NCPERS 2026 Legislative Forum & Policy Day Agenda

Welcoming Remarks
SPEAKER  |  Hank Kim, Chief Executive Officer, NCPERS

Anticipated Pensions, Personnel, and Other Benefit Activities in State Capitals

This session will provide an overview of emerging legislative priorities in state capitals, focusing on pensions, personnel policies, and employee benefits. It will explore the challenges and opportunities policymakers face and the potential impacts on public pension systems, workforce policies, and retirement benefits.

SPEAKER  |  Angela Rowe, National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)

How State Budgets Will Impact Public Pension Funding

State budgets are a key factor in determining whether public pensions receive their full actuarially determined contributions (ADC). Shelby Kerns will offer an in-depth analysis of the state budget outlook and its implications for pension contributions, including the impact of economic conditions and changes to the federal-state funding partnership that will impact resources available to meet pension obligations.

SPEAKER  |  Shelby Kerns, National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO)

NETWORKING BREAK

SWOT Analysis for Public Pensions in 2026

A conversation with a panel of leading state and local pensions on what they see as strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for 2026. 

SPEAKERS  |  Daniel Brown, California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)
                         Mark White, Arkansas Teacher Retirement System (ATRS)
                         Kara Brurok, South Carolina Retirement System Investment Commission (RSIC)
                         Brad Biladeau, Municipal Employees' Retirement System (MERS) of Michigan

2026 Agenda for the National Public Pension Coalition 

Kendal Killian, NPPC executive director, will provide an overview of his organization’s priorities in 2026. 

SPEAKER  |  Kendal Killian, National Public Pension Coalition (NPPC) 

Policy Day Prep Session 

Those attendees who registered for Policy Day (group meetings on Capitol Hill) will gather and get prepared for their meetings with Members of Congress or their staff.

FACILITATORS  |  Hank Kim, NCPERS Executive Director & Counsel
                                Joshua Campbell, Williams & Jensen

NETWORKING RECEPTION | River Birch Ballroom

GENERAL SESSION | Potomac Ballroom 3

What Did We Learn in 2025 and What Does It Portend for 2026 Midterms 

In this insightful session, William Kristol will provide insights from the first half of the 119th Congress and their implications for the political and policy landscape. He will also outline priorities and outlook for the 2026 Midterm elections, highlighting potential challenges and opportunities for stakeholders in the public sector.

MODERATOR  |  Hank Kim, Chief Executive Officer, NCPERS
SPEAKER         |  William Kristol, Founding Editor, The Weekly Standard

Key Congressional Issues Impacting Public Pensions

This session will provide a timely overview of the most significant congressional issues and policy debates that could impact public pension systems in the year ahead.

SPEAKERS  |  Mark Iwry, Brookings Institution
                         Robert Gauss, Ice Miller
                         Michael Kreps, Groom Law Group

NETWORKING BREAK

The Outlook for Social Security

This session offers a forward-looking discussion on the future of Social Security, including solvency considerations, benefit adequacy, and emerging policy proposals. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the issues driving the national conversation and what developments may shape the program in the coming years. 

MODERATOR  |  Barry Lew, Los Angeles County Employee Retirement Association (LACERA)
SPEAKER         |  Martin O’Malley, Former Commissioner of the Social Security Administration

NCPERS 2026 Legislative Policies 

This session offers an in-depth exploration of the legislative priorities shaping the public pension landscape in 2026. Attendees will gain insights into key federal and state legislative initiatives, their potential impacts on retirement security, and strategies to navigate emerging challenges.

SPEAKER  |  Anthony Roda, Williams & Jensen

NCPERS Policymaker of the Year Award Ceremony

The NCPERS Policymaker of the Year Award is presented annually to recognize a policymaker who has made a significant positive impact on public pensions or contributed to advancing retirement security. Join us as we celebrate the recipient for 2026.

NCPERS Policymaker of the Year Awardee
Governor of Virginia, Abigail Spanberger 

NETWORKING LUNCH | River Birch Ballroom

POLICY DAY NETWORKING RECEPTION

Hawk n Dove

329 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003

CAPITOL HILL MEETINGS

NCPERS will schedule your meetings with congressional offices. Final meetings schedules will be sent to attendees one week prior to the event.