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

E-News: Webinar on What Employees Want in Financial Wellness Programs; New Employment Data

  • Large Share of Public Service Workers Worry About Personal Finances While on the Job

  • ICMA Webinar: Key Workforce Strategies

  • Public Employment Increasing, But Still Lags 2020

  • MissionSquare Research Institute in the News

Large Share of Public Service Workers Worry About Personal Finances While on the Job, According to New MissionSquare Research Institute Study

67% of those not offered or not participating in an employer-provided financial education program indicate they would likely participate in the near future or if offered one.

BenefitsPro: Financial Wellbeing of the Public Service Workforce

MissionSquare Research Institute’s report, Examining the Financial Wellbeing of the U.S. Public Service Workforce, discusses the financial challenges facing public employees, as well as the economic stability they gain from various […]

E-News: How Inflation Impacts Public Employee Morale and Retention

  • Survey Finds Many Public Service Employees Worry About Inflation

  • Upcoming Presentation at NFBPA

  • MissionSquare Research Institute in the News

New MissionSquare Research Institute Survey Finds Many Public Service Employees Worry About Inflation

Job Satisfaction and Retirement Benefits are Key Factors in Attracting Public Service Workers WASHINGTON, D.C., March 2, 2023 – Nearly two in three public service workers (64%) are worried about […]

Bond Buyer: Workforce and Pension Funding

The Bond Buyer discussed the data from the Research Institute’s 2022 workforce survey as indicative of potential risks for pension funded ratios.

Many Public Service Employees Struggle to Pay Bills and Worry About Retirement

New First-of-a-Kind Benchmark Research from MissionSquare Research Institute Examines the Financial Wellbeing, Benefits, and Savings of Public Employees A new report from MissionSquare Research Institute provides a benchmark analysis of […]

Meaningful Work and Workplace Culture are Top Priorities for Younger Workers

83% Say Government Benefits Are Competitive, While 32% Find Salaries Competitive WASHINGTON, D.C., January 12, 2023 – As state and local governments continue to struggle to fill jobs while also […]

Six Workforce Trends to Watch in 2023

State and local governments, along with other public service organizations, faced yet another challenging year. At the same time, public service leaders have gained important insights on approaches to workforce […]

E-News: Financial Anxiety Among Public Employees; Managing Real World Workforce DEI

  • 84% of Public Service Employees Anxious About Financial Security

  • Digging Deeper into State and Local Government Employee Finances

  • Lessons from the Workforce DEI Front Lines

  • Public Plans Snapshot

  • Webinar: Public Workforce Trends to Watch in 2023


  • MissionSquare Research Institute in the News

New Research Provides In-Depth Insight on the Workforce DEI Challenges and Opportunities Facing Local Governments

A new report from MissionSquare Research Institute presents the results of focus groups with local government staff responsible for workforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. The research outlines challenges […]

84% of Public Service Employees Increasingly Anxious About Their Financial Security Amid Turbulent Economy and Market Volatility

Survey Finds Retirement Savings Dropping as Inflation and Housing Costs Rise; Webinar on October 31 to Review Findings WASHINGTON, D.C., October 12, 2022 – New research from MissionSquare Research Institute […]

PM Magazine: DEI in Recruitment and Retention

Senior Research Manager Rivka Liss-Levinson, PhD, contributed an article to Public Management on the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in employee recruitment and retention.

Washington Post/PBS NewsHour: Great Resignation

The Washington Post and PBS NewsHour interviewed Managing Director Joshua Franzel, PhD, on public sector recruitment challenges, retirements, and the Great Resignation.

E-News: Strategies for Public Employee Financial Wellness, Recruitment Incentives


  • Strengthening Public Sector Employee Financial Wellness

  • Workforce and Data Insights at ICMA and NAGDCA Conferences

  • Recent Webinars on Recruitment, Retention, and Retirement

  • MissionSquare Research Institute in the News

E-News: New Data on Challenges Retaining Workers and Managing Local Government DEI

  • State and Local Governments Hiring, But with Acute Challenges Retaining Workers

  • Managing Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  • MissionSquare Research Institute in the News

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion a High Priority for Most Local Governments

Webinar on July 12th to Review Findings A new research report from MissionSquare Research Institute finds workforce diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a high priority for 56% of local […]

New Study Finds State and Local Governments Hiring, But Face Acute Challenges Retaining Workers

Webinar on June 27th to Review Findings Eighty-one percent of state and local governments are hiring new employees but face workforce challenges that are impacting total employment, according to a […]

American City & County: Retirement Savings Decumulation

American City & County covered the Research Institute’s study on how retirees decumulate funds from their defined contribution plans.

Retirement Asset Decumulation Patterns Among Public Sector Workers

A new research report from MissionSquare Research Institute finds that nearly half of public sector employees are taking no action with their defined contribution plan funds once retired. Looking out […]

E-News: Public Plans Updates, New K-12 Workforce Data on the Impacts of COVID-19

  • Public Plans Database – Access Trends and Online Tools
  • Presentation Slides: K-12 Workforce and COVID
  • MissionSquare Research Institute in the News

Forbes: Rebuilding the Public Sector

Forbes cited Research Institute survey data on public sector employees considering retirement, changing jobs or otherwise leaving the workforce.

