Workforce Development Board news and updates
Message from the chair
As our city grieves lives lost and families affected by recent enforcement activity, we reaffirm our commitment to compassion, unity, and opportunity for all who call Minneapolis home.
As we begin the new year, I invite you to stay engaged with the work shaping Minneapolis’ workforce and economic future. This month, we are proud to recognize Building Strong Communities and Goodwill–Easter Seals Minnesota for their excellence in employer partnerships and service delivery. Their collaboration helps create real, meaningful opportunities for workers, employers, and communities.
I also encourage business owners and community leaders to consider serving on a City board or commission. Opportunities include openings on the Minneapolis Workforce Development Board. We need your lived experience, professional insight, and leadership. Help guide policy, strengthen accountability, and ensure our workforce systems reflect the realities of doing business in Minneapolis. When businesses show up at decision-making tables, our outcomes are stronger.
In this issue, you’ll find timely updates and practical resources, including:
- the adjusted minimum wage;
- immigration guidance; and
- opportunities to strengthen hiring and training practices through skills-based hiring and apprenticeship programs.
These tools are designed to support today’s workforce while building sustainable talent pipelines for the future.
In partnership,
Dr. Tara Watson
Chair, Minneapolis Workforce Development Board
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2025 Excellence in Workforce Development Awards
 You are cordially invited.
The City of Minneapolis Employment and Training and the Minneapolis Workforce Development Board are please to recognize the work of our community-based partners, Building Strong Communities and Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota, for their excellence in employer partnerships and service delivery. Please join us at this celebration event.
Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026
Rotunda, Minneapolis City Hall
350 S. Fifth St.
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Welcome reception 9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
Ceremony 10:15 – 10:45 a.m.
Networking 10:45 – 11:30 a.m.
This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
Immigration guidance for business owners, property owners, and nonprofit leaders
The City of Minneapolis has information on your rights and resources related to immigration, including a guide for employers from the National Immigration Law Center.
Resources
Find answers to commonly asked questions.
You can access free legal help through the independent legal service providers in the City’s Business Technical Assistance Program.
For more information or referral to services, email the Small Business Team or call 612-673-2499. Please note that the City of Minneapolis and its employees cannot give legal advice to residents or businesses.
Workforce Innovation Summit
Deborah Saari, from NAMI Minnesota, presents “Wellness in the Workplace: Belonging, Why It Matters!” This webinar explores the critical role belonging plays in overall well-being and organizational success. Attendees will learn:
- Why belonging matters and its impact on physical and mental health
- How to foster a culture of belonging in your workplace
- Mental health and other business resources to support employees and leaders
This event is designed for supervisors, organizational leaders, owners, board members, and HR professionals across the Twin Cities. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical strategies for creating a healthier, more inclusive workplace!
The Summit is being offered compliments of the Metro Area Workforce Development Boards.
Join us on Zoom February 5, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Make a difference: Serve on a board or commission, apply by Jan. 25
 Serving on a City board or commission is your chance to directly shape policies that affect daily life, like workforce development, infrastructure and good financial stewardship. Your voice brings fresh perspective and drives transparency in City decisions.
Most boards meet monthly, and it’s a great way to gain valuable skills, build relationships with community leaders, and grow your understanding of local government.
Right now, Minneapolis is accepting applications for several boards. Opportunities include:
- The Audit Committee provides general oversight of the office of city auditor.
- The Special Service District Advisory Boards (12 boards), advise the city on neighborhood services (cleanliness, safety, beautification) funded by local property owners, helping set work plans, budgets, and service charges for enhanced amenities.
Minneapolis Workforce Development Board is also accepting applications to fill two open positions representing the business community.
Ready to get involved? Explore current openings and apply by Jan 25.
Learn more with this short video on how you can get involved, what it means to serve, and what impact your voice can have in local government.
Minneapolis minimum wage adjusted for inflation to $16.37
Building a strong workforce with skills-based hiring
 Join us! The Minneapolis Workforce Development Board and metro area partners are supporting half-day Minnesota Skills-based Hiring Accelerator workshops around the Twin Cities. Employers can learn more about best practices in talent acquisition and development. From job descriptions to interviewing to training, improve your team’s ability to assess candidate knowledge and skills. Let us help you build a more diverse and talented workforce.
Register for an Upcoming Event:
Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Scott County Government Center (200 Fourth Ave. W., Shakopee, MN 55379)
Tuesday, Feb. 24, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Xcel Energy High Bridge Power Plant (155 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102)
Learn more and register on the Minnesota Skills-based Hiring Accelerator website.
Learn more about Minneapolis Employment and Training resources for your workforce. Email Marie Larson or call her at 612-505-2744.
Apprenticeship 101 workshops
Apprenticeship is a great way to learn a new job while earning a paycheck!
Located in CareerForce Minneapolis North (800 W. Broadway Ave.) the Minneapolis Apprenticeship Outreach Office provides information and guidance to job seekers. Learn more about registered apprenticeships, what is available, and how to get involved. In addition to opportunities in the trades, registered apprenticeships are available across multiple industries.
Join the next monthly Apprenticeship 101 workshop in person at CareerForce or register to attend online.
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Jan. 2026 meeting
Minneapolis Workforce Development Board
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026
8 - 9:30 a.m.
CareerForce Minneapolis North
First floor conference room
Minneapolis, MN 55441
DEED’s Data Center
DEED on Twitter
CareerForce on Twitter
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