About the Reason Foundation Pension Integrity Project

The Pension Integrity Project at Reason Foundation is dedicated to addressing the urgent problem of unfunded pension liabilities, which pose a significant risk to the fiscal stability of states, cities, and counties across the United States. Our goal is to clarify the issues, provide actionable solutions, and deepen understanding of the challenges facing the American public pension system.

We offer pro-bono consulting to state and municipal officials and other stakeholders, helping them design and implement pension reforms that improve plan solvency and enhance retirement security.

Reason Foundation, a national 501(c)(3) public policy research and education organization, supports this mission with expertise in various policy areas, including transportation, infrastructure, education, and criminal justice.

What We Do for Policymakers and Pension Plan Stakeholders

• Customized analysis of pension system design, trends, and fiscal trajectory
• Independent actuarial modeling to weigh the impact of policy scenarios
• Assistance with stakeholder outreach, engagement, and relationship management
• Design and execution of public education programs and media campaigns
• In-depth case studies on jurisdictions that have adopted reforms - highlighting key lessons learned
• Peer-to-peer mentoring from state and local officials who have successfully enacted reforms

Why We Do It

We believe that public sector retirement systems should work for all public employees and taxpayers. Affordable retirement plans with transparent and accountable management are necessary to support all aspects of good governance generally. States, cities, and counties will increasingly struggle to provide public services unless they are able to adopt financially sustainable retirement benefits.

Policy Objectives

• Keeping Promises: Ensure the ability to pay 100% of the benefits earned and accrued by active workers and retirees
• Retirement Security: Provide retirement security for all current and future employees
• Predictability: Stabilize contribution rates for the long-term
• Risk Reduction: Reduce pension system exposure to financial risk and market volatility
• Affordability: Reduce long-term costs for employers/taxpayers and employees
• Attractive Benefits: Ensure the ability to recruit 21st Century employees
• Good Governance: Adopt best practices for board organization, investment management, and financial reporting

For those looking to pursue pension reform, the Reason Foundation provides tailored technical assistance and resources to address the specific needs of states, counties, and cities. To get in touch, contact the Reason Pension Reform Help Desk at pensionhelpdesk@reason.org.

Stay updated and engage in the discussion on pension and governmental reforms by visiting the Reason Foundation’s website or following us on X @ReasonPensions. Additional resources and definitions of technical terms are available to support your efforts in addressing fiscal challenges nationwide.