E-News: Employee Exodus; Webinar Recordings

  • Exodus of Employees is Increasing Strain on Public Sector Workforce

  • Recent Presentations: In-Person and Online

  • MissionSquare Research Institute in the News

Exodus of Employees is Increasing Strain on Public Sector Workforce

More than half of state and local government employees report that more people are leaving since the start of the pandemic, leaving their remaining coworkers stressed

E-News: Pension Funding; State and Local Benefits; Financial Wellness

  • Pension Funding Improving

  • Overview: State and Local Employee Benefits

  • Financial Wellness Case Studies

  • Webinar: Employee Financial Wellness

  • Connect on Twitter

  • MissionSquare Research Institute in the News

Case Studies Highlight How Five Public Sector Employers Are Improving the Financial Health of Employees

Innovative Ideas to Strengthen Financial Wellness Programs As public sector workers report increased financial challenges in the wake of the ongoing pandemic, a new series of financial wellness case studies […]

State and Local Pension Plan Funding Levels Again Tick Upward

Robust Financial Markets and Full Employer Contributions Impacting Improved Funded Status The latest Public Plans Database (PPD) analysis from MissionSquare Research Institute indicates that the funded status of state and […]

PlanSponsor: Financial Wellness Program Fact Sheets

PlanSponsor covered the Research Institute’s state and local government financial wellness grant program and the related fact sheets on how each recipient applied those funds.

Public Sector Benefits Can Offer a Hiring and Retention Advantage During the Great Resignation

As employers across the nation face unprecedented labor shortages, new research finds that benefits offered by state and local governments can help attract and retain workers even amidst the Great […]

E-News: Financial Wellness; Great Resignation

  • Financial Wellness Fact Sheets

  • Great Resignation Infographic

  • MissionSquare Research Institute in the News

Los Angeles Times: DEI in the Public Service Workforce

MissionSquare Research Institute’s report on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the public service workforce received coverage from the Los Angeles Times.

More than Half of State and Local Government Employees Contemplating Leaving Their Jobs Due to Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic

“We’re teetering on the brink of a public sector workforce crisis” As state and local governments face unprecedented workforce shortages, an alarming number of public sector employees say they are […]

New Financial Wellness Fact Sheets Demonstrate How 24 Public Sector Employers Have Implemented Programs to Improve the Financial Health of Employees

Developed Under a New Grant Program, the Fact Sheets Offer Innovative Ideas for Employers Seeking Ways to Strengthen Workforce Financial Wellness As many public sector employees face increased financial challenges […]

Six Workforce Trends to Watch in 2022

As state and local governments, along with other public service organizations, emerge in 2022 from a challenging two years, they continue to gain valuable insights into how public employers can […]

E-News: Research Advisory Committee, Virtual Conference Presentations

E-News: December 2021

  • Research Advisory Committee
  • Virtual Conference Presentations
  • MissionSquare Research Institute in the News

E-News: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workforce; Public Pension Data

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Public Service Workforce

  • Public Plans Data Snapshot

  • ICMA Conference Presentations

  • MissionSquare Research Institute in the 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

K-12 Workforce More Stressed and Inclined to Consider a Job Change as Compared to Other State and Local Employees

Poll indicates 90% of K-12 employees are concerned about students falling behind. See key findings and link to related infographic.

E-News: COVID-19 Impacts One Year Later; Postsecondary Education Staffing Trends

  • COVID-19 – One Year Later

  • Long-Term Growth in Postsecondary Education Staffing Despite Pandemic-Related Declines

  • Webinar Series: Flexible Workplace Implementation

  • Recruiting Veterans

  • Not Just COVID – Other Workforce Challenges

  • MissionSquare Research Institute in the News

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% […]

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 […]

E-News: Employee COVID-19 Vaccination Infographic; Public Plans Data Update

  • COVID-19: Employee Vaccination Status and Views

  • Expansion of Public Plans Database

  • MissionSquaer Research Institute

  • LinkedIn Webinar Series

  • MissionSquare Research Institute in the News

MissionSquare Research Institute Announces Expansion of Public Plans Database

The Public Plans Database now includes openly-accessible data on state and local government defined contribution and defined benefits plans that account for 95% of U.S. public pension assets and members.

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 […]

Rebranded MissionSquare Research Institute Will Continue to Deliver Independent, Nonpartisan Research That Informs Organizations Dedicated to Public Service

The Center for State and Local Government Excellence at ICMA-RC is now the MissionSquare Research Institute. The new brand name is in conjunction with ICMA-RC changing its name to MissionSquare […]

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 […]

E-News: Financial Wellness Resources; Webinar on Workforce Survey Results

  • New Infographic on Emergency Savings Funds for Employees
  • Register Now for Workforce Survey Webinar on May 19
  • Stakeholders Report on Financial Wellness
  • Public Plans Data: 2020 Updates Posted
  • SLGE at ICMA-RC in the News

E-News: Public Service Employment; COVID Impacts by Career Stage

  • A Cross-Sector Review of Public Employment
  • Infographic: Career Stage Breakouts on COVID-19 Survey
  • Presentations at the ICMA Regional Conferences
  • Recent Webinars
  • SLGE in the News

Research Brief Examines the Public Service Workforce

A new research brief provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. public service workforce. The analysis includes state and local governments, K-12 schools, hospitals and health care, and social assistance organizations.

E-News: K-12 Employee Job Satisfaction Plummets

  • K-12 Employee Job Satisfaction Plummets
  • Workforce Survey
  • SLGE in the News

K-12 Employee Job Satisfaction Plummets as Stress and Worries Increase Regarding COVID-19 Safety and Personal Finances

A nationwide poll of K-12 employees finds this segment of the state and local workforce has heightened concerns stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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

E-News: Local Government Pension Outlook; K-12 Employees on COVID-19 Impacts

  • Local Pension Funding Projections Decline but Stable Through 2025

  • Webinar Recording: K-12 Public School Employee Views on COVID-19, Jobs & Benefits

  • ICMA Annual Conference

  • SLGE in the News

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

E-News: Workforce Survey, Pension Outlook, Financial Wellness Grants

  • Workforce Survey Sees Continuing Trends, Increased Flexible Work Practices

  • Market Decline Worsens the Outlook for Public Plans

  • Financial Wellness Webinars and Grants

  • SLGE in the News

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.

