Highlights from NASWA’s 2026 Administration & Finance Training

State workforce agency finance, administrative, and program leaders from across the country gathered in Denver, Colorado, March 17–19, 2026 for NASWA’s 2026 Administration & Finance (A&F) Training. The training provided a comprehensive, hands-on forum for states to deepen their understanding of federal grant management, financial reporting, unemployment insurance (UI) administration, and workforce funding requirements.

The training opened with a plenary session moderated by Chris Nelson, Chief Financial Officer at the Texas Workforce Commission, and featured leaders from NASWA, the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) and state agencies. Presenters provided a high-level overview of the federal funding landscape, policy considerations, and emerging challenges facing state workforce agencies. Speakers emphasized the importance of strong fiscal stewardship, cross program coordination, and proactive planning as states continue navigating evolving federal requirements and funding complexities.

Over the course of the training, participants engaged in concurrent sessions tailored to their functional roles and program areas:

• Grants Management sessions walked participants through the full grant lifecycle—from application and award to operations, financial analysis, reporting, and closeout. Presenters shared practical guidance on developing federal grant budgets, managing drawdowns, ensuring quality controls, and maintaining strong communication between fiscal and program staff.
• Financial Management workshops focused on cost principles, internal controls, audits, and cost allocation methodologies. State experts discussed best practices for documenting and monitoring internal controls, preparing for successful audits, and appropriately allocating costs across multiple federal programs while maintaining compliance.
• Unemployment Insurance (UI) sessions explored administrative grant requirements, funding sources, and reporting obligations. Topics included the UI Resource Justification Model, trust fund and benefit financing, automation funding, and navigating the many reporting layers tied to UI programs.
• Workforce program participants examined funding and reporting requirements tied to WIOA Title I, Employment Services, RESEA, VETS, Apprenticeship, BLS, and other USDOL programs. Discussions highlighted allowable costs, financial reporting considerations, and strategies for managing local area allocations while strengthening partnerships with local boards.

The training concluded with a closing plenary bringing together state fiscal leaders and USDOL representatives to reflect on key takeaways and emerging priorities. Panelists reinforced the value of continuous learning, collaboration, and clear communication between finance, program, and leadership teams to ensure effective management of federal workforce funds.

Thank you to all the presenters and attendees for participating in the 2026 Administration and Finance Training. Check out the photo gallery here. Slide decks are available for registered attendees to view here. (You must log in with the email address you registered with and your confirmation number.)

Visit our Save the Date webpage for more upcoming meetings and events.