People & Talent Systems

Workforce Readiness, Participation, and Retention

This workgroup will examine how people move into, through, and remain in the regional workforce, and identify strategies to better align education, training, housing, childcare, and support systems with employer needs and regional economic goals. They will answer the key questions of:

• How do residents currently access education, training, and employment opportunities across the region?

• What barriers limit workforce participation and advancement (e.g., childcare, housing, transportation, skills alignment)?

• How can regional partners better coordinate talent development efforts to support both existing industries and emerging opportunities?

System SWOT Analysis

Strengths - Great Educational System; Attractive Place to Live; Comparatively Young Population

Weaknesses - Lack of Cultural Diversity; Mismatch of Skills to Jobs; Lack of Adequate Childcare; Lack of Affordable Housing

Opportunities - Plenty of Job Openings; Access to Talent Through Educational Systems; Growth in Skilled Workforce Training

Threats - Aging Workforce; Younger Generations Are Less Rooted; Escalating Housing Prices