The National Governors Association has a task force dedicated to economic development and revitalization that recently outlined 11 key policy areas it recommends governors prioritize for fiscal year 2026. Among these, expanding broadband access was highlighted as a critical issue, with the association emphasizing the role of reliable internet in closing the digital gap across communities.
The NGA noted that internet connectivity is vital for telehealth services, educational access, and workforce development programs, all of which support the modern economy. In a press release, the association expressed strong support for federal programs that offer flexibility to states as they work to expand broadband infrastructure.
One of the largest sources of funding for broadband expansion—a $45 billion program known as BEAD—is currently undergoing changes. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently announced modifications to the program, removing certain requirements introduced during the Biden administration that were described as overly restrictive or ideologically driven. As a result, states are now being asked to resubmit their proposals under the revised guidelines.
The NGA’s recommendations are shaped by input from three task forces: one focused on economic development, another on education, workforce, and community investment, and a third on public health and disaster response.
In addition to broadband, the economic development task force identified several other priorities, including surface transportation funding, transportation grant programs, the long-term stability of the highway trust fund, and improvements to water infrastructure. The group also encouraged governors to allocate resources toward modernizing and streamlining permitting processes, which often involve upgrading the technology used in those systems.
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NGA asks governors to prioritize broadband, infrastructure, permitting in coming fiscal year
An economic development and “revitalization” task force inside the National Governors Association on Saturday asked its membership to prioritize a list of 11 policy areas for fiscal year 2026.
Broadband was among the policies the group asked its members to prioritize, noting the important role that “reliable and accessible internet connectivity plays in bridging the digital divide in our communities.”
“Internet access is essential for telehealth, accessing education and workforce development programs, and connecting the 21st century economy,” an NGA press release reads. “We strongly support the flexibility of federal programs to achieve the diverse needs of states as they deploy broadband capabilities.”
States’ biggest source of funding for broadband expansion, a $45 billion tranche of funding called BEAD, is in flux after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick last month announced he’d reworked the program, by removing “burdensome” Biden-era requirements and “woke mandates,” and asked states to resubmit their proposals.
According to NGA’s announcement, the association relies on three task forces to make recommendations to its membership. In addition to a task force focused on economic development, there is also a group for education, workforce and community investment, and another for public health and disaster response.
The economic development task force also named surface transportation funding, transportation grant programs, highway trust fund solvency and water infrastructure as being among the top priorities governors should pursue as they look ahead to their states’ appropriations processes. The task force also recommended governors set aside funds for streamlining their permitting processes, an upgrade that commonly includes technology upgrades.
NGA’s economic development priorities for 2026: