NGA Convenes Infrastructure Leaders to Explore Innovative Delivery Approaches, Public-Private Partnerships

Infrastructure Coordinators Workshop brings together infrastructure leaders from 20 states and territories

New York City - The National Governors Association (NGA) this week hosted its twice-yearly Infrastructure Coordinators Workshop. Over the two-day event in New York City, governor-appointed infrastructure coordinators and transportation officials from 20 states and territories met with private sector leaders to explore alternative infrastructure delivery approaches and public-private partnerships (P3) to sustain momentum on infrastructure investment in the face of federal funding uncertainty.

"With funding uncertainty and rising construction costs, governors are thinking outside the box to continue to build the roads, bridges and transit projects their states need," said NGA Chief Policy Officer Timothy Blute. "Public-private partnerships and alternative delivery approaches offer innovative tools to keep infrastructure projects moving forward while saving taxpayer dollars. Governors are leading the charge to accelerate infrastructure construction, and NGA's Infrastructure Coordinators Workshop generated productive, bipartisan discussions to keep building."

Federal infrastructure funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) expired Sept. 30 although portions were extended under a continuing resolution that expires in December. In a 2025 letter to congressional leaders, governors called on Congress to reauthorize surface transportation funding to ensure robust funding levels, promote certainty and timely release of funds, and increase state flexibility by prioritizing formula programs.

The Infrastructure Coordinators Workshop brought state infrastructure and transportation officials together with private sector stakeholders to discuss alternative delivery mechanisms such as design-build and P3 solutions to offset uncertainty around federal infrastructure funding, high and increasing construction costs, state revenue headwinds and other fiscal challenges.

The conversation builds on discussions at NGA's Spring Infrastructure Coordinators Workshop in May, when state and territory officials met with a range of federal stakeholders - including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) - to develop plans to sustain momentum on infrastructure investment. From permitting reform to public-private partnerships to federal funding alternatives, states are strategizing to continue delivering the roads, bridges, ports, and railways needed to grow the economy, keep Americans safe and revitalize rural communities.

"We recognize the critical role public-private partnerships play in shaping infrastructure and economic growth across the country, so we are pleased to host the National Governors Association to advance this important discussion," said Karl Kuchel, Head of Infrastructure, Americas at Macquarie Asset Management. "At Macquarie, we see our role as a long-term partner to cities, states and communities, working alongside public-sector leaders to strengthen, build, and expand essential infrastructure. Our aim is to generate real and lasting value for our clients and the communities our companies serve."

"As uncertainty prevails around long-term federal infrastructure funding, states are turning to private capital to build the projects that keep America powered and moving," said Jon Phillips, Chief Executive, Global Infrastructure Investor Association (GIIA). "Governors' Infrastructure Coordinators are already helping their regions put credible, resilient frameworks in place that let the private sector bring both financing and expertise. State governments can now play a critical role in future infrastructure by expanding state capacity for public-private partnerships, streamlining project permitting, and giving investors confidence to build for generations of Americans to come."

"We applaud NGA's efforts at addressing the funding and implementation challenges states face in modernizing infrastructure," said Gian-Carlo Peressutti, Executive Director Public Affairs, IFM Investors. "NGA's ability to convene key stakeholders is unmatched, and IFM Investors is proud to contribute to these discussions by highlighting the important role pension capital can play in rebuilding America's infrastructure."

"NGA consistently convenes thoughtful discussions about the most pressing issues facing governors," said Nicolas Rubio, Americas CEO, Meridiam. "The private sector is eager to find solutions in partnership with state governments, and it was a pleasure to sit alongside our state and federal partners to talk through how we advance big infrastructure projects in a time of great need throughout the country."

The NGA holds Infrastructure Coordinator Workshops twice per year, providing a forum to share challenges and best practices, coordinate with private sector infrastructure and financing practitioners and collaborate with federal officials.

Check out these resources and event recaps to learn more about NGA's work to support governors' infrastructure priorities:

• The State of Infrastructure: Governors 2026 Priorities
• Governors' Letter to Congress on Surface Transportation Reauthorization
• Read-out: Spring Infrastructure Coordinators Workshop (May 2026)
• Read-out: Fall Infrastructure Coordinators Workshop (November 2025)
• NGA Infrastructure Implementation Resources
• State Resource Center: Innovative Infrastructure Funding, Financing and Delivery