Supporting State and Local Decision Making

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Supporting State and Local Decision Making

Many science-related challenges that affect people’s health, environment, and livelihoods directly and profoundly require responses at the state, local, and regional levels. National Academies studies, workshops, and other projects help policymakers and communities better understand and navigate these challenges.

Featured

Integrating Data and Computing into K-12 Education Is Critical and Requires Coordinated Approach To Be Effective, Says New Report

Two Elementary students are seen sitting side-by-side with a laptop open in front of them during a computer lab. They are each dressed casually and focused on working online together.

Improving Diagnosis in Rural Communities

Doctors talking with senior male patient in CAT scan room. Surgeon discussing MRI scan results with senior man in hospital.

NAM Announces Five State Health Policy Fellows

Improving How State and Local Governments Use AI

Diverse business team in a modern office during a meeting, discussing artificial intelligence strategy. Concept of AI innovation, teamwork, leadership, corporate planning, professional collaboration.

Two Decades Later, the Experience of Katrina Continues to Shape How the Nation Prepares for and Responds to Disasters

aerial view of marsh

Coordinated Strategy Needed to Ensure Active Shooter Drill Practices in Schools Protect Mental and Emotional Health of Students, Says New Report

Empty classroom at elementary school!

Ongoing Activities

Gulf Research Program

Created in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, this program develops and applies science to enhance the safety of offshore energy, the environment, and the wellbeing of the people of the Gulf region.

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Gulf in blue.

Resilient America Roundtable

This roundtable helps communities foster resilience to disasters, extreme events, and climate impacts. It convenes researchers and practicing experts across a range of disciplines together with representatives of communities, and local, state, regional, and Tribal governments to discuss and catalyze activities that build resilience.

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Resilient-America-Roundtable.jpg | https://nasemoceprodcomm-nationalacademies.cec.ocp.oraclecloud.com/content/published/api/v1.1/assets/CONTF454229962B24AD69CCB0A37CBEF7BA8/native?cb=_cache_daba&format=webp&channelToken=d2dc71410b56f1d61406108f1738d0f4

Assessing Progress in Restoring the Everglades

This project regularly evaluates progress that has been made on a plan, developed by the federal and Florida state governments, to restore the natural ecosystem of the Florida Everglades.

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everglades ninth report - UW slider.jpg

Events

TRB Webinar: Addressing Long-Term Effects of Aging Government Fleet Assets

Webinar

Past

February 19, 2026

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM (EST)

TRB Webinar: Quality Management for 3D Model-Based Design and Delivery

Webinar

Past

November 25, 2025

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM (EST)

Fall 2025 Meeting of the Forum on Cyber Resilience

Meeting

Past

December 2 - 4, 2025

Abstract colorful grid in motion. Used for: Computer Science and Telecommunications Board

TRB Webinar: Maintenance Practices for Wide Cracks in Asphalt-Surfaced Pavements

Webinar

Past

December 8, 2025

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM (EST)

Why Indoor Chemistry Matters Webinar: Past as prologue while looking to the future of indoor chemistry research

Webinar

Past

December 10, 2025

1:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

indoor-chem-banner.jpg | https://nasemoceprodcomm-nationalacademies.cec.ocp.oraclecloud.com/content/published/api/v1.1/assets/CONTF384CDC0FFC145F8B2B82881AEA655FB/native?cb=_cache_daba&format=webp&channelToken=d2dc71410b56f1d61406108f1738d0f4

TRB Webinar: Accommodating Peer-to-Peer Carsharing at Airports

Webinar

Past

December 17, 2025

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM (EST)

Resources

AI for State and Local Governments: Interactive Overview

The rapid development of artificial intelligence offers new opportunities — and real challenges — for state and local governments. New practical guidance from the National Academies outlines how to adopt AI in ways that are transparent, responsible, and aligned with community needs.

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A group of people sharing ideas during a meeting.

Strengthening Partnerships with State and Local Data Stewards: Issue Brief

Government statistics provide valuable, high-quality information that informs decisions made by policymakers at all levels. This flow of trustworthy information is essential, especially when other data sources may be unreliable. A National Academies resource is available for state and local agencies, which serve a critical role in the nation’s data infrastructure.

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Closeup of two people using digital tablet and laptop.

More like this

Strengthening the U.S. Research Enterprise

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Big Data digital concept.

Advancing a Robust U.S. Economy

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Abstract trading chart with big data and infographics.

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