Through a project partnership between UMD’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER), an entity of the Labovitz School of Business and Economics, and UMD’s Geospatial Analysis Center (GAC), the Northeast Workforce Development Board and the Duluth Workforce Development Board now have a comprehensive report, database, and interactive map detailing information on services for job seekers available in the Northeast region.
The purpose of the project was to identify gaps in services to job seekers and opportunities for greater alignment and coordination of organizations who offer similar services. The analysis provided insight into the types and availability of employment, education and supportive services, as well as the populations being served. The project will guide both Workforce Development Boards as they lead workforce development efforts across the region, ensuring maximization of investments to meet the needs of both job seekers and employers effectively.
“We are so fortunate to have these tools to assist the boards in decision-making,” said Paula Reed, director, Duluth Workforce Development Board.
“This project provided insight that will be extremely valuable as we continue to address workforce challenges,” said Michelle Ufford, director, Northeast Minnesota Workforce Development Board. “We are grateful to have partnered with the UMD BBER and GAC on this initiative.”
While the database and interactive map are for internal workforce agency usage, the full report highlighting the project, can be viewed at the City of Duluth Workforce Development website at duluthmn.gov/workforce-development and on the Bureau of Business and Economic Research website at z.umn.edu/bber