News
Drawing attention to trends and new research is an important part of MissionSquare Research Institute’s mission. To that end, the Research Institute collaborates with media outlets and related organizations to promote its research and resources. The Institute’s research has been covered by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, National Public Radio, CNBC, Bloomberg News, Fox Business, Governing, Politico, and many other outlets. State legislators and agencies, local governments, and federal and congressional entities rely on and cite that research regularly.
The Research Institute also holds events and webinars to focus on timely issues, enabling state and local governments and other public service organizations to build capacity to attract and retain the talent they need to operate in an increasingly complex world.
Latest News
New research from MissionSquare Research Institute uncovers critical insights on diversity, equity, and inclusion across the public sector workforce
A new research report provides a comprehensive analysis of the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) landscape across the public sector workforce. The study includes historical and projected data for a wide variety of occupations, and indicates areas where certain gender, racial, or ethnic groups are statistically under- or over-represented. While employment trends vary regionally and […]
State and Local Retirement Pension Plans Funded Status Holds Steady Despite Pandemic
New Research Finds State and Local Pension Fund Investments in Alternatives Tripled Since 2005, Representing Larger Share Than Fixed Income Investments A new analysis finds that through the first quarter of 2021, state and local retirement plans have accumulated assets of $5 trillion in defined benefit (DB) pension plans and $531 billion in defined contribution […]
K-12 Public School Employees Have a Multitude of Concerns as Pandemic Lingers
National Poll Shows Anxiety About Student Learning, COVID-19 Risk, Personal Finances Ninety percent of K-12 employees are concerned about students falling behind as a result of the pandemic. At the same time, K-12 employees are working longer hours, having difficulty adjusting to changes in the nature of their jobs and are worried about protecting their […]
Long-Term Growth in Postsecondary Education Staffing Despite Pandemic-Related Declines
Steepest Declines in 2020 Were Among Junior Colleges, Technical, and Trade Schools College and university staffing increased by 51% between January 1999 and January 2020, with a decline of 9% in 2020 during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Other postsecondary schools also saw growth during the same timeframe, with employment increasing by 192% through […]
State and Local Workforce Morale Is Up, But Many Workers Still Consider Changing Jobs or Leaving Public Sector
New MissionSquare Research Institute National Poll Finds Increased Employee Debt and Sustained COVID-19 Worries Webinar on July 29 to Review Findings As COVID-19 vaccination rates continue to climb across the U.S., the morale of state and local government employees is also on the rise. Positive morale regarding work among this segment of the workforce increased […]
70% of State and Local Government Employees Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19
MissionSquare Research Institute National Poll Indicates Most Employers Encourage Rather than Mandate Vaccines; Protecting Personal Health is Top Reason for Vaccination As COVID-19 vaccination rates continue to increase across the U.S., new research indicates that a high number of state and local employees are vaccinated. In this segment of the workforce, 70% are fully vaccinated […]
E-News: Survey Findings on Recruitment and Other Workforce Challenges; SLGE’s New Name and Expanded Mission
- The Center for State and Local Government Excellence is Becoming the MissionSquare Research Institute
- 2021 State and Local Government Workforce Survey Results Released
- Financial Wellness Grant Updates
- SLGE at ICMA-RC in the News
State and Local Governments Face Acute Challenges Recruiting Workers in Health Care, Public Safety, Skilled Trades and Engineering
New Research from the Center for State and Local Government Excellence at ICMA-RC Finds Spike in Retirement Amid COVID-19 Pandemic New research assessing the state and local government workforce finds jurisdictions are facing acute challenges recruiting employees in several critical areas. Health care positions are identified as hard to fill by 60-75% of survey respondents, […]
