Every fall, the CSG South Policy Masterclass Series invites members to explore the complexities of trending policy issues. Each Policy Masterclass consists of a multiday program that offers policymakers and staff an in-depth look at key topics for state government, as well as an opportunity to exchange ideas with peers and build expertise on both regional and national levels. In addition, CSG South will cover all expenses for our members- including travel and accommodations- for accepted attendees.
Registration for the 2025 Policy Masterclasses is now closed.
View Sponsorship GuidePrevious Policy Masterclasses:
From Lesson Plans to Building Plans: Addressing the School Workforce Shortage Through Housing
September 2025 | Bentonville, Arkansas
Over three days in Bentonville, Arkansas, participants explored how affordable housing can help strengthen the teacher workforce. Sessions featured education leaders, researchers, and community partners discussing the Bentonville School District’s housing initiative for educators. Participants also toured local teacher housing projects and examined partnership models that address workforce challenges in education.
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Missed Connections: Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health
October 2024 | Charlotte, North Carolina
Social media – initially conceived as a means of creating and enhancing community – can quickly devolve into dangerous echo chambers. These platforms that can sustain meaningful connection can, like any tool, also cause harm. Through presentations, interactive discussions, and evidence-based research, this CSG South Policy Masterclass highlighted strategies and policies implemented by states aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of social media on youth mental health.
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Dream Machine: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Governing
September 2024 | Alexandria, Virginia
The rapid adoption and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has broad implications for every facet of public and private life. In this burgeoning field, the public policy stakes are high, and the issues are complex. CSG South hosted the Dream Machine: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Governing Policy Masterclass to facilitate an exchange of knowledge and expertise to aid policymakers in striking a balance between fostering innovation and establishing regulatory guardrails.
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Bigger May Not Be Better: The Potential of Small Nuclear Reactors to Address Energy Needs
August 2024 | Ontario, Canada
What is expected to be the first operational Small Modular Reactor (SMR) in North America is currently being built in Ontario, Canada. To facilitate an exchange of knowledge and expertise on the cost and timelines associated with new nuclear energy projects, CSG South, in partnership with the Government of Ontario, hosted this Energy Policy Masterclass.
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Living With Water: An International Masterclass
June 2024 | The Kingdom of the Netherlands
In this inaugural International Policy Masterclass, hosted in partnership with the American Flood Coalition, CSG South led a delegation of 19 lawmakers from 10 states to the Kingdom of the Netherlands to gain insight into water management and flood mitigation, including research and innovation, coastal protection, resiliency, costs, and funding sources.
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All of the Above: Ensuring Energy Independence
October 2023 | Wheeling, West Virginia
Over three days, participants engaged in programming covering myriad topics related to energy policy. Participants also toured the Alliance Resource Partners’ Tunnel Ridge surface mine and had the opportunity to “choose their own adventure,” opting between an underground mine tour at American Consolidated Natural Resources, or a tour of the MPX Majorsville plant.
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The Opioid Crisis: Understanding and Addressing the Public Health Emergency
October 2023 | Kansas City, Missouri
Southern state legislators and staff convened in Kansas City, Missouri for the “Opioid Crisis” Masterclass. 22 Legislators, executive appointees, and staff from ten CSG South member states attended. Participants learned how opioids work and their use in the medical field, the science behind the chronic disease of addiction, and the roots of the current epidemic dating back more than 100 years.
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Leveraging Learning Loss: A Public Policy Approach
September 2023 | Atlanta, Georgia
In this Policy Masterclass, participants engaged in programming covering myriad topics and issues across the education policy spectrum. Briefings included NAEP 101 training, strategies for addressing chronic absenteeism, examples of successful learning acceleration and recovery programs using federal funds from three Southern states, the often-overlooked aspects of early childhood and special education, and how to use data in education policy decisions.
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Anchors Aweigh: Navigating the Policy of Ports
October 2022 | Savannah, Georgia
Over three days, participants heard from experts around the country on port operations, the Jones Act, workforce development, dredging, and the logistical difficulties of the modern supply chain. Participants also toured the third busiest port in the United States, the Port of Savannah. The Masterclass ended with a conversation on how states can make strategic infrastructure investments to facilitate long-term and sustainable growth at their ports.
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The Future State: How Policymakers Can Understand and Incubate Cybersecurity, Technology, and Innovation in the South
September 2022 | Birmingham, Alabama
Participants engaged in programming over two days, covering myriad topics and issues across the fields of cybersecurity, innovation, and technology. Briefings covered the importance of investing in rural innovation and expanding opportunities for rural citizens to join the tech workforce, Southern state innovation in biotechnology and remote medical care, the creation and future of the Alabama Innovation Corporation, trends in state information technology and cybersecurity, and how to respond to and prevent cyberattacks on K-12 public school systems.
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Growing Prosperity: Agriculture, Technology, and the Future of Farming
September 2022 | Atlanta, Georgia
Over two days, participants learned about recent developments in agriculture, technology, and relevant state and federal legislation. Briefings covered the current state of agriculture, farm labor shortages, food insecurity, agricultural trade, and the struggle of small rural farmers.
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Addressing Mental Health in Our Schools
October 2021 | Atlanta, Georgia
Participants examined state- and region-specific school mental health policy issues ranging from the importance of school counselors and school psychologists, opportunities to partner with federal agencies on student mental and behavioral health, improving training and policies surrounding school resource officers, and building comprehensive support systems via school-based health centers and expanded telehealth opportunities.
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Water Management Forum
October 2021 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Participants received briefings from The Water Institute of the Gulf, Louisiana State University (LSU), the LSU Center for River Studies, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, University of Texas at Austin, South Carolina Floodwater Commission. Discussions centered on best practices in flood mitigation, Louisiana’s science-based Coastal Master Plan developed by the state’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, lessons from the South Carolina Floodwater Commission as well as the Dutch Dialogues model for addressing the challenges faced by coastal communities around the world.
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Enhancing Workforce Development in the South
September 2021 | Atlanta, Georgia
Participants examined state- and region-specific workforce development policy issues, including expanding apprenticeship programs to boost skills and employee readiness; developing safe and effective occupational licensure laws; strengthening workforce readiness and retention in rural areas; and building comprehensive broadband infrastructure to serve both urban and rural areas.
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