INDIANAPOLIS—State solutions to the challenges of broadband, early childhood policy and the impact of the latest decisions from the Supreme Court are just a fraction of the topics that will be livestreamed from the 48th annual National Conference of State Legislatures Legislative Summit in Indianapolis, Aug. 14-16.
For nearly 50 years, the NCSL Legislative Summit has brought legislators and legislative staff together from both sides of the aisle to tackle critical problems and find solutions that work.
The streamed sessions will be available to viewers for free and on multiple platforms including NCSL’s official website, Facebook, LinkedIn and The Ohio Channel.
Information on all summit sessions including speakers and presenters can be found on the summit agenda.
The selected sessions are:
Monday, Aug. 14
Election Perspectives from Across the Spectrum| 10:30-11:45 a.m. EST
Partisans from across the political spectrum agree: Elections are vital. It’s on the finer points that they might differ—at least a little. Hear four perspectives on recommendations for election administration topics ranging from voter registration list maintenance to mail voting and post-election audits. They may be more aligned than you think!
State Solutions to the Broadband Challenge | 1:30-2:30 p.m. EST
Come join this roundtable discussion on what states have done with their broadband funds from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program. How are states utilizing their state broadband offices, what lessons have been learned and what remains to be done?
The Victory of Retreat: George Washington and the Art of Leadership | 2:45-3:45 p.m. EST
As a general and a president, George Washington’s most brilliant moments often came from a deep understanding of what was at stake, the concerns of those around him and a willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. Come learn about these moments in Washington’s life to better understand how a good retreat can ultimately be crucial to a leader's overall success.
Tuesday, Aug. 15
Thinking Beyond Neurons and Neighborhoods: New Science for Early Childhood Policy | 10:30-11:45 a.m. EST
The landmark book "From Neurons to Neighborhoods" has significantly influenced early childhood policy since its release in 2000. But the science of early childhood development continues to evolve. Join Dr. Jack Shonkoff, a leader in this field, as he shares an expanded framework for connecting science to policy and practice.
Cultivating Your Craft: Five Secrets of an Effective Staff | 1:30-2:30 p.m. EST
Legislative work, as any staffer knows well, is tough. Public service is rewarding, but legislatures are unique and demanding workplaces, and it takes time to understand how to navigate them successfully. Join us to learn and explore ways to apply five key principles that can help make you the best staffer you can be.
Leadership Lessons from “Hamilton” | 2:45-3:45 p.m. EST
The musical, "Hamilton," has much to say about effective leadership in challenging times. Join us to unpack the key takeaways from the Broadway show and apply them to your legislative life. Learn how your leadership practice can embody the central "Hamilton" ideal: “There’s a million things I haven’t done, just you wait.”
Homelessness: A Housing Supply Problem | 4-5 p.m. EST
A substantial lack of housing priced for low- and middle-income households is a key driver of homelessness in cities and small towns across the country. Learn about the new federal strategic plan to reduce homelessness by 25% by 2025 and state policy opportunities to measurably end homelessness.
Wednesday, Aug. 16
Will You Let Me Fix This Thing? | 11 a.m.-noon EST
Digital devices, wheelchairs, cars and farm equipment are getting more technologically sophisticated. When the equipment breaks down, can consumers fix the device themselves, or do they have turn to the manufacturer? Come learn about state legislative efforts to help keep those machines and manufacturers working.
The Long and Short From the Supreme Court | 1:45-3 p.m. EST
In the most recent term, the U.S. Supreme Court heard a pile of cases on issues that impact state legislatures, including the independent state legislatures theory, redistricting, student debt and affirmative action. And there's more excitement to come! Join us as we dive into these issues and more!
Reflective of its national membership, NCSL’s Legislative Summit is held in a different city each year. This year’s Summit is projected to generate more than $4.8 million in economic activity in Indianapolis with over 5,000 people registered to attend.
All meetings held in conjunction with NCSL’s Legislative Summit are open to the press. Registration is required, but free to credentialed members of the media and limited to no more than two passes per requesting entity. Online registration is open; on-site registration for media is available between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Indiana Convention Center. Please review NCSL’s media policy before registering.
NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.