Takeaways from the 2024 National Governors Association Winter Meeting

Written by Jen Ustynoski, Senior Political Director and Meaghan O’Brien, Senior Director of State Issues

Last month, the National Governors Association (NGA) hosted its annual Winter Meeting, convening over 40 governors, corporate partners, and thought leaders in the Nation’s Capital. 

Those in state government affairs know all too well that progress continues at the state level even when federal activity slows. From artificial intelligence to workforce development and energy policies, governors are leading the charge in developing innovative solutions to move their states forward.

The Meeting concluded with NGA Chair Governor Spencer Cox hosting U.S. Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Amy Coney Barrett, who shared their perspectives on “How to Disagree Agreeably,” part of Governor Cox’s Disagree Better Initiative.

The NGA Winter Meeting is always a productive and thought-provoking weekend; this year was no different. Stateside’s Political Team was proud to assist our clients in making meaningful connections with governors and senior staff members from across the country.

Year after year, this convening yields substantial relationship-building opportunities between state and corporate partners. From the policy issues listed above to discussing existing Public-Private Partnerships, our clients successfully used this time to inform and support Executive Branch leaders’ respective state efforts. 

This collaboration not only enhances efficiency and effectiveness in addressing state needs but also fosters trust, transparency, and accountability between the public and private sectors, ultimately leading to better outcomes all around. 

The NGA Winter Meeting is one of two annual convenings of the bipartisan association, which represents governors from all states and U.S. territories. Throughout the weekend, governors and their senior staff also attended events for the Democratic and Republican Governors Associations.

Looking forward to Spring and Summer, Governors will regularly convene at several Groups policy meetings, including the Democratic Governors Association Spring Policy Conference in May, the Democratic Governors Association Summer Policy Conference, Republican Governors Association Corporate Policy Summit, and Western Governors Association Annual Meeting in June, and the National Governors Association Annual Meeting in July.

Want to learn more about our Groups Engagement Services? Click here or contact stateside@stateside.com.