The NGA, which first met in 1908, supports the work of the governors by providing a bipartisan forum to help shape and implement national policy and to solve state problems.
Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels said, "The National Governors Association has picked the greatest city in America to host their annual meeting. Seattle will be proud to have our nation's governors in town, as well as the 2,000 other visitors that will be here during the conference. We hope they all get a chance to enjoy our beautiful city, and spend a little money while they're at it."
The NGA meeting typically includes governors of nearly all 50 states plus U.S. commonwealths and territories. In addition, the president of the United States is invited, and about 1,200 others representing business, industry and federal and local governments are expected to attend.