NCPERS 2026 Public Retirement Systems Study
NCPERS is preparing to release the 15th edition of our annual Public Retirement Systems Study — the most comprehensive benchmark of fiscal health, operational practices, and strategic priorities across the public pension landscape. Since 2011, this study has served as an essential resource for pension leaders seeking to understand industry trends, compare their system's performance against peers, and make informed strategic decisions.
This year's study draws on responses from more than 150 public pension systems nationwide, representing the full spectrum of the public sector retirement community — from small local systems managing under $100 million to large statewide plans overseeing hundreds of billions in assets. Together, these systems serve millions of public employees and retirees, providing a dataset that captures both broad industry trends and the diverse challenges facing different types of plans.
The 2026 report arrives at a particularly significant moment. As pension systems navigate evolving market conditions, the study reveals important stories about funding discipline, investment performance, and operational efficiency. The data reinforces long-standing findings about what drives pension health while also capturing emerging challenges and shifting priorities across the sector.
One of the study's most valuable contributions continues to be its examination of contribution practices and their impact on funding outcomes. The relationship between receiving full actuarially determined contributions and long-term pension health remains clear and consistent — a finding that has profound implications for plan sponsors, trustees, and advocates working to ensure sustainable retirement security for public servants.
This year's survey also captures significant developments in how pension leaders are thinking about their priorities. Cybersecurity concerns have risen dramatically, reflecting the increasingly sophisticated digital threats facing public institutions. Questions about artificial intelligence implementation, pension administration modernization, and workforce challenges provide important baseline data for understanding how the sector is positioning itself for the future.
Beyond investment returns and funded ratios, the study examines the full range of pension operations — from governance structures and administrative expenses to cost of living adjustments and member education practices. This comprehensive approach makes the study valuable not just for chief investment officers, but for executive directors, board members, communications staff, and anyone working to strengthen their pension system.
NCPERS members will have exclusive access to both the detailed report and an enhanced interactive dashboard that enables customized peer analysis. The dashboard allows users to filter and compare data by plan size, employee type, geographic region, and dozens of other variables — turning raw data into actionable intelligence for strategic planning and board presentations.
Join us for a special webinar on February 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST, where we'll present the study's key findings and provide a guided tour of the new dashboard tools. This session will offer pension professionals the opportunity to ask questions, understand how to get the most value from the data, and connect with peers from across the country. Whether you're interested in benchmarking your investment performance, understanding industry best practices, or identifying emerging trends, this webinar will demonstrate how the study can support your work.
The 2026 Public Retirement Systems Study represents thousands of hours of data collection, verification, and analysis — all aimed at providing the public pension community with the insights needed to navigate an increasingly complex environment. Watch for the full report release and mark your calendar for our February 24th webinar.
To learn more: Find more information about NCPERS research and please don't hesitate to contact me at research@ncpers.org with questions.