E-News: Expanding Mission; COVID Impacts – Public Employee Survey Report, May vs. October
- Our Expanding Mission
- New Research and Upcoming Webinar: Impact of COVID-19 on Public Employee Views on Employment and Finances
- Trends to Watch for the New Year
- Stakeholder Summits
- Key Resources – Financial Literacy and Retirement Plan Data
- SLGE in the News
State & Local Employees’ Negative Job Sentiments are Climbing
Employee Burnout/Fatigue Jumped from 27% in May to 47% in October; More Than Half Say Pandemic Has Harmed Personal Finances The COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis are taking a heavy toll on the state and local workforce. Since the early days of the pandemic, negative job sentiment is on the rise. In an October national […]
Press Briefing: Update on Public Sector Employee Views on Finances & Employment Outlook Due to COVID-19
Join us for a media pre-briefing on forthcoming research that examines public employee views on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This new national poll finds that the pandemic and economic crisis are taking a heavy toll on the state and local workforce. The research indicates that since May, state and local workers’ negative job […]
Six Workforce Trends to Watch in 2021
As a unique and challenging 2020 concludes, there is a great deal to learn regarding what is needed to develop and manage an effective, high-quality, and diverse state and local government workforce. Recent research by the Center for State and Local Government Excellence (SLGE) reveals key challenges and opportunities facing states and localities in the […]
As COVID-19 Cases Surge Across the U.S., State and Local Employee Negative Job Sentiment is on the Rise
More Than Half Say Pandemic Has Harmed Finances and 74 Percent Worry About Impacts on Retirement Security K-12 Public School Employees Report Increased Hours and Burnout While Job Satisfaction and Morale Tumble, According to Center for State and Local Government Excellence and ICMA-RC Research A new national poll of state and local employees finds that […]
Research Examines Local Government Cross-Sector Collaborations to Address Public Health Challenges
Survey with ICMA and Case Studies in Colorado, Florida and Minnesota Focus on Affordable Housing, Healthy Community Design, and Substance Misuse As the nation continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic, a new report explores how local government agencies are collaborating to help address today’s greatest public health challenges. The report delivers detailed information and promising […]
E-News: Webinar on Local/Public Health Collaborations; Infographic on State/Local Employment
- Upcoming Webinar Examines Local Government Cross-Sector Collaborations to Address Public Health Challenges
- State and Local Government Employment
- Financial Wellness Case Studies
- Webinar Recording: High Stakes Decision-Making During COVID-19
- SLGE in the News
Case Studies: Local Government Employee Financial Wellness
Twin Lakes, Wisconsin and Denver, Colorado Case Studies Provide Lessons Learned That Other Jurisdictions Can Adopt to Strengthen the Financial Wellness of State and Local Employees As many state and local employees face increased financial challenges and stress amid the coronavirus pandemic, a new report provides examples of two local jurisdictions that have successfully implemented […]
How Local and State Governments are Meeting the Employee Benefits Challenge
In the October 2020 issue of HR News, columnists Katherine Barrett and Richard Greene cited SLGE workforce survey data and comments from President and CEO Joshua Franzel, PhD, in a discussion on key public sector benefits issues, ranging from retirement and health to financial wellness.
Twenty-Four U.S. State & Local Jurisdictions Awarded Employee Financial Wellness Grants
The $1.4 Million in Grants is Supported by the Wells Fargo Foundation in Collaboration with the Center for State and Local Government Excellence, the International Public Management Association for Human Resources, and the National Association of State Treasurers’ Foundation A new national initiative, funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation, has awarded a total of $1.4 […]
Route Fifty: Why Public Sector Employee Worries about Finances Should Worry Us All
COMMENTARY | As Covid-19 puts increased financial strain on the state and local government workforce, employers must find innovative approaches to shore up workers’ financial security. Otherwise, vital services and programs delivered to communities throughout the nation could be at risk.
