Message from the Chair

With the new year, comes new opportunities to engage in and support workforce development in our area. In this edition, read more about how we are supporting those looking to enter our workforce, including our youth! We also are highlighting important information on changes to the minimum wage and resources for you to access funding to train your current staff.

I invite you to  join us for the first Minneapolis Workforce Development Board of the year on January 21.

Happy New Year!

Dr. Tara Watson, Chair

OIRA community office hours at south Minneapolis CareerForce

The Minneapolis Employment and Training team (MET) and the Minneapolis Workforce Development Board oversee employment and training services available through CareerForce locations in Minneapolis. Our work serves thousands of residents each year. Many of them are newcomers born outside the U.S.

The City’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) now has drop-in community office hours at CareerForce on Lake Street in south Minneapolis. During community office hours, newcomers can explore pathways to citizenship and employment; and discover resources available through other City departments and community organizations. Community office hours are listed on the OIRA calendar.

New minimum wage rates as of January 1

Minneapolis raised the minimum wage rate for workers across the City. This is a different rate than the new minimum in other areas of the State. In Minneapolis, the new rate is $15.97 starting on January 1, 2025. Employers are required to notify employees in writing of this change and are also required to distribute and  display the Labor Standards Poster to new hires. New hires must also receive a written pre-hire notice.

Technical Assistance is provided by the City of Minneapolis by contacting minwage@minneapolismn.gov or visit the City of Minneapolis Employer Resources page for more resources.

Help for employers to train workers

Do you need help training or upskilling your employees? Programs are available to help!

Talent Development Program

Businesses have a new tool help offset a portion of the costs to train their employees. The Talent Development Program is a business-driven funding assistance resource for qualifying Minnesota employers to provide skills training to full-time, permanent employees. Training could be in technical or business skills that helps the employers improve their processes and competitiveness and/or avert a layoff. For more information, contact Marie Larson at marie.larson@minneapolismn.gov.