U.S. Conference of Mayors Workforce Development Council
About Us
Building the Workforce of the Future
The Workforce Development Council is an affiliate of The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) and serves as the advisory board to develop priorities and recommend policy to the nation’s mayors with respect to the workforce system.
The WDC, unlike any other national organization, plays an active bipartisan role in representing workforce development issues and positioning them before mayors, congressional leaders, and members of the Administration. It provides a direct line to Washington, D.C., and assists in defining how the workforce system fits into workforce development initiatives of the Administration and the 116th Congress.
Advocacy & Policy
On Monday, July 27, Senate Republicans released the Health, Economic Assistance, Liability, and Schools (HEALS) Act – their proposal for the final round of COVID-19 relief. The GOP proposal would provide $2.5 billion to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), including $1.15 billion to assist state unemployment insurance operations as well as $500 million for grants to help workers find new employment. The HEALS Act includes approximately $1 billion for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) formula programs – a reduction of $1.5 billion from the Democratic HEROES Act.
On Monday, July 27, The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) released a statement rejecting the HEALS Act because of its lack of support to American cities and local government. USCM President Greg Fischer released a statement saying the HEALS act “provides no meaningful relief for cities, which have been on the frontlines of this response and are now facing devastating budget shortfalls. Without direct relief to help fund police officers, firefighters, public health workers and other critical public employees, cities can’t do the work to fight this pandemic.” USCM is calling for direct fiscal assistance to local governments so that cities can respond to the crisis and mitigate budget shortfalls.
Membership
Testimonials
"The WDC actively works to promote a legislative agenda and shape national policy related to workforce development. It is a trusted partner for mayors across the country and a vital information conduit, facilitating exchanges between workforce development administrators, the Department of Labor and Capitol Hill on workforce activities and issues. A weekly newsletter and legislative update provides a wealth of information that city staff need to communicate with their mayors and others on key issues. The WDC staff also works closely with various federal agencies, members of Congress and their staffs, and others to strengthen the role of the local workforce system and mayors in workforce programs."
West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon
Chair, US Conference of Mayors Jobs, Education and the Workforce Standing Committee
Resources & Publications
Partnership & Projects
Ad Council National Campaign
In partnership with the Ad Council, the WDC is promoting a national campaign to increase awareness about the multiple education and training pathways available for U.S. citizens to secure good paying jobs in high-demand fields. Watch the video below or click here for more information.
WDC-SEED Initiative
In August 2019, the WDC formally engaged with the State Exchange on Employment and Disability (SEED), an initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Disability and Employment Policy (ODEP) to help address barriers to employment for people with disabilities in cities. Click here to learn more.
Credit: ADA National Network (adata.org)
Upcoming Meetings
Contact Us
1620 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006