E-News: Local Shifts Away from DB Plans; Upcoming Webinars

  • Have Localities Shifted Away from Defined Benefit Plans?

  • Employee Preferences on Financial Wellness

  • Additional Webinars
  • SLGE in the News

  • Upcoming Research

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 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 […]

E-News: Public Health Workforce, Medicare Marketplaces

  • A Profile of the Public Health Workforce

  • Individual Medicare Marketplaces for Retiree Health Care
  • Financial Literacy Resources and Webinar

  • Public Plans Database Update

  • SLGE in the News

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 […]

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 […]

SLGE E-News: Police and Fire Pension Costs

  • Police and Fire Pension Brief

  • Upcoming Webinars

  • SLGE in the News

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. […]

E-News: Writing Competition and Workforce Webinar Recording

  • American Public Servant Writing Competition
  • Webinar Recording: Health and Human Services Workforce
  • SLGE in the News
  • Happy Holidays

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 […]

E-News: Health and Human Services, Workforce Summit Key Takeaways

  • Innovations in the Health and Human Services Workforce
  • Workforce Summit Report: Key Takeaways
  • SLGE in the News
  • Thanks for All That You Do

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 […]

E-News: Public Pension Data, Employee Financial Literacy

  • Explore Latest Pension Plan Data
  • Infographic: Employee Financial Literacy
  • Webinar: Innovations in the Health & Human Services Workforce
  • Recap: Public Workforce 2030 Summit
  • Proactive Pension Management
  • SLGE In the News

Proactive Pension Management, K-12 Employment, and Workforce 2030

  • Pension Guide for Elected Officials

  • Public Workforce Profile: K-12 Education

  • Public Sector Workforce 2030: September 26-27

  • SLGE in the News

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 […]

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 […]

Retiree Health Benefit Finance Data & Workforce Webinar

  • Other Post-Employment Benefits by State

  • Sign Up for Webinar on New Public Workforce Research
  • Public Plans Data
  • Register Now – #workforce2030
  • SLGE in the News

State and Local Governments Continue to Face Recruitment & Retention Challenges, Explore Flexible Work Practices & Use of Gig Economy

Webinar on August 14th at 1 PM ET to Review Findings

6/7/2019

  • Public Sector Workforce 2030 Summit: Mark Your Calendars!
  • Watch the Webinar on Supplemental Plan Auto-Enrollment
  • Conference Presentations
  • Staff Sharing

4/30/2019

  • Webinar on Auto-Enrollment and Employee Decision-Making

  • Public Health Staff Sharing

  • Public Sector Workforce 2030 Summit: Mark Your Calendars!

  • SLGE in the News

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

3/26/2019

  • Nudging Retirement Savings with Default Auto-Enrollment Rates
  • Public Sector Workforce 2030 Summit: Mark Your Calendars!
  • SLGE in the News
  • Employment Data

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), […]

2/22/2019

  • Workforce Discussion at the National Institute on Retirement Security Conference
  • Financial Literacy Webinar Recording
  • SLGE in the News

Podcast: Financial Literacy

SLGE staff reported on The Weekly Pulse podcast about the findings from the center’s financial literacy research.  Interview starts at 41 minutes. The full report is available at Financial Literacy […]

Research & Resources 2018

Review the breadth of SLGE’s recent resources and research.

1/30/2019

  • Financial Literacy Report and Webinar
  • Public Plans Database

  • Trends to Watch

  • SLGE in the News

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 […]

New Checklist Helps Public Health Departments Evaluate Staff Sharing

Tool Comes as Local Governments Seek Innovative Ways to Recruit and Retain Employees

12/11/2018

  • Post-Retirement Reemployment: Report and Webinar

  • Workforce Challenges

  • SLGE in the News

SLGE Data on Police Recruitment Challenges Cited

New Hampshire Public Radio and ICMA have cited SLGE data on the difficulty of filling police vacancies, which were reported as ‘hard to fill’ by 27 percent of state and […]

Embracing a Strategic Approach to the Competition for Talent

SLGE Senior Fellow Elizabeth K. Kellar contributed a guest column to Governing on the center’s recent workforce research.

SLGE Workforce Projections Featured in US News

U.S. News and World Report published an article based on SLGE’s state and local government workforce projections through 2026.

11/16/2018

  • Webinars: Post-Retirement Reemployment

  • Public Plans Database

  • Workforce Challenges

  • Happy Thanksgiving

  • SLGE in the News

10/26/2018

  • Pension Funding Report

  • Workforce of the Future

  • Updated Website

  • Public Plans Database Updates

  • SLGE in the News

New Research Examines Funded Ratio of State & Local Public Pension Plans

Top Third of Public Pension Plans Have 90 Percent Funded Ratio While Bottom Third at 55 Percent

9/17/2018

  • Workforce of the Future: Infographic and Webinar

  • In-Person Dialogue

  • Events

  • SLGE in the News

Podcast: Status of State and Local Pensions

SLGE and National League of Cities staff reported on The Weekly Pulse podcast about the status of state and local pension funding.  Interview starts at 16 minutes, 25 seconds.

8/14/2018

  • Webinar: The State of Local Retirement and Health Benefits
  • Impact of Fees on Fund Performance
  • SLGE in the News
  • Public Plans Snapshot
  • 7/17/2018

    • 2017 Data Now Available in Public Plans Database (PPD)
    • Staff sharing webinar
    • Technology Workforce Research
    • SLGE in the News

    6/26/2018

    • Staff Sharing Webinar
    • Workforce Research – Webinar Recording Posted
    • More Workforce Discussion This Fall
    • Examining Other Post-Employment Benefits
    • Research Fellowships Available
    • SLGE in the News

    Podcast – Retirement News Site Interviews SLGE Staff on Workforce Issues

    Catch the SLGE workforce survey data discussion online as part of The Weekly Pulse.  Discussion on the findings of the 2018 state and local workforce survey, including gig economy hiring, […]

    Gig Economy Data Discussed in Governing

    Governing features SLGE’s research on state and local governments’ participation in the gig economy.

