Explore practical tools to strengthen plan sustainability and engage in research-driven solutions for fiscal sustainability.
NCPERS Public Pension Funding Forum
Explore practical tools to strengthen plan sustainability and engage in research-driven solutions for fiscal sustainability.
About NCPERS Public Pension Funding Forum
From data analysis to real-world case studies, NCPERS Public Pension Funding Forum brings together trustees, administrators, finance professionals, and leading academics to explore the factors shaping public pension fiscal health. Attendees will dive into current research, evaluate funding models, and examine case studies that reveal what’s working — and what isn’t — at plans across the country.
With a focus on collaboration and clarity, the Forum equips participants with practical tools to strengthen plan sustainability and engage in data-driven conversations about the future of public pensions.
Sign up here for news about the next Public Pension Funding Forum, held August 23-25, 2027 in Chicago.
“The Funding Forum continues to be one of the most valuable opportunities for public pension professionals to exchange ideas and engage in meaningful discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing our industry. I particularly enjoyed the Pension Lab: NextGen Competition… It was an excellent addition to an already strong program.” – Jason Hoy, Executive Director, Kansas City Police Employees’ Retirement System
What Will I Learn at NCPERS Public Pension Funding Forum?
As a leading provider of continuing education in the public pension industry, the Public Pension Funding Forum agenda is carefully curated to cover the latest research and case studies on public pension funding best practices. Attendees will:
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Gain a deeper understanding of the implications of pension reform initiatives for all stakeholders — including taxpayers, employers, local businesses, and economies
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Examine case studies that reveal what’s working (and what isn’t) at plans across the country
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Hear from leading researchers and academics about the social and economic forces at play in the public pension arena
- Explore innovative solutions for improving your plan’s funding status and long-term fiscal health
View 2026 Forum recap for a look at the most recent program. Attendees can earn up to 10 hours of Continuing Education credits.
NCPERS Research: Key Data on Critical Public Pension Issues
NCPERS research explores the issues shaping the public pension industry — from funding strategies and economic impact to healthcare and accounting — so you can make informed decisions backed by data. Sign up here to be notified of new research.
Measuring the Fiscal Sustainability of Public Pensions
NCPERS analyzed more than 20 years of data to evaluate the relationship between long-term pension obligations and the economic capacity that supports them. The findings reveal significant progress nationwide, with 48 states now meeting or outperforming their historical sustainability benchmarks.
AI Adoption and Strategy in Public Pension Administration
Public pension systems are navigating an inflection point with artificial intelligence. While AI tools are entering the day-to-day operations of some funds, primarily in administrative efficiency and member communications, the sector remains in the early stages of adoption.
Registration Information: NCPERS Public Pension Funding Forum
NCPERS Forums provide a smaller, discussion-driven setting for public pension trustees, administrators, plan sponsors, state/local officials, service providers, and members of the academic/pension research community to learn together. While nonmember pension funds are eligible to attend, NCPERS members save nearly 50% on registration fees.
2027 Public Pension Funding Forum Registration Fees:
- Fund/Stakeholder Member Registration Fee: $835 (prices will increase to $1,035 after early-bird deadline)
- Service Provider Member Registration Fee: $1,295 (prices will increase to $1,495 after early-bird deadline)
- Non-Member Fund/Stakeholder Registration Fee: $1,575 (prices will increase to $1,775 after early-bird deadline)
- Guest Registration Fee: $125
NCPERS Pension Lab: NextGen Competition
The Pension Lab: NextGen Competition invites University of Chicago students to help tackle the funding challenges facing public pensions. After gaining an understanding of the complexities of funding public pensions in Chicago and Illinois, students work with public pension leaders to further refine their ideas with an eye to the practical, fiscal, and political feasibility of their proposals.
These ideas are put to the test in a live competition during NCPERS Public Pension Funding Forum, where an expert panel of judges and the audience cast their votes. The winning team receives a research internship with NCPERS (and accompanying stipend) where they will have the opportunity to publish their work in a publication widely read by the public pension community.
