Updates from the NGA Membership Team for October 2024. For more about the programs below and a list of upcoming events please email NGA at: membership@nga.org.
October Spotlight
Governors Mark Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Cybersecurity Awareness Month is observed each October.
NGA recently held the 2024 Cybersecurity Policy Advisors Network convening at Google’s offices in Washington, D.C. The event convened the Governor’s Cybersecurity Policy Advisors Network and other state cybersecurity officials, as well as federal officials and NGA corporate partners, to share best practices and discuss cybersecurity challenges and strategies across a range of topics. A recap of the meeting can be found here.
NGA’s Resource Center for State Cybersecurity provides Governors and their staff members with resources, tools and recommendations to help craft and implement effective state cybersecurity policies and practices. This resource also provides the latest NGA updates related to cybersecurity.
Throughout the month, NGA is promoting Governors’ actions related to cybersecurity through NGA’s website and social media channels.
Seminar for New Governors & 2024 Gubernatorial Elections
NGA to Hold Seminar for New Governors Following Election
Gubernatorial elections will be held in 13 states this November – including nine in which no incumbent is running. NGA maintains this webpage tracking the upcoming gubernatorial elections.
Following the election, NGA will host the 2024 Seminar for New Governors (SNG). SNG provides Governors-elect and First Spouses with essential information to learn from current Governors and First Spouses who can provide insights into best practices to establish a smooth transition and maximize the success of the initial months in office.
NGA Fall Reception
NGA Holds Annual Fall Reception
NGA held its annual fall networking reception, bringing together Governors’ staff members with NGA partners and other business, philanthropic and government leaders. NGA thanks the team at Schneider Electric for hosting the event.
Communications
NGA, Blue Star Families Announce Partnership to Help States Support Military Families
Governor Moore Named First Honorary Chair
NGA has partnered with the military and veteran family support organization Blue Star Families to announce the launch of the initiative “Do Your Part: State Leadership to Support Military Families.”
Maryland Governor Wes Moore participated in an event Blue Star Families hosted to announce the partnership. At the event, Governor Moore was named the first Governor to serve as an honorary chair of this work.
Through the collaboration, NGA and Blue Star Families will develop a toolkit designed to help states and territories identify, prioritize and implement the most effective policies and programs to support military families, providing a clear path to help enhance the well-being of military communities across the country, recognizing community support for military families is crucial to military recruitment, retention and readiness.
Center for best practice
States Capitalize on Federal Infrastructure Investments to Expand Workforce Development
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs recently issued an executive order designed to coordinate the state’s workforce development strategy. Following this announcement, NGA released a new publication regarding the three Governors who, to date, have taken “executive action that addresses the lack of a legislated role and dedicated funding for workforce development across IIJA, CHIPS, and IRA.” Read more here.
NGA Leads GenAI Convening
NGA held a meeting for Governors’ staff members on AI Strategies. A number of private and public sector experts participated in the meeting that included discussions on the key enablers required to capture the value of GenAI. Read NGA’s publication “Governors Leading on Artificial Intelligence” to learn more about the work Governors are doing to mitigate the risks and maximize the benefits related to AI.
NGA Releases New Webinar on Energy Planning
NGA and the National Association of State Energy Officials are conducting a series of webinars on various aspects of the comprehensive state energy planning process. Watch the latest webinar, “Communicating and Implementing the Comprehensive Energy Plan,” here.
NGA Releases Recap of Meeting Held with Governors’ Health and Human Services Policy Advisors
NGA recently welcomed Governors’ advisors and policy leaders from 32 states and five territories to the annual Health and Human Services Policy Advisors Institute. The event featured presentations from several Governors’ offices, including the offices of Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon. An overview of the meeting can be found here.
NGA Releases Publication on October Observance of Youth Justice Action Month
National Youth Justice Action Month is observed each October. NGA’s new publication “Recognizing National Youth Justice Action Month” provides an overview of some of the work Governors’ offices and states have taken to implement programs and initiatives to help promote successful outcomes for youth in the juvenile justice system. Read the publication here.
NGA Releases New Publication on Responding to the Rapid Rise in Congenital Syphilis Cases
Governors and their teams are responding to a rapid rise in syphilis and congenital syphilis cases. NGA is working to support states and territories in implementing a “syndemic” approach to this and other infectious diseases, recognizing that these outbreaks are intertwined with substance use. NGA’s new publication “State Syndemic Approaches and Congenital Syphilis” provides more information and resources Governors’ offices can use to lend to this work.
NGA Releases Publication Exploring States’ Skills-Based Hiring and Talent Management Initiatives
NGA launched Skills in the States to support 23 states and territories in implementing skills-based hiring and talent management initiatives in the public sector. NGA’s new publication “Insights and Opportunities on Public Sector Skills Based Strategy Efforts” provides an overview of some of the ways states are adopting best practices around skills-based hiring. Learn more about skills-based hiring in the public sector here.
NGA Releases Workforce Development Publication
NGA’s new publication “Governors Working on Workforce Development” explores some of the recent actions Governors have taken to support workforce development. Some of these examples will be explored in more detail at the upcoming Fall Workforce Development Policy Institute NGA will host in Mystic, Connecticut, October 30 –November 1.
In Memoriam
NGA is saddened to share former NGA Chair Washington Governor Dan Evans (pictured below left) and former Tennessee Governor Winfield Dunn (pictured below right) passed away. NGA extends our condolences to the Governors’ families, friends and constituents.
Monthly Member Update
Governor Scott Speaks at NGA Legal Counsel Convening
Vermont Governor Phil Scott spoke to the Governors’ legal counsel who met in Burlington last month to attend NGA’s 2024 Governors’ Legal Counsel Convening. Meeting topics of discussion included: harnessing executive authorities, strengthening counsel operations, and ethics and compliance. A summary of the meeting can be found here.
October in Photos
NGA routinely shares photos of Governors at work. A sampling of this past month’s photo highlights follows.
