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 119th Congress.

Advocacy & Policy

On Friday, July 11, the Senate began consideration of the White House’s $9.4 billion rescissions request, which seeks to cancel previously approved funding for public media and foreign aid. The measure has already passed the House in a narrow vote (214 to 212) and must be finalized by Friday, July 18, to meet the 45-day statutory deadline that temporarily freezes the targeted funds and faces notable resistance within the Senate Republican conference. Several GOP senators — including Susan Collins (ME), Lisa Murkowski (AK), Dan Sullivan (AK), Mike Rounds (SD), and Jerry Moran (KS) — have raised concerns and are seeking amendments to the proposal. A key issue for some lawmakers is the nearly $1.1 billion in cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, raising bipartisan concerns about its potential impact on over 1,500 local public radio and television stations, including services to rural and tribal communities. Despite ongoing inquiries, the White House has not provided clear assurances that funding for public broadcasting will be preserved. Senator Rounds has been in talks with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to secure protections for public media. He has indicated he will not support moving the package forward unless these concerns are resolved.

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Membership

Join the WDC

We welcome your participation on the WDC. Please click below for your introduction to the organization, to help understand the governance, structure and operating procedures of the WDC, and learn more about the opportunities it provides for professional development.

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Testimonials

"The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) Workforce Development Council (WDC) is a vital resource for mayors across the nation, providing practical expertise and policy recommendations to mayors to empower us as we build robust local economies. Through its extensive roster of local workforce experts, the WDC offers practical tools, real-time data, and best practices that assist in the development of effective local workforce strategies. Their dedication at the local level and recommendations on federal workforce policy make them a trusted advisory group and indispensable partner in our collective efforts to up-skill America’s workers and build the workforce of tomorrow."

Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves

"The WDC continues to be the most trusted workforce development policy resource for the nation’s mayors, and one I deeply value. WDC staff facilitates connections between mayors and congressional leaders, officials at the Department of Labor, and local workforce administrators, and provides invaluable insight into workforce trends and activities across the country. I've found their weekly newsletter and legislative updates critical to ensuring that mayors and their workforce staff are kept abreast of the latest developments on federal and local workforce issues. The WDC actively works to promote a legislative agenda and shape national policy to strengthen the local system. It is a trusted partner to mayors and a vital information conduit — and serves as a first-rate resource to strengthen the role of mayors in building strong and successful workforce programs."

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego

Upcoming Meetings Anchor

Upcoming Meetings

Resources & Publications

Partnership & Projects

USCM-Wells Fargo Small Business Initiative

The USCM-Wells Fargo Small Business Initiative is a multi-element strategy to promote mayoral leadership that establishes, supports and strengthens small business and entrepreneur ecosystems in cities by equipping small business owners and entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and access to capital needed to succeed in today's economy. Click here to learn more.

USCM-Comcast Talent for Tomorrow: Digital Equity Challenge

The 2024 Talent for Tomorrow: Digital Equity Challenge, developed by The U.S. Conference of Mayors in partnership with Comcast’s Project UP, will award a total of ten competitive grants to help cities expand local workforce and career readiness programs that provide digital access, improve economic mobility, and support digital skills and creativity. The grants will be awarded during the 2024 USCM 92nd Annual Meeting in Kansas City. Click here to learn more..