We work with states to advance fiscally sound, research-based sentencing and corrections policies and practices that protect public safety, hold offenders accountable and control costs.
We work to expand access to high-quality prekindergarten programs, including developing accountability systems for state pre-kindergarten programs, for all three- and four-year olds in the United States.
We partner with state and local election officials, the private sector and others to foster an election system that achieves the highest standards of accuracy, convenience, efficiency and security.
For more than a decade, we have been the nation’s premier source for comprehensive and independent information about state management. Our mission is to improve service to citizens by strengthening government policy and performance.
We work to advance policies that improve kids’ oral health, allowing them to maintain healthy mouths, get the restorative care they need, and come to school ready and able to learn.
The Pew Center on the States conducts ground-breaking research in many areas of critical importance to state policymakers. Our research is tailored to help states make sound, data-driven policy choices.
The 50 states differ dramatically in how—and how well—they address critical policy issues, resulting in leaders and laggers.
Practically, for citizens, this means where they live matters a great deal about their quality of life.
Find out how the states fare.
The world is changing—that's no surprise. But the facts of just how the world is changing still have the power to startle—and elude us.
This is why the Pew Center on the States offers Trends to Watch, a project that seeks to help state policy makers, the media, and the general public follow the major trends shaping whether states thrive and track where the 50 states stand relative to each trend.
Got Talent?
Every state will need a highly educated and highly skilled workforce to compete in the twenty-first century.
Learn More
Big Sort
The Big Sort is dividing states into winners and losers in terms of migration. It's about where people choose to live and work.
Learn More
Demand for Democracy
Only 40 percent of those eligible to vote actually go to the polls in off-year elections. How can states reach the other 60 percent?
Learn More
Economic Reality
Judging state economic success is not as easy as it once was. Now it’s crucial to look at productivity and income growth—not just at people and jobs.
Learn More
Bills Coming Due
A stack of bills—especially for retirement benefits—is about to hit many states by surprise and force some painful funding decisions.
Learn More
New Work
With routine “left-brain” jobs moving overseas, now is a good time for states to focus on creative “right-brain” jobs.
Learn More
Green Wave
Global climate change is real. The states are likely to bear the brunt of it, and they are leading the way in dealing with it.
Learn More
Big Science
Scientific advances continue to improve quality of life and drive prosperity. States that foster "science literacy" among policy makers and citizens could have an edge.
Learn More