    Filling the Gaps

    American City & County discusses SLGE’s workforce research with a focus on the ongoing wave of public sector retirements.

    5/31/2018

    • Workforce Survey: 2018 Results and 10 Year Trends
    • Retirement Cuts Impact Public Sector Competitiveness
    • Innovative Staff Sharing Arrangements
    • SLGE in the News

    Workforce findings explored in recent webinar

    New SLGE research finds that state and local governments continue to face steep challenges filling a wide array of positions. View the recent webinar which discussed many key workforce issues.

    JobsPortalWatch on SLGE Survey and the Gig Economy

    Hard to hire positions may lead agencies to fill needs via the gig economy.

    Police Salary Discussions and SLGE

    Martinez News-Gazette cites SLGE workforce survey in context of police salary discussions.

    Pension Cuts Impacting Competitiveness

    PlanSponsor covers SLGE issue brief on governments hampered in recruitment efforts by pension cuts.

    AARP Cites Workforce Report

    SLGE’s state and local government workforce survey highlighted by AARP and the National Retired Teachers Association.

    Updated Privacy Policy

    SLGE has recently updated our privacy policy.

    First Responders’ Compensation

    SLGE research cited in Washington Post article about pay for first responders.

    Auto Features in Public Sector 457 Plans

    Plan Sponsor covers recent SLGE research on automatic enrollment, etc.

    Trends to Watch in 2018

    SLGE releases its list of top issues facing state and local government in the year ahead.

    Pension Reporting and Communications

    Research on innovative pension reporting and communications to be presented at the upcoming 2018 World Pensions & Investments Forum.

    3 Examples of Excellent Talent Management in Government

    Senior Fellow Elizabeth Kellar provides insights for the Association for Talent Development.

    Downsized Public Workforce May Be a Permanent Consequence of the Recession

    SLGE’s Elizabeth Kellar speaks to Governing about public sector staffing challenges.

    Training the Public Safety Workforce of Tomorrow

    GovLoop highlights SLGE’s annual “Workforce Trends” survey in its story on public safety workforce challenges.

    Sizing Up the Government Workforce

    In November’s Public Management Magazine, Gerald Young and Joshua Franzel look at key local government findings from SLGE’s 2017 survey.

    Addressing the Retirement Insecurity Crisis

    Route Fifty highlights key takeaways from SLGE’s Retirement (In)Security Summit.

    States Need $645 Billion to Pay Full Health-Care Costs

    The Wall Street Journal cites SLGE in its story on states’ retiree health liabilities.

    3 Issues That Worry State and Local Leaders

    In her Governing Smart Management Column, SLGE Senior Fellow explores fears of weakening revenues, shifting demographics, and impacts of tax reform.

    What Works Well for Public Pension Communications

    Plan Sponsor highlights SLGE’s recent report which revealed most pension plans have diverse communication programs.

    Managing County Workers: Recruitment, Retention and Retirement

    A new report from NACo cites data from SLGE’s annual workforce trends survey.

    Study: Government pension plans still losing ground

    The Atlanta Journal Constitution highlights SLGE’s annual pension funding update.

    Public plan funding not improving, study finds

    Pensions and Investments features SLGE’s annual report on the funded status of public pension plans.

    The Pros and Cons of Telecommuting to a Government Gig

    Governing Magazine highlights SLGE survey data on telecommuting.

    Solving Personnel Problems Through Analytics

    HRO highlights SLGE research in its examination of the looming government personnel crisis. 

    Technology Ushers Governments into the Age of the Digital Office

    American City & COunty highlights findings from SLGE’s annual report on the state and local workforce

    Pension Communication Best Practices

    Colorado PERA’s “On the Issues” newsletter highlights SLGE’s research on pension reporting standards.

    Albemarle Faces Wave of Retirements

    SLGE’s research cited in The Daily Progress’ story on a Virginia county experiencing an increase in baby boomer retirements.

    First Pensions, Now Government Retiree Health Benefits

    PublicWorks cites SLGE’s recent report on state and local OPEB benefits.

    Reporting And Disclosure By Public Pension Systems

    ASPPA highlights SLGE’s new report on how major pension systems communicate financial, benefit and governance information to stakeholders.

    Public Pension Guide Breaks Down Complex Issue for Elected Officials

    The new guide discusses the important role policy makers play in making sure their state and local pension plans are well designed and adequately funded.

    State Budget Would Target 1 in 5 Workers for Big Raises

    SLGE’s Senior Fellow Elizabeth Kellar speaks to the Seattle Times about the recession’s impact on Washington’s state workforce.

    Retirement Readiness for Public Sector Workers

    Segal Consulting cites Retirement Confidence Survey of the State and Local Government Workforce.

    Using Public Plans Data to Understand the Pension Landscape

    SLGE’s Joshua Franzel will be offering a presentation about US state and local government pension plan funding and reforms at the upcoming World Pensions Investment Forum.

    Government Recruiting for a Post-Baby Boomer Future

    Smart Business highlights SLGE’s annual workforce survey findings on increasing retirements in state and local government.

    Getting the Right People

    IPMA-HR Executive Director Neil Reichenberg cites SLGE’s annual workforce survey in his Government Finance Review article on the challenge of recruiting and retaining talented staff.

    Dallas Mayor Calls for Criminal Probe of City’s Police and Fire Pension System

    The Wall Street Journal highlights Public Plans Data in its story on the woes facing Dallas’ Police and Fire Pension System.

