DEPARTMENT: Employment and Economic Assistance
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
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Update From Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board And Proclamation Of September 2025 As Workforce Development Month In Dakota County
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Receive updates about the activities and programs of the Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board (WDB) and proclaim September 2025 as Workforce Development Month in Dakota County.
SUMMARY
The month of September is a time to honor workforce development leaders and staff across Minnesota, as well as draw attention to the resources available to those looking for work and to employers who need workers now. Workforce development professionals throughout the state are working hard to connect all Minnesotans who need work with employment and to help employers reach often-overlooked labor pools.
The WDB’s mission is “to lead, collaborate and provide linkages that facilitate workforce planning and support economic development, providing individuals, families, employers and the community opportunities to transform lives through optimal employment.” See Attachment: Workforce Development Board Overview, for more information about the WDB.
Representatives from the WDB’s executive committee will update the Dakota County Board on items including the plan of work, the current economic situation relative to the workforce, services to youth and adults, program innovations, key labor force statistics, and accomplishments and challenges over the past year.
OUTCOMES
- 3.0 percent – • May 2025 Unemployment Rate for Dakota County; 3.5 percent in June, 3.7 percent in July
- $41.39 - Average Wage at Placement - State Dislocated Worker Program
- $20.03 - Average Wage at Placement - Minnesota Family Investment Program
- 4,328 - number of residents in 2024 who accessed in-person services at CareerForce West St. Paul
- 760 - number of residents that attended the 2025 Teen Job Fair at the Dakota County Western Service Center/Galaxie Library
- 2,238 - number of completed assessments in Traitify, Aug. 2024 to July 2025
- 138 - number of youth served in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Youth Program in Program Year 2024
- 600+ - program participants placed in employment
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff requests that the Dakota County Board of Commissioners proclaims September 2025 as Workforce Development Month in Dakota County to honor and recognize the workforce development professionals who work hard to connect Minnesotans who need work with employment and to help employers reach often-overlooked labor pools.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the month of September is a time to honor workforce development leaders and staff across Minnesota, as well as draw attention to the resources available to those looking for work and to employers who need workers now; and
WHEREAS, workforce development professionals throughout the state are working hard to connect all Minnesotans who need work with employment and to help employers reach often-overlooked labor pools.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaims September 2025 as Workforce Development Month in Dakota County to honor and recognize the workforce development professionals who work hard to connect Minnesotans who need work with employment and to help employers reach often-overlooked labor pools.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Workforce Development Board Overview
Attachment: Presentation Slides
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☒ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACTS
Department Head: Mark Jacobs
Author: Mark Jacobs