By Rivka Liss-Levison, PhD, SLGE Director of Research
Amid COVID-19 Pandemic, Local Government Pension Plans Funded Ratios Hold Steady in Fiscal Year 2020
Recession Strains on Governments Could Make It Difficult for Local Governments to Make Future Required Pension Contributions A new analysis of local public pension plans indicates that despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn, local government pension plans will see virtually no change in their average funded ratio during fiscal year 2020. Moreover, projections […]
As the School Year Begins, Nearly Three-Fourths of K-12 Educators Consider Their Jobs Risky in Terms of Potential Exposure to COVID-19
Sixty-One Percent Say the Pandemic Has Had a Negative Impact on Their Finances; 76 Percent Concerned the Crisis Will Impact Retirement Security Despite Concerns, Most Public School Employees Value Serving Their Community During This Difficult Time, According to National Polling from the Center for State and Local Government Excellence and ICMA-RC Webinar on August 26th […]
E-News: Public Pension Data and Webinar on K-12 Employee Views
E-News: Public Pension Data and Webinar on K-12 Employee Views
- Public Plans Database Hits 200 Pension Plans + New Defined Contribution Content Coming
- Webinar: K-12 Public School Employee Views on Jobs & Benefits
- Webinar: K-12 Public School Employee Views on Jobs & Benefits
- Workforce, Benefit and Retirement Content at the ICMA Conference
- SLGE in the News
World Pensions Council Citation of SLGE President Discussing Public Plans Data
SLGE President and CEO Joshua Franzel, PhD, was cited in the World Pensions Council article G7 Pensions: ESG, SDGs, Green Growth and the Road to Camp David, discussing the increasing prevalence of environmental, social or governance considerations among pension investments as reflected in the Public Plans Database.
E-News: Local/Military Public Health; State/Local Employee Views on COVID-19
- Public Health Collaborations: Local Governments and Military Bases
- COVID-19: Public Employee Views on Financial and Personal Impacts
- K-12 Workforce: Vast Majority Satisfied With Ability to Serve Public and Job Security
- Financial Wellness Grant Applications Due July 15
- SLGE in the News
New Research Examines Local Government and Military Partnerships in Public Health
A new research guide reviews areas where local/military partnerships on public health communication, training, planning and response can better serve the needs of community residents, active duty military, dependents and civilian employees while building enduring relationships of trust and collaboration between the base leadership and city/county management. A Guide to Local Government and Military Partnerships […]
As COVID-19 Cases Rise in Many States, State and Local Government Employees Have Serious Concerns About Their Safety, Finances and Job Outlook
Despite COVID-19 Concerns, 61 Percent of Employees Value Serving Their Community During This Difficult Time As the coronavirus outbreak continues to present many challenges to state and local governments, a new national poll reveals that public employees are deeply worried about their personal safety, family finances, losing their job, furloughs, and pay and benefit reductions. […]
K-12 Workforce Survey Finds Vast Majority of Employees Satisfied With Ability to Serve Public and Job Security
Employees Report Varied Levels of Confidence Making Retirement Plan Decisions, While 73 Percent Want More Retirement Planning Information With schools facing unprecedented challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Center for State and Local Government Excellence (SLGE) and ICMA-RC have released new research that assesses K-12 public school employees’ views on their job […]
New State & Local Government Financial Wellness Initiative Now Accepting Grant Proposals
A new national initiative is accepting grant proposals from state and local governments to establish or improve employee financial wellness programs. Up to 26 grants will be offered for a one-year, non-renewable initiative. The grant funding amount is based on jurisdiction workforce size, with up to $100,000 available for state and local governments with 2,500 […]
New Research Examines Impact of Market Decline on Public Pension Plans
A new analysis of state and local public pension plans indicates that these retirement plans will end fiscal year 2020 with negative annual investment returns, reduced asset values, lower funded ratios and higher actuarial costs. Additionally, the research indicates that plan finances will continue to decline in the wake of the economic downturn. These findings […]
New Research Finds Continued Increase in Telework for State & Local Government Employees, Even Prior to COVID-19
Annual Workforce Survey Indicates Engineering Positions Most Difficult to Fill, Edging out Policing New research finds a steady increase in telework among state and local government employees (27 percent), the highest share since 2016 (22 percent). This practice is more common in state agencies (64 percent) than local jurisdictions (19 percent). The increase may relate […]
SLGE Announces New Financial Wellness Initiative and Grants
Supported by the Wells Fargo Foundation, and in collaboration with the IPMA-HR and the National Association of State Treasurers’ Foundation, this initiative will provide financial resources, create tools and case studies, and facilitate conversations among state and local leaders.
