and retain skilled labor, work-based learning experiences such as internships and apprenticeships offer a promising strategy to address workforce talent shortages and ...
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Governors Praise Senate for Protecting Education, Workforce Funding

WASHINGTON—The National Governors Association (NGA) Education and Workforce Committee, led by Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard, released a statement on Congress’ consideration of FY 2018 Labor, Health and ...
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NGA 2017 Summer Meeting

NGA 2017 Summer Meeting

National Governors Association Chair Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe kicked off the 2017 NGA Summer Meeting in Providence, Rhode Island, with a discussion on how states continue to develop strategies to ...
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Education and Job Training Funding in FY 2018

The Honorable Roy Blunt Chair Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education U.S. Senate Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Patty Murray Ranking Member Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, ...
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Economic Policy Library

Promoting Film and Media to Enhance State Economic Development

Promoting Film and Media to Enhance State Economic Development

Film and media arts can play a key role in state economic development. As economic impact studies continue to demonstrate the ability of the film industry to create high-paying jobs, ...
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Testimony – Business Activity Tax

Chairwoman Sanchez, Ranking Member Cannon and members of the Subcommittee, I am pleased to be here on behalf of the National Governors Association (NGA) to communicate governors' strong opposition to ...
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State Efforts to Promote Reading and Literary Activities in Communities

State Efforts to Promote Reading and Literary Activities in Communities

Policies and programs that support reading can help create a culture of reading and community action. By promoting literary reading, states can help build vibrant communities and compete in the ...
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Testimony – Rural Development

Good morning, Mr. Chairman and members of the subcommittee. Thank you for inviting me here to testify. I am John Hoeven, Governor of the State of North Dakota, and I ...
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