The Council of State Governments

09/30/2026

The conversations shaping the future of the states are coming to the heart of Southern California this December.

Join us at the 2026 CSG National Conference in Anaheim, California, where state leaders from all three branches of government will gather to share ideas, build connections and explore solutions to complex policy issues facing the states.

Learn more: https://events.csg.org/event/17b7d8b4-6f48-4c68-ab73-6d65f682fdbc/summary?utm_source=Social&utm_medium=Post&utm_campaign=2026+Anaheim

09/25/2026

Housing is among the most pressing policy issues for state leaders across the nation. In 2026 alone, hundreds of housing bills have been introduced to address affordability and access.

Check out these CSG resources that offer insights on housing through regional policy committees and research reports focused on affordability, inventory shortages and more. ➡️

09/21/2026

The data center boom has become a central topic in state-level policy debates.

This report collects state-level findings on data center buildout, including an analysis of legislation to highlight the diverse approaches taken by the states and how they are addressing this rapidly evolving landscape.

Explore more in the latest of the CSG-50 State Scan Research Series, link in bio 🔗

09/18/2026

📍The next stop on our ongoing celebration of America's semiquincentennial: Iowa.

Nestled between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, Iowa is the only state to have its east-west borders formed entirely by major waterways.

We spoke with Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, who’s served in the position since 2015 and is a 2015 CSG Toll Fellow, about the state's agricultural history, pork chops, and that state's massive state fair.

Read the full story:

https://www.csg.org/2026/09/08/iowa-the-hawkeye-state/

09/17/2026

For , we celebrate not only our nation’s founding ideals but the people who bring those ideals to life every day in state capitols and communities across the country.

At CSG, we're all about celebrating the states and the leaders who continue to move our country forward.

As America marks its semiquincentennial, we’re telling its story through the states, with reflections from leaders across the country on the interesting, unexpected and profound ways their states have helped shape our nation. Learn more, link in bio 🔗

09/17/2026

09/15/2026

This summer, CSG continued its work to champion excellence in state government — bringing leaders together, sharing timely policy insights and celebrating the states that shape our nation.
 
Here’s a recap of summer 2026 at CSG:
☑️ Gathered CSG national leaders and state officials in Washington, D.C. for three days of dialogue on federalism
☑️ 2 policy academies focused on AI and Medicaid
☑️ 3 reports exploring Medicaid, energy and data centers
☑️ 3 regional meetings hosted in Utah, Kentucky and Minnesota
☑️ 2 regional leadership programs equipped nearly 70 rising state, provincial and territorial leaders across CSG East and CSG Midwest
☑️ 3 CSG Justice Center webinars explored youth justice, behavioral health and crisis response
☑️ 47 public servants from 32 states and U.S. territories and all three branches of government participated in the 2026 CSG Henry Toll Fellowship
☑️ 50 states celebrated as part of America’s 250th anniversary
 
And we’re not done yet.
 
Visit csg.org for more information on upcoming events, stay up to date with new policy research and more.

09/11/2026

Statement from CSG Executive Director/CEO David Adkins on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11:

"The legacy of the darkest of days is not written by the hate that fueled the heinous attacks, instead it is found in the resolve and resilience of the American people in the wake of 9/11.

The courage of the first responders, the bravery of the citizens who enlisted and served, and the waves of support shown to those who were grieving loved ones lost—those are the hallmarks of the character of our nation. Let us commemorate the lives lost that day by rededicating ourselves to defending freedom, to denouncing hate and violence, to helping our neighbors in need and to exercising the full measure of our responsibilities as citizens of this great nation."

09/04/2026

📍The next stop on our ongoing celebration of America's semiquincentennial: Wisconsin.

Known as the “Badger State,” Wisconsin became the 30th state admitted to the United States on May 29, 1848.

We spoke with Wisconsin Representative Lisa Subeck, who represents the 79th District and is a 2022 CSG Toll Fellow, about the state's agricultural history, professional sports and, of course, cheese.

Read the full story, https://www.csg.org/2026/08/31/wisconsin-the-badger-state/

08/25/2026

Few people had the ability to bring people together quite like Dolly Parton. Through her music, generosity and enduring commitment to young people and literacy, she touched generations and changed millions of lives.

Her Imagination Library has helped put more than 332 million books into the hands of young readers across five countries — a remarkable achievement that has inspired states to invest in childhood literacy and expand access to books in their communities. Today, 11 states provide full government funding and statewide coverage for the program, with at least 13 more providing state-backed funding through matching or shared-cost models.

Dolly once wrote, “I know that I am living the all-American dream.” Her vision and dedication helped make that dream possible for millions of children.

The Council of State Governments was fortunate to work with the Imagination Library at the 2023 CSG National Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, where discussions centered on childhood literacy and how state leaders can make a difference. That year, Dolly kindly added her well-wishes in support of our 90th anniversary.

Her legacy will endure not only through the songs she gave the world, but through every child she encouraged to dream bigger and the example she set of what a common purpose can make possible.

📸: Leonard Kamsler/Country Music; Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library/The Dollywood Foundation; Shawn Miller/Library of Congress.