    Joshua Franzel Appointed SLGE’s President/CEO

    The Center for State and Local Government Excellence (SLGE) Board of Directors has appointed Joshua Franzel, Ph.D., to serve as the organization’s next President/CEO, effective January 1, 2017.

    Most Public Pensions Saw Major Reforms Following Great Recession

    PlanSponsor highlights SLGE’s new study on state and local pension plan reforms following the financial crisis.

    2016 Retirement Confidence Survey Featured

    AFSCME’s Information Highway features SLGE and the TIAA Institute’s public sector retirement confidence survey.

    The Civil Service Tsunami

    eCivis highlights SLGE’s annual workforce survey in its story on how local governments will handle impending retirements.

    The Failed Promise of LA’s Touted Pension Reform

    The Los Angeles Times cites SLGE’s annual pension funding report.

    Cities, States Need Top Financial Talent, but Fall Short on Pay

    President/CEO Elizabeth Kellar speaks to the Wall Street Journal about local government recruiting challenges.

    Debunking the Myth of the ‘Teacher Pay Gap,’ Again

    American Enterprise Institute cites SLGE’s research on retiree health care.

    Should Public Pension Plans Be Subject to Stronger Transparency Obligation?

    SLGE’s VP of Research provides insight to Benefits Canada

    Why Is Public-Employee Morale So Bad?

    Governing story highlights SLGE’s 2016 State and Local Government Workforce Trends survey

    Troubled Kentucky State Pension Holds Bankrupt Coal Firm Shares

    Bloomberg BNA highlights SLGE’s annual report on the status of public pension funding.

    Free Database of Public Plan Data Exists

    Pensions and Investments published SLGE President/CEO Elizabeth Kellar’s letter to the editor (August 22, 2016) explaining that free, accurate pension data is already available

    Data Analytics Takes on Workforce Automation

    GCN highlights SLGE’s annual workforce trends survey in its article on workforce automation in government agencies.

    The Growing Urgency of Government’s Quest for Talent

    SLGE’s President/CEO writes in Governing about the challenges of recruiting and retaining the qualified workers governments urgently need.

    The Politics of Pensions

    SLGE’s President/CEO Kellar participated in a panel during GFOA’s annual conference.

    What does Baby Boomer Retirement Wave Mean for States?

    SLGE President/CEO Kellar joins Wisconsin Public Radio’s Joy Cardin Show

    Governments Grapple with Exiting Executives

    Atlanta Journal Constitution highlights SLGE’s annual workforce trends survey.

    Beating the Brain Drain

    Pew’s Stateline features SLGE’s research on state and local government workforce trends.

    Telling the Public Pension Story with Hard Data

    Public Plans Data is featured in the February issue of Government Finance Review

    Is a National IRA Needed?

    BenefitsPro examines the findings of SLGE’s new report on the private sector retirement savings gap.

    Report Favors National Plan Over State Efforts

    PlanSponsor highlights SLGE’s new report on state efforts to address private sector retirement savings gap.

    Top Management Challenges

    VP of Research Joshua Franzel joined Route Fifty for a discussion of current management challenges in state and local government.

    Free Webinar: Preparing for the Workforce of Tomorrow

    Is your organization prepared for the increased competition and demands of attracting and retaining the future workforce?

    GASB Proposes Changes to Pension Standards

    The Governmental Accounting Standards Board proposed new guidance for governments that participate in certain multiple-employer pension plans.

    Public Plans Data in the Wall Street Journal

    WSJ features data from Public Plans Data in its story on Kentucky’s pension woes.

    Retirement Tsunami

    SLGE’s Elizabeth Kellar explains to American City & County that, rather than as a tsunami, public sector retirements are coming wave after wave.

    Pittsburgh still needs ICA oversight

    Pittsburgh Post-Gazette cites SLGE’s 2015 “Success Strategies for Well-Funded Pension Plans”

    Sacramento County bond debt highest in state

    Analysis features SLGE research on pension obligation bonds.

    CitiesSpeak Blog Features Public Plans Data

    This new website makes accessing public pension data easier than ever.

    Government Workforce Becoming Uberized

    In her Smart Management column for Governing, SLGE’s President and CEO Elizabeth Kellar notes that, as the use of contract and temporary workers grows and millennials move into government, the […]

    Public Hiring Trends Up After Recession

    For the second year in a row, state and local governments increased hiring from the previous year, according to a newly released survey of public-sector HR professionals by SLGE.

    After Years of Cuts, Cities and States Are Hiring Again

    SLGE’s new survey finds that nearly three-quarters of states and localities reported making new hires in the past year.

    State and Local Workforce: Analysis and Forecast

    The challenges of the past decade have required the state and local sector to make many significant adjustments to its workforce.

    Public Workers’ Reliance on DC Plans Grows

    SLGE’s Joshua Franzel talks to PIMCO about changes in state and local government retirement programs in the United States.

    Public plans doing better on funding

    Most public pension plans improved their funded status in 2014 and are likely to be more than 80% funded by 2018, according to a report by SLGE.

    States working to solve ‘crisis of unpreparedness’

    Reductions in pension funds’ cost-of-living allowances have affected new and existing employees about the same, but retirees have been hit hardest by this policy.

    GASB Issues New Statements on Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB)

    New rules mean that local governments will have to record the cost of health insurance and other benefits on their financial statements.

    Are Some Government Jobs Gone for Good?

    In some localities badly hurting for revenue, public employment may never return to pre-recession levels.

    The Value of Nudging Public Workers to Save for Retirement

    As government pensions become less generous for new hires, automatic enrollment in supplemental savings plans can make a big difference.