New Research Shows State and Local Public Employees Concerned About Their Personal Finances
Few Offered Financial Literacy and Wellness Programs, But Most Would Participate if Offered As many state and local employees face increased financial challenges and stress amid the coronavirus pandemic, a new report finds that these public employees already were worried about their personal finances. Prior to the current global health crisis, the vast majority, 88 […]
New Research Finds the Number of Local Governments Offering Retirement Benefits Outside of Pension Plans Increased from 11% to 19% from 2001 to 2018
A new research brief documents the extent of the shift away from stand-alone defined benefit (DB) pension plans for a sample of 180 major local governments to see how it compares to the changes at the state level. In 2018, 19 percent of large localities had a defined contribution (DC), cash balance, or hybrid plan […]
Amid Coronavirus Outbreak, New Research Reveals the Makeup of the U.S. State and Local Public Health Workforce
Compared with Overall State and Local Workforce, Public Health Employees are More Diverse, Have More Education, and are Somewhat Older As the nation faces increased strains on its public health workforce from the COVID-19 outbreak, a new report examines the makeup of the U.S. public health workforce. This new primer describes the current public health […]
Public Sector Retiree Health Care via Individual Medicare Marketplaces
As many state and local governments face inadequate funding levels for retiree health care obligations, a new report offers policymakers with a guide to individual Medicare marketplaces. These marketplaces are one option for public employers and retirement systems to consider as they look to contain health care costs and create a better value for retirees. […]
Trends to Watch for 2020
As we usher in a new decade, the year 2020 will present both challenges and opportunities for state and local government employers looking to recruit, retain, and develop talented employees. Recent research by the Center for State and Local Government Excellence (SLGE) reveals key issues facing state and local government leaders in the year ahead, […]
Broadcast Retirement Network: Podcast on State and Local Government Pensions and Workforce Issues
Gerald Young, Senior Research Associate with SLGE, participated in a podcast on the Broadcast Retirement Network discussing both state and local government pensions and ongoing issues in public workforce recruitment and retention.
Press Release: Innovations in the Health and Human Services Workforce
State and local governments face greater competition for talent even as the demand for specialized health and human services (HHS) jobs grows, according to a new report from the Center for State and Local Government Excellence (SLGE) and Kronos. The research includes examples of successful retention strategies and innovation, and it highlights the key drivers […]
Press Release: New SLGE Research Examines Variable Arrangements for Public Pension Plans
A new report from the Center for State and Local Government Excellence (SLGE) and AARP provides policymakers and stakeholders with an overview of the use of variable benefit and contribution arrangements in public pension plans. Under variable benefit and contribution arrangements, a pre-set formula drives occasional adjustments – increases or decreases – in retirement benefits […]
Press Release: Data Indicates Growing Need for Elementary and Middle School Teachers
With schools back in session and many states facing teacher shortages, the Center for State and Local Government Excellence (SLGE) and ICMA-RC have released a new research infographic outlining employment trends and demographics for the primary and secondary public school workforce. The infographic indicates that: Those working in kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) represent 45% […]
SLGE Research Examines Local Public Health Staff-Sharing Arrangements in New Jersey & Minnesota
SLGE examines how local health departments have implemented staff-sharing arrangements across geographic boundaries. The research provides important insight on key challenges, how the effort was implemented, financial consideration, outcomes, and lessons learned through two case studies of staff-sharing arrangements in New Jersey and Minnesota. The report also highlights two areas of focus that are critical […]
Podcast: Auto-Enrollment Research Discussed on The Weekly Pulse
Director of Research Rivka Liss-Levinson, PhD, discusses the results from SLGE’s recent survey research on public employees’ attitudes and behaviors when presented with various options for auto-enrollment in supplemental retirement plans. The survey, conducted by SLGE and ICMA-RC finds nearly half of state and local employees approve of auto-enrollment in defined contribution plans, known as […]
Money Life Interviews SLGE on Auto-Enrollment Survey
Money Life with Chuck Jaffee conducted an interview with SLGE President/CEO Joshua Franzel discussing the center’s polling research on public pension auto-enrollment in supplemental plans and the impact of default deferral rates on employee saving. Listen to the interview.
