Membership Monthly – April 2026

Updates from the NGA Membership Team for April 2026. For more about the programs below and a list of upcoming events please email NGA at: [email protected].

April Spotlight

Governors Highlight National Walking Day

NGA CHAIR'S INITIATIVE

Governor Stitt Hosts Convening in Philadelphia

April 16, NGA Chair Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt will convene Governors and energy leaders in Philadelphia to explore energy innovations to power economic growth. The event is the latest in a series of gatherings connected to Governor Stitt's NGA Chair's Initiative, Reigniting the American Dream. The convening will feature a series of panel discussions. Governors will highlight policy progress and industry leaders will forecast what's next. Follow NGA's website and social sites for updates about this week's convening.

Governor Moore Reflects on His American Dream Story

NGA Vice Chair Maryland Governor Wes Moore shared "My American Dream Story" on the Reigniting American Dream Substack created as part of NGA Chair Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt's NGA Chair's Initiative. Governor Moore writes, "I realized that I am here because there were people who were willing to lift me up on their shoulders. People who were willing to hold my dreams up long enough to wait for my shoulders to become broad enough to carry them myself."

Government Relations

NGA Reaffirms Commitment to State Authority Over Elections

Following the White House issuance of an Executive Order on federal elections, NGA released this statement on state authority over the administration of elections. The statement reads, in part, "The Constitution grants states the authority to administer elections, and governors take our Constitutional duty extremely seriously."

Governors Stitt, Moore Write DHS Secretary Mullin

NGA Chair Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Vice Chair Maryland Governor Wes Moore sent a letter to newly confirmed Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Markwayne Mullin. The letter notes DHS and its agencies are critical partners to states and territories and expresses Governors' priorities on several issues, including disaster relief and cybersecurity. The letter also extends an invitation for the Governors to meet with Secretary Mullin and invites the secretary to attend NGA's Summer Meeting in Oklahoma City, July 30 - August 1.

NGA Urges Congress to Pass Bipartisan WRDA Legislation

NGA joined a coalition of organizations representing state and local government entities to send a letter to congressional leaders to provide input during the authorization process for the 2026 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The letter notes "that perpetuating a strong water infrastructure system and ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water is essential to supporting the nation's economic growth and global competitiveness. Our members stand ready to work with you to ensure the passage of a new bipartisan WRDA bill in 2026." In addition to NGA, the letter is signed by the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Council of State Governments, the National Association of Counties, the National League of Cities, the United States Conference of Mayors and the International City/County Management Association.

NGA Task Force Sends Letter to Department of Education

NGA sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Education to offer ideas for how Governors can collaborate with the department in the coming months and years to ensure Workforce Pell delivers lasting results for state and territorial economies. NGA worked closely with the NGA Education, Workforce and Community Investment Task Force members to submit the letter.

NGA CEO Shares Reflections on Congressional City Conference

At the recent National League of Cities 2026 Congressional City Conference, NGA CEO Brandon Tatum joined leaders from the nation's top public-sector associations for a conversation on civility and achieving balance between different levels of government. Watch the conversation here. Read about the event here.

NGA Activities

NGA Hosts Convening to Measure Student Success

NGA Highlights Education Themes in 2026 State of the State Addresses

For the past seven years, NGA and the Education Commission of the States (ECS) have partnered to publish a report on the education issues raised in Governors' addresses. Across this year's remarks, we have identified five major policy trends that are driving Governors' work: Academic Supports and Achievement, K-12 Funding, Workforce Development and Career and Technical Education, Early Care and Education, and the Teacher Workforce. Read the full report here. A discussion about the report findings can be watched here and below.

Governor Cox Invites Governors to Host America's Potluck

NGA Shares Overview of Meeting Held on AI and the Future of Work

As part of NGA's Working Group on AI and the Future of Work, Governors' AI and workforce advisors recently met to share best practices and hear from national experts. A summary of the meeting can be read here, and key meeting takeaways can be read here. The NGA Working Group on AI and the Future of Work is comprised of Governors' advisors from a bipartisan set of NGA members who will meet regularly to develop a Roadmap for Governors on AI & the Future of Work.

NGA Holds Workforce Development Policy Institute

NGA held the Winter 2026 Workforce Development Policy Institute. Representatives from 39 states and territories participated in the meeting, sharing their Governor's top workforce development priorities. Policy advisors from Delaware, Montana and North Carolina gave presentations on bold workforce development policies their Governors led in 2025. An overview of the meeting can be read here.

NGA Commentary Details Ways Governors Are Addressing Housing Shortages

NGA released a new commentary to detail examples of some of the housing policies Governors discussed in their 2026 State of the State and Territory addresses. From accelerating construction to lowering costs for first-time buyers, Governors are advancing practical, state-led solutions to strengthen communities and expand opportunities for homeownership. Read more here. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, co-chairs of the NGA Education, Workforce and Community Investment Task Force, recently released this statement welcoming congressional consideration of the "21st Century ROAD to Housing Act."

April in Photos

NGA routinely shares photos of Governors at work. Highlights from the past month follow. Governors and First Spouses visiting summer fairs.

Pictured Above:

Top Row (L to R): Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón, and Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte

Middle Row (L to R): Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and First Gentleman Kevin Reynolds, and New York Governor Kathy Hochul

Bottom Row (L to R): Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen