Workforce Development Board news and updates
Message from the chair
As we move into spring, I’m reminded how strong our community becomes when we show up for one another. This month’s updates highlight several meaningful ways to stay engaged and help shape the future of Minneapolis.
Programs like Step Up continue to open doors for young people across our city. I encourage local employers to consider hosting an intern. Creating opportunities for youth today helps build the workforce and leadership our community will rely on tomorrow. I also encourage residents to explore opportunities to serve on Minneapolis boards and commissions. These groups help guide policies and programs that touch every neighborhood. Your voice and experience can make a real difference.
You’ll also see information about Operation Metro Surge and the significant impacts it has had on our residents and communities. Minneapolis remains committed to its values — supporting the dignity, safety and well-being of all who call our city home. Even in challenging moments, our community’s resilience, compassion and commitment to one another continue to shine through.
Thank you for the many ways you contribute your time, care, and leadership to our city. Together, we keep moving Minneapolis forward.
In partnership,
Dr. Tara Watson
Chair, Minneapolis Workforce Development Board
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Build your future workforce with Step Up interns
Help wanted! Step Up recruited Minneapolis residents, ages 14 – 21, looking for work this summer. Now we’re looking for employers who want to add an intern to their roster. Hosting a Step Up intern isn’t just good for the young person you hire, it’s good for your business too.
Here’s why:
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Access local talent: Connect with motivated young people eager to learn and contribute.
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Shape tomorrow’s workforce: Help develop the skills your industry needs.
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Fresh perspectives: Interns bring new ideas and energy to your team.
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Community impact: Show your commitment to equity and opportunity in Minneapolis.
Step Up now offers two tracks based on interns’ experience level:
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Foundations: For youths ages 14 – 21 new to the workforce. Step Up pays wages.
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Pro: For career-ready youths ages 16 – 21. Employers pay interns directly.
Step Up Pro will partner with local small businesses to develop internships. They will offer a total of five internship subsidies in a competitive process to qualifying small businesses that create in-depth, career-focused internship opportunities. If you’re interested in exploring how you can participate, please contact Andrew Peterson.
Join us in creating pathways for success and strengthening your talent pipeline. Learn more about being a Step Up employer and pledge to host an intern.
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Your voice matters: Apply to serve on Minneapolis boards and commissions
Minneapolis is seeking passionate community members to serve on its boards and commissions, helping shape the policies and programs that affect every neighborhood. Applications are open March 1-31.
The Minneapolis Workforce Development Board (MWDB) is one of the boards currently accepting applications. The MWDB provides strategic guidance for workforce development programs and services in Minneapolis. Serving over 10,000 people annually, MWDB connects people to jobs and strengthens the local workforce.
Other recruiting boards and commissions include:
- Homegrown Minneapolis Food Council to grow and strengthen the local food system.
- Safe and Thriving Work Group to advise on community safety and support restorative, non-police solutions.
- Community Commission on Police Oversight (seat open in Ward 9) to ensure accountability, transparency and trust in policing.
- Advisory committees on aging, bicycling, housing, people with disabilities, public health and walking. Help shape City policies that improve daily life.
Serving on a board or commission is a unique opportunity to make a difference in your community, bring your expertise and ideas to City leadership, and collaborate with fellow residents who care about the future of Minneapolis.
Video: You can watch a short video about serving on a City board or commission
Learn more and apply on the City website March 1-31
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Operation Metro Surge results in $203 million impact on Minneapolis
 City of Minneapolis leaders released stark numbers that speak to the far-reaching impacts that Operation Metro Surge has caused to residents, communities and City operations. In one month alone – while up to 3,000 federal immigration enforcement agents invaded neighborhoods – the city experienced an impact of at least $203.1 million. That money represents losses to the economy, community livelihoods, residents’ mental health, food and places to live.
The “Preliminary Impact Assessment & Relief Needs Overview” includes impact data and statistics on the most life-saving urgent needs in the city. This preliminary estimate is a snapshot of the severe consequences in everyday life disrupted by Operation Metro Surge. In particular, 76,000 people – mostly immigrants, refugees, Native Americans, and Black people, African Americans and people of color – need urgent relief assistance right now in the city.
Operation Metro Surge is a large-scale, complex situation that involves violence, detentions based on racial profiling and alleged human rights violations, preventing people from having the freedom to access basic life-sustaining services.
The City of Minneapolis did not make any deals or concessions with the federal government or ICE to end Operation Metro Surge. We remain governed by our separation ordinance. The City – including MPD – does not participate in federal civil immigration enforcement or help ICE with civil immigration enforcement investigations.
Read more on the City website
You can watch the full news conference on YouTube
Stay up to date on the City’s response to Operation Metro Surge on the City website
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, March 31, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Bloomington CareerForce, 4220 W Old Shakopee Rd, #200, Bloomington, MN 55437
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.
*For SHRM certification holders: Minnesota Skills-based Hiring Accelerator workshops are SHRM-accredited for 3.5 hours of professional development
Navigating general differences in the workplace
Join us!
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
With multiple generations working together, today’s workplace is rich in experience, perspective, and potential. But it is also full of opportunities for misunderstanding. Explore how employers can better understand and navigate generational dynamics to build stronger, more inclusive teams.
We'll discuss practical ideas and real-world insights on how to improve communication, collaboration, and engagement across age groups — no matter your industry or team size.
Webinar Facilitator: Rebecca Zoubek - South Central and Southeast Workforce Strategy Consultant, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
Register now for this online session
If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.
Workforce Wednesday webinars require no registration fee and are free to attend.
For general inquiries and accommodation requests, please email: rebecca.zoubek@state.mn.us
Workforce Wednesday session resources
Workforce Wednesday takes place the first Wednesday of every month. You can see recordings of past sessions on the CareerForce Recordings and Resources page
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March 2026 meeting
Minneapolis Workforce Development Board
Tuesday, March 17, 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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