Retirement Research and Resources

February 2, 2023
While many public service employees face financial struggles, state and local employers are well-positioned to strengthen the financial security of the public workforce via key benefit offerings.
February 2, 2023
National data sources illustrate the current state of public service financial and retirement security and how that relates to state and local government compensation and benefits.
December 6, 2022
The latest data from the Public Plans Database shows stability in 2021 funded ratios, as well as long-term trends in alternative investments, required contributions, and active participants.
October 12, 2022
Survey infographic offers insights into the role employer retirement and other benefits can play in reducing workers’ anxiety and helping them achieve financial security.             […]
May 12, 2022
Analysis of how public sector retirees draw down their retirement savings
February 17, 2022
Public Plans Database (PPD) analysis indicates that the funded status of state and local pension plans nationwide has improved to 75.4% in 2021, up from 72.2% in 2020. The funded […]
February 1, 2022
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 […]
September 23, 2021
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 (DC) plans. Despite the early economic disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, the average funded ratio among state and local pension plans has held steady at 72% for plans included in the Public Plans Database (PPD).
August 18, 2020
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 […]
May 12, 2020
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 […]
April 7, 2020
A new issue brief highlights changes in local government retirement plans as compared to state plans with respect to shifts away from traditional defined benefit structures. The key findings are: In […]
March 2, 2020
As many state and local governments face inadequate funding levels for retiree healthcare obligations, a new report offers policymakers with a guide to individual Medicare marketplaces.