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.
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 […]
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
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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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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
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 […]
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: 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
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
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 […]
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
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, […]
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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), […]
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.
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
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)
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)
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)