ICMA-RC and SLGE Study Examines Public Employee Attitudes Toward Retirement and Auto-Enrollment
SLGE and ICMA-RC announced results from a new survey that finds nearly half of state and local employees approve of auto-enrollment in defined contribution plans, known as Supplemental Retirement Plans (SRPs), and 77 percent would choose to stay in a plan if auto-enrolled. Few states currently offer auto-enrollment in SRPs, a retirement plan feature that is […]
New Research Shows Few Employer-Based Financial Literacy Programs Available for Local Government Workers, Despite Need
A new report provides an in-depth analysis of local government financial literacy programs across the U.S. The report finds that only about one in four local government employers offer financial literacy programs to their workforce, according to a new survey of human resources directors.
State and Local Government Trends to Watch in 2019
Recent research efforts by the Center for State and Local Government Excellence (SLGE) reveal key issues facing state and local government leaders in 2019, as well as strategies being used to manage public employee benefit programs, attract and retain a talented workforce, and provide financial security to public sector employees. The role of retirement benefit […]
Center VP of Research Speaks to WSJ re: NJ “Cash Balance” Proposal
SLGE’s VP of Research Joshua Franzel speaks to Wall Street Journal re: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s pension study committee proposal to move state’s public employee retirement system toward “cash balance” plans as a way to control costs and control liabilities. http://on.wsj.com/1EQlaDE
State and Local Fiscal Facts 2015
How widespread are municipal bankruptcies? Are municipal defaults increasing? What about state and local pension funding? State and local government revenues have been slowly improving, making it possible for many officials to take steps to address their fiscal challenges. ICMA and the national organizations representing the nation’s governors, state legislatures, and state and local officials […]
Good returns ease public pension fund fears as GASB changes take hold
Center President/CEO Elizabeth Kellar tells Pensions&Investments that even good GASB numbers should not take attention away from the need for elected officials to focus on funding plans and decisions about setting annual contribution rates. (9/15/14)
GovLoop Talks Next Gen Retirement Planning with the Center
Chris Dorobek of the DorobekINSIDER program talks with Center President/CEO Elizabeth Kellar and Vice President of Research Joshua Franzel about their PM magazine cover story on how post-recession benefit changes are affecting the retirement strategies of new hires. (2/3/14)
Retirement: Why the Next Generation Needs a Plan
Center President/CEO Elizabeth Kellar and Vice President of Research Joshua Franzel look at how post-recession benefit changes affect the retirement strategies of new hires and what government employers can do to help them in this PM magazine cover story. (Jan/Feb. 2014)
Is the public pension crisis overstated?
Center President & CEO Elizabeth Kellar tells benefitpro.com that the glass is more than half full when it comes to pension funding. While a few cities have serious challenges, most are in reasonably good shape, making the status of public pensions much more nuanced than is usually portrayed. (10/25/13)
Inflation Assumptions Under the Spotlight
Asset International’s Chief Investment Officer covers a new paper co-authored by Center Vice President of Research Joshua Franzel, “Public Pension Plans and Inflation: Assumptions Used at the State and Local Level in the United States and Other Jurisdictions.” (10/4/13)
Keys to Pension Sustainability and Communications
Are growing pension liabilities the reason Detroit, Stockton, and San Bernardino had to declare bankruptcy? Center President & CEO Elizabeth Kellar took part in a webinar, “Getting a Grip on GASB and Pension Funding,” that tried to answer that and other questions. (9/5/13)
State, local governments step up pension plan changes
Forty-four percent of state and local governments made pension plan changes over a 12-month period, up from 37% in the previous 12 months, according to an annual survey released Wednesday by the Center for State and Local Government Excellence. (5/15/13)
Public pensions on the mend?
