The four-part series provides a nonpartisan, comprehensive analysis of innovative state policy strategies

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 22, 2025) — The Council of State Governments (CSG) has launched a new policy research series examining today’s top policy priorities through a nonpartisan, state-by-state lens. The CSG 50-State Scan offers timely, transparent insights into how states are addressing shared challenges and developing tailored strategies to strengthen governance.

The first installment in the four-part series, “Maximizing the Impact of State Tax Dollars: A 50-State Overview of Government Performance and Reform Initiatives,” explores how states are working to enhance government efficiency and accountability through strategies involving efficiency offices, waste reduction, performance-based budgeting, oversight and audits, and Medicaid fraud prevention.

“As public needs become more complex and expectations for government grow, the 50-State Scan series reflects the commitment of The Council of State Governments to equipping leaders with the insights they need to govern effectively,” said David Adkins, executive director/CEO of The Council of State Governments. “We’re not prescribing solutions—we’re highlighting practical, state-led strategies that allow leaders to learn from one another and consider what works in different contexts. Government efficiency and accountability were natural starting points, because trust in public institutions begins with transparency, responsiveness and responsible stewardship.”

The first CSG 50-State Scan identifies government efficiency and accountability strategies in 42 states. This analysis combines research on performance and reform initiatives with data on topics such as legislative actions, state-led efficiency efforts and agency rulemaking authority. Some key findings among the state strategies highlighted in the scan include:

• Efficiency Offices: Florida, Iowa, New Hampshire and Oklahoma launched specialized efficiency-focused to identify wasteful practices and streamline state operations.
• Waste Reduction: Alabama, Nevada and Texas use sunset reviews to evaluate and eliminate outdated programs, while other states, including Georgia, Ohio and Utah, apply Lean Six Sigma and zero-based budgeting practices to enhance operational efficiency across state agencies.
• Performance-Based Budgeting: Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico and Tennessee, among others, adopted performance-based budgeting models that require agencies to set clear goals, embed performance data in budgets, and regularly review metrics to ensure effective, data-driven decision-making.
• Oversight and Audits: Kansas, Minnesota and Missouri are among states strengthening government oversight through independent audit agencies, dedicated committees, and inspectors general to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective investigation of fraud, waste and misconduct.

To access the full CSG 50-State Scan, click here.