    Annual Data for 2001-2013 in PublicPlansData.org

    The new Public Plans Data website also has “quick facts” pages with data at the national, state, and plan levels. Visit the site at www.publicplansdata.org

    State and Local Wages Lag

    After years of wage stagnation, state and local governments are finally seeing room in their budgets for slight wage increases and bonuses.

    SLGE Research Featured in Story on MA Retiree Health Costs

    Massachusetts has committed to paying more than $15 billion over the next 30 years for health insurance for its retirees. But the state has set aside almost none of the money needed to pay for it.

    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

    The Government Workforce in an Era of Wage Stagnation

    As private-sector wage growth outpaces the public sector’s, Center President/CEO Elizabeth Kellar writes in Governing Magazine about the challenge governments face attracting and retaining talented employees.

    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 […]

    The Hard Work of Restoring Trust in Government

    Center President/CEO Elizabeth Kellar writes in Governing Magazine about the need for government leaders and the public to have honest and open communication.  

    Baby boomer retirement creates pension, hiring challenges

    Center Vice President of Research Joshua Franzel recently talked with US Bank’s newsletter about public sector Baby Boomers and retirement. (10/27/14)

    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 […]

    Retirement Concerns Grow Among Public Sector Employees

    Plansponsor.com reports that as more state and local governments reform pensions following the recession, public sector employees have more concerns about retirement. (8/20/14)

    Health-Care Cuts Driving Public Workers’ Retirement Delays

    Governing covers the joint Center/TIAA-CREF Institute survey of public sector employees’ retirement confidence. (8/20/14)

    The Challenge of Building the Workforce Government Needs

    State and local governments are hiring again, but they’re having difficulty finding — and retaining — the right people. In her column for Governing, Center President & CEO Elizabeth Kellar asks: Do governments have a people problem? (7/8/14)

    Pension bonds draw debt-laden governments

    BenefitsPro.com reports on the Center’s new issue brief on pension obligation bonds. (7/7/14)

    Public Plans Slower to Adopt Automatic Enrollment

    PlanSponsor on the Center’s new report on the use of automatic enrollment by retirement plans offered by local governments. (7/1/14)

    States facing rising tide of retirement

    Center Vice President of Research Joshua Franzel tells Stateline that people who postponed retirement because of the recession are now starting to leave the workforce. (6/20/14)

    An Effortless Way to Save for Retirement

    Governing highlights Center research in an article on state governments adopting automatic enrollment and escalation in the defined contribution plans they offer employees. (6/19/14)

    Recovery still under way for many public pensions

    BenefitsPro reports on the Center’s 2014 update on state and local government pension funding. (6/6/14)

    Local, state governments are hiring again

    Azcentral.com uses the Center’s new workforce report as the basis for an overall look at government employment numbers in Arizona and nationwide. (5/27/14)

    Government Jobs: Slow Hiring + More Retirements = Tepid Recovery

    The Wall Street Journal reports on the Center’s annual workforce survey. (5/20/14)

    How much are public-sector pensions shrinking? Often, a lot

    Reuters covers the joint Center/NASRA study on the effects of changes in state pension plans on retirees’ income. (5/20/14)

    States’ Pension Reform Reduced Potential Retirement Income

    PlanSponsor features the Center’s new report on how changes in state pension plans affected retirees’ income. (4/29/14)

    Public Pensions and the Lessons of Success

    Center President & CEO Elizabeth Kellar looks at three well-funded pension plans and what can be learned from their success in her Governing column. (4/9/14)

    Retirement confidence bounces back, but only among wealthy savers

    Reuters cites the Center’s public sector research in its coverage of EBRI’s 2014 Retirement Confidence Survey. (3/18/14)

    Fiscal pressures drive benefit changes

    Center President & CEO Elizabeth Kellar tells American City & County magazine that state and local governments face significant challenges in containing the costs of pensions and employee benefits within budgets that are stretched thin. (2/25/14)

    Municipalities Use Medicare to Reduce OPEB Costs

    Moody’s cites the Center’s annual workforce surveys in a report on how municipal governments can use Medicare to lower their OPEB costs (see page 5). (3/6/14)

    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)

    The Health of State and Local Pensions

    Center V.P. Joshua Franzel and NASRA Research Manager Alex Brown talk pension funding status with NARFE. Posted with permission of NARFE magazine, the monthly publication of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, www.narfe.org (1/17/14)

    Public Health and the Leadership Imperative

    Center President/CEO Elizabeth Kellar writes in Governing magazine that government officials must take a leadership role in public health and other vital societal issues. (1/15/14)

    So, I can retire when?

    Governing features a new paper by Center President/CEO Elizabeth Kellar and Vice President of Research Joshua Franzel on how post-recession benefit changes affect the retirement strategies of new hires and what government employers can do to help them. (1/13/14)

    Vancouver pensions least burdensome in study

    The Vancouver Columbian features Center research in a look at how the city’s pension costs compare with other cities. (12/21/13)

    How Did 2013 Treat Public Employees?

    Governing writes that the environment for state and local government employees began to improve in 2013, as evidenced by Center research. (12/11/13)

    A new local pension calculus

    Reuters MuniLand calls the Center’s brief “Gauging the Burden of Public Pensions on Cities” a new standard in how local pension burdens should be reported in financial documents like CAFRs. (10/28/13)

    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)

    Competing for Talent in an Era of Restraints

    Center President & CEO Elizabeth Kellar writes in the October issue of PA Times about the recruitment and retention crisis facing state and local governments. Posted with the permission of ASPA. (Oct. 2013)

    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 […]

    Are Retiree Health Care Benefits Empty Promises?

