Western Governors, hosted by WGA Chair and South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard, met June 25-27 to discuss critical regional issues such as the opioid epidemic, wildfires and workforce development.
Western Governors’ Association Chair and South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard hosted his colleagues, administration officials and special guests at the 2018 WGA Annual Meeting June 25-27 in Rapid City.
Governors Doug Burgum (North Dakota), Matt Mead (Wyoming), John Hickenlooper (Colorado), Butch Otter (Idaho) Gary Herbert (Utah) and Steve Bullock (Montana) joined Gov. Daugaard in public conversations on critical issues facing the West such as the environmental challenges of wildfire and the opioid epidemic.
DAY ONE: South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard released the first-year report of the Western Governors' Workforce Development Initiative and hosted keynotes by Cabinet Secretaries. Read the Day 1 Report
DAY TWO: The Western Governors heard Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke discuss the need to maintain National Park Service infrastructure and entrepreneur Philip Anschutz describe the role of innovation in the building of the West during a special session at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Read the Day 2 Report
DAY THREE: Experts on the country's opioid crisis offered insights and possible solutions, First Spouses touchingly shared their personal experiences, and a dozen policy resolutions were announced during a busy final day. Read the Day 3 Report
RESOLUTIONS: Western Governors formally approved 12 policy resolutions on topics such as workforce development, international trade, and western infrastructure. Read the approved resolutions.
REPORTS: Four reports were released during the meeting:
Western Governors' Workforce Development Initiative First-Year Report
National Forest and Rangeland Management Initiative Year Two Report
Species conservation and Endangered Species Act Report
CELEBRATE THE WEST: The winners in the third annual art competition, which challenged high school students to create artwork inspired by their state or life in the West, were announced. See a slideshow of winners from all western states.
CHAIR INITIATIVE: Hawaii Gov. David Ige, 2019 WGA Chair, announced the Western Governors’ Biosecurity and Invasive Species Initiative will be his Chairman’s Initiative. Read the announcement.
