Selected Industry Resources and Reports

The resources provided below present information and data about the broad public pension community. 

  • Public Plans Data: A searchable and sortable compendium of plan-level data about the public pension community covering over 100 variables for 200 state and local public pension plans. The PPD is available at no cost to the public, provided by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, NASRA and MissionSquare Research Institute.

  • Public Plan Tool: Created by Cheiron, this resource complements Public Plans Data, enabling users to view detailed and summary data on a time-series basis, in a graphical format.

  • Latest Investment Return Assumptions: A listing maintained by NASRA of the latest actuarial investment return assumptions in use or announced for future use by 130 of the largest state and local public pension plans, and with links to graphics presenting the latest trend and time series data on this assumption. 

  • Latest Wisconsin comparative study: A biannual study prepared since 1982 by the Wisconsin Legislative Council comparing key benefits provisions and other characteristics of large public pension plans.

  • Public Fund Survey Summary of Findings: An annual review and analysis of financial and demographic statistics about large public retirement systems.

Some of these resources require users to leave the NASRA website.


Become A Member

Becoming a member of NASRA offers a unique opportunity to join a community committed to the sound, efficient, and innovative stewardship of public retirement systems. Membership connects you with a network of professionals and experts, providing valuable insights into managing public retirement systems with a focus on sustainability and risk-averse strategies.

By joining NASRA, you gain the tools and resources to enhance the management of public retirement systems, ensuring their long-term success and reliability for generations to come.

What's New at NASRA: Updated Cost of Living Issue Brief

Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) play a significant role in public pensions. They help retirees keep up with rising prices, but they also add costs to pension plans. Policymakers and plan sponsors are tasked with balancing three things: benefits adequacy, plan sustainability, and affordability for members and plan sponsors.
The recent increase in inflation caused many policymakers and, in some cases pension trustees, to review how benefits are designed and paid for, including the way COLAs are granted and funded. NASRA’s recently updated issue brief on the lates trends in COLAs is available in the NASRA Research Center.