    Center Vice President of Research Joshua Franzel tells Governing that while pensions are a fairly static benefit, retiree health benefits are dependent on a number of variables and, thus, more susceptible to outside forces. (10/3/13)

    Webinar: Retirement in 2050: Generation Y Planning

    Join ICMA-RC and the Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, at 3:00 ET for a special webinar to kick off National Save for Retirement Week. (10/3/13)

    While Others Underfunded Pensions, Milwaukee Held Firm

    Center President & CEO Elizabeth Kellar tells National Public Radio it’s not surprising that Milwaukee has a well-funded pension plan, since the city consistently pays the annual required contribution. (10/3/13)

    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)

    Why Municipal Bankruptcy is Rare (and Should Be)

    Center President and CEO Elizabeth Kellar writes in Governing that municipal bankruptcies are rare, and suggests how to avoid that painful choice. (8/29/13)

    No call to panic, but be prepared

    An Iowa Gazette editorial uses Center research to make the case for why the state should prepare for its baby boomer employees retiring in larger numbers. (8/27/13)

    Irvine, Calif. Plans to Prepay Its Pension Bill

    Governing cites Center research in its report on Irvine’s plan to pay off 30 years worth of pension liabilities in 10 years time. (7/31/13)

    The B&G Report: Paychecks feeling a bit lighter?

    Governing covers the Center’s 2013 workforce trends report. (6/20/13)

    Survey: Governments rely less on hiring freezes and pay cuts

    The Sacramento Bee’s State Worker blog covers the Center’s new workforce survey. (5/16/13)

    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)

    Retiree Health-Care Benefits: The Next Shoe to Drop?

    Center Vice President of Research Joshua Franzel tells Governing that because it’s easier for governments to change or eliminate retiree health care benefits, governments are shifting more costs to retirees. (4/22/13)

    Will pension reform chase away talent?

    MarketWatch covers the Center’s Future of Retirement Summit. (4/19/13)

    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)

    Has Pension Reform Gone Too Far?

    Governing covers the Center’s Future of Retirement Summit (4/19/13)

    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)

    Pulling Back: Budget tug of war means pension cuts

    Center President & CEO Elizabeth Kellar tells American City & County that some states are making reforms that will support their pension plans’ sustainability.

    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 pension plan funding dips thanks to increased liabilities — study

    Pensions&Investments featured the Center’s newly reissued and updated primer, State & Local Pensions: An Overview of Funding Issues and Challenges (login may be required). (1/18/13)

    Government Unprepared for Boomers’ Mass Exodus

    Governing cites Center research in a look at how prepared governments are for the Baby Boomers’ delayed but imminent retirement. (12/2012)

    Upcoming Webinar: The Evolving Role of Defined Contribution Plans in the Public Sector

    This webcast will discuss the results of a research paper published last fall by the Center, National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators (NAGDCA), and ANC Foundation.

    Public pension funds face vast shortfall

    Marketwatch cites Center research with partners ICMA-RC, the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, and NAGDCA/ANC as it looks at how state and local pension plans are making changes to meet their funding obligations. (11/13/12)

    The Evolving Role of Defined Contribution Plans in the Public Sector

    This report reviews the current and future role of defined contribution plans for state and local government employees and the governments that provide the retirement benefit. (10/10/12)

    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)

    Full-Time Government Jobs Down, Part-Time Employment Up

    Center President & CEO Elizabeth Kellar tells Governing magazine that hiring part-time workers is an attractive option for governments looking to scale back costs. (8/23/12)

    Associations Tackle Public Pension Funding Issue

    Center President & CEO Elizabeth Kellar explains why the national associations of state and local governments established a pension funding task force after GASB issued new pension accounting standards. (8/22/12)

    Managing People in Tough Times: Time to Move in a New Direction

    A PA Times column on the effects of state and local government workforce cuts and hiring freezes references Center research. (8/10/12)

    Report: Public employees are pessimistic about their retirement

    American City & County covers the Center’s new retirement confidence survey. (8/6/12)

    New Center/TIAA-CREF Report Finds Public Sector Employees Uncertain about Retirement

    Survey conducted by the Center for State and Local Government Excellence and TIAA-CREF Institute finds health care costs are a major source of concern. (7/26/12)

    Cities and counties cut jobs by thousands

    The Minneapolis StarTribune mentions the Center’s most recent workforce study in a look at how job cuts are affecting public services. (6/30/12)

    The Pension Reform Landscape

    Webinar PowerPoint presentation now available

    Public Workers Face New Rash of Layoffs, Hurting Recovery

    The New York Times cites Center research as it looks at how government layoffs have larger effects on the economic recovery. (6/19/12)

    GASB Set to Vote on New Pension Standards

    Center President & CEO Elizabeth Kellar spoke to the Government Finance Officers Association annual conference about proposed new GASB accounting requirements for public pension plans. (6/13/12)

    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 […]

    Government budgets may ease workers’ sacrifices

    Center President & CEO Elizabeth Kellar talks about the results of the Center’s most recent workforce study. (5/26/12)

    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 […]

    Public Pensions Struggle to Make Required Contributions

    An issue brief from the Center for State and Local Government Excellence looks at the effects of the 2008-2009 stock market decline on state and local pensions. (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 […]

    Survey: Layoffs ease in local governments, but big challenges remain

    American City and County magazine covers the Center’s newest workforce survey. (5/3/12)

    Are Local Government Cuts Nearing An End?

    Center President & CEO Elizabeth Kellar tells Governing magazine that local governments may begin hiring again very gradually in the next year or two. (3/9/12)

    W.Va. reins in public retiree health benefit costs

    The Associated Press cites Center research as it looks at how West Virginia is controlling health costs. (2/27/12)

    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)

    PERS reform needed to sustain pensions

    Center researcher Alex Brown reviews the impact of reforms made by the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System in the Statesman Journal. (1/14/12)

    Many Workers in Public Sector Retiring Sooner

    The New York Times cites Center research as it finds that as governments cut back, their employees have fewer reasons to stay on the job. (12/5/11)

    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 […]

    Do Unions Really Spur More Pension Benefits?