From the Bankrate.com Retirement Blog: The fiscal stability of state and local government pensions has been the source of much retirement planning consternation, but the recent Future of Retirement summit, sponsored by the Center for State and Local Government Excellence, was upbeat about the issue. (4/29/13)
Center Summit Debates Widespread Changes to Retirement Plans
Nationally recognized experts and practitioners gathered in Washington, DC, at the Future of Retirement Summit to examine how demographic, workforce, legal, financial, policy, and political challenges are changing local and state government retirement strategies. (4/24/13)
2013 Outlook: States May Offer DC Plans for Some Employee Groups
Although there has been no general trend toward shifting employees to a defined contribution plan as the primary retirement benefit, some states are beginning to look at defined contribution plans as a primary offering for certain employee groups. (4/12/13)
Center and National Associations Issue Pension Funding Guide
A new guide from the Center, the “Big 7″ state and local government associations, and the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) provides key facts about public pension plans and a brief overview of the issues that state and local officials should address.
Public Pension System Reforms: Outlook for 2013
In 2009, in the wake of the economic downturn, states increased their efforts to address the sustainability of their public pension systems. Since then, nearly every state legislature has passed reforms to various elements of their public pension systems, with most reducing benefits and/or requiring greater employee contributions. The coming year should see significant activity in several states as well. (2/28/13)
New speakers added: The Future of Retirement Summit – Register now!
Registration is now open for the Center’s Future of Retirement Summit. The April 16 event will address the workforce, legal, financial, policy, and political challenges facing local and state governments as they retool their retirement benefits.
Public Sector Retirement Plan Changes Identified in ICMA-RC/SLGE Brief
According to a brief released by ICMA-RC and the Center for State and Local Government Excellence (SLGE), one-third of human resource executives made changes to the retirement plans they offer to employees within the past 12 months. (10/8/12)
GASB rules have pension execs prepping own accounting standards
To help decision-makers make long-range decisions, the Center for State and Local Government Excellence convened a task force of public pension employer and administrator groups to develop their own recommended standards and practices for pension funding that can be supported by the actuarial community and lead to consistent reporting (login may be required). (6/5/12)
A Mixed Bag: New Issue Brief on Public Plan Funding
What’s wrong with this picture? The stock market is up; state and local government revenues are on the rise; and governmental pension plans have made record numbers of changes, raising employee contributions for all workers and/or reducing benefits for new workers. However, the funded status of public pension plans has once again slipped. (5/7/12)
More Local Governments Cuts Accelerate in Jobs Report
A new survey shows state and local governments have sought to stave off job cuts by pushing down payroll expenses in other ways. The survey by the Center for State and Local Government Excellence reported 51 percent of governments implemented pay freezes, while 42 percent suspended hiring. (5/4/12)
The Perils of Payroll Tax and Pension Holidays
As the federal government debates the continuation of the payroll tax cut and postpones the critical debate over the long term financing of Social Security, what might it learn from state and local government pension management? Center for State and Local Government Excellence President & CEO Elizabeth Kellar writes about the consequences of pension holidays and why some pension plans are better funded than others. (2/8/12)
San Francisco Accepts Workforce Award in National Competition
The Center for State and Local Government Excellence (Center) recognized San Francisco’s comprehensive approach to its workforce challenges at the National League of Cities (NLC) Congress of Cities in Phoenix, Arizona, on November 11. (11/11/11)
Center Recognizes Local Governments for Workforce Excellence
The City and County of San Francisco has been selected for the inaugural Local Government Workforce Excellence Award, the Center for State and Local Government Excellence announced today. Two other local governments will receive honorable mention awards: Coconino County, Arizona, and the local governments of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, California. (11/8/11)
Public sector must pay, stay competitive
By Elizabeth K. Kellar Orlando Sentinel 2/14/08 To explain the differences in public and private sector compensation, it’s important to dig beneath the surface. The Orlando Sentinel’s editorial on Sunday, “Fattening Up: Local and State Governments Are Overly Generous to Employees,” acknowledges that lawyers make more in the private sector than in the public sector, […]
