
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

Governors Leading on Skills-Based Hiring to Open Opportunity Pathways
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How Governors Are Addressing Housing Access and Affordability and the Connection to Workforce Success
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Governors Lead the Way on Behavioral Health Workforce Needs
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Governors Lead on Solutions to Improve Mental Health in the Workplace
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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.
Meet The Team
- Rachael Stephens Parker, Program Director
- Jack Porter, Senior Policy Analyst
- Sally Rood, Senior Policy Analyst
- Jordan Morang, Policy Analyst
- Sophia Yager, Policy Analyst
Projects
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NGA Workforce Innovation Network
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Expanding Disability Employment
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Workforce Development Technical Assistance Program
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Preparing the Future Workforce Now
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Rural Prosperity Through the Arts & Creative Sector
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Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship
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Workforce Development Library
Testimony – The Marketplace Equity Act of 2011
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Hearing Statement – Tax Reform – State and Local Tax and Fiscal policy
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Hearing Statement – Marketplace Fairness Act
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Testimony – Senate Budget State Fiscal Situation
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Testimony – New Innovations and Best Practices Under the Workforce Investment Act (2009)
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Testimony – Lifelong Education Opportunities (Governor Sebelius)
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