    Governing columnist Girard Miller on the Center’s newest issue brief. (7/21/11)

    Fearing cuts, public workers retire early

    Center President & CEO Elizabeth Kellar comments on why state and local government employees are speeding their retirements in this NBC Nightly News story. (6/11)

    State Workers Run for the Exits

    Center President & CEO Elizabeth Kellar tells Bloomberg Business Week that states are facing a demographic brain drain exacerbated by benefit cuts. (4/21/11)

    Middle Ground in the Public Pension Fight?

    The Wall Street Journal covers a Center issue brief on the role of defined contribution plans in the public sector. (4/21/11)

    Budget Fight: What Public Employees Really Cost

    Center President & CEO Elizabeth Kellar tells Time magazine that there’s no magic to creating a stable pension system — it just takes discipline. (3/7/11)

    Attacking Teachers Reveals Cost Less Than in ’81: Albert R. Hunt

    Albert Hunt, Washington executive editor for Bloomberg News, factors Center research into the debate over public sector compensation. (3/6/11)

    Who’s Paid More? Experts Can Disagree

    The New York Times cites Center research as it considers whether state workers are paid more than private sector employees. (2/25/11)

    Are Government Employees Too Well Paid?

    National Public Radio uses Center research as it analyzes how public sector compensation compares with the private sector. (2/23/11)

    States Aim Ax at Health Cost of Retirement

    The New York Times cites Center research as it looks at how states and cities are grappling with the cost of retiree benefits. (2/13/11)

    State and Local Governments as Scapegoats

    Fear mongering about bankruptcy and defaults is costly and hurts the economic recovery, writes Center President & CEO Elizabeth Kellar. (2/8/11)

    Map offers 24/7 access to state, local pension reforms

    Employee Benefit News features the Center’s interactive map showing a sample of state and local governments that have made major reforms to their pension plans. (2/1/11)

    State did not plan ahead for workers’ retirement

    The Honolulu Star Advertiser cites Center research on retiree health care. (11/18/10)

    Health Care, a 50-State Challenge for Nation’s Public Health Administrators

    Health care reform is stretching the capacity of state workforces, but it also offers an opportunity to tackle problems, writes Center President & CEO Elizabeth Kellar in PA Times. (November/December 2010)

    Rx for controlling costs

    Center President & CEO Elizabeth Kellar tells American City & County magazine how local governments are cutting health care costs while improving their employees’ overall wellness. (10/10)

    Rx for controlling costs

    The private sector has a lot to learn from the public sector about keeping employees healthy, Center President & CEO Elizabeth Kellar tells American City and County magazine. (10/1/10)

    HR: Keeping a Strategic Focus in a Tough Economy

    In an article in HR News, Center President & CEO Elizabeth Kellar describes how government human resources professionals need to take a strategic approach to balancing workforce needs with economic realities. See page 12. (9/10)

    The Muni-Debt Bomb…and how to dismantle it

    This Wall Street Journal feature on state and local debt cites Center research on pension obligation bonds. (7/31/10)

    America’s Municipal Debt Racket

    Blogging for the Wall Street Journal, Steven Malanga of the Manhattan Institute mentions Center research on pension obligation bonds in this look at the debt crisis facing too many municipal governments. (6/14/10)

    Budget squeeze sours job picture

    CNNMoney.com/Fortune cites Center research in an article on how state and local governments have cut hiring and benefits in the face of reduced tax revenues. (3/10/10)

    Trends to watch in 2010

    Center staff look ahead at the fiscal and demographic challenges that face local governments in the coming year. (January/February 2010)

    The Future of Retirement

    The Center brought together retirement administrators, academic experts, and policy leaders to talk about the future of retirement. Center President & CEO Elizabeth Kellar reflects on what 2010 could hold for public pensions. (12/09)

    Health kicks

    Center President and CEO Elizabeth Kellar tells UK-based Life & Pensions magazine that the pay-as-you-go system of funding public sector retiree health care obligations is not sustainable. (11/09)

    How Should California Pay for Retiree Health Benefits?

    Retiree health benefits are important in recruiting and retaining employees, writes Center President and CEO Elizabeth Kellar, so California should find a way to continue to offer it, even as it’s challenged to fund it. (10/5/09)

    How Should California Pay for Retiree Health Benefits?

    Center President and CEO Elizabeth Kellar writes on California Healthline that the state will want to continue to offer this benefit, even as it is challenged to fund it. (10/5/09)

    Future Compensation of the State and Local Government Workforce

    Center Vice President of Research Joshua Franzel examines whether compensation and benefit packages are ready to address the occupational needs of the next decade. (Summer 2009)

    State, Local Employees Delay Retirement

    Wall Street Journal coverage of A Tidal Wave Postponed, a Center survey finding that public employees are postponing retirements because of the economic downturn. (5/14/09)

    The leak in states’ budgets

    An article on the cost of retiree health care benefits cites Center research. (5/12/09)

    Local Government Retiree Health Care: Current Offerings and Future Direction

    Center Vice President of Research Joshua Franzel on the challenges facing local governments seeking to fulfill their promises to employees while curbing costs. (January/February 2009)

    Underfunded public pensions?

    Center Executive Director Elizabeth Kellar tells Human Resource Executive Online that HR professionals play a crucial role in helping governments weather tough economic times. (12/17/08)

    The City Employment Edge

    Center President and CEO Elizabeth Kellar writes in Minnesota Cities magazine about how local governments can meet the desires and needs of today’s workers. (June/July 2008)

    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, […]

    Not Another Katrina

    Center President and CEO Elizabeth Kellar writes in a letter to the editor of the Washington Post that having skilled, experienced government employees is essential to emergency preparedness. (10/27/07)