Economic Development Districts (EDDs) can enhance regional competitiveness by incorporating workforce and skills initiatives into their Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS). This approach requires a holistic view, treating workforce development as vital infrastructure akin to transportation or utilities that can promote economic growth and resilience.

Effective CEDS should emphasize the identification, enrichment, and strategic deployment of workforce assets, focusing on job quality and inclusion. By demonstrating an ability to meet evolving workforce needs through data-supported arguments and targeted upskilling strategies, regions can attract and grow businesses and support workers, all while building regional wealth and fostering economic resilience and equity.

In this 15-minute video tutorial and accompanying brief, workforce and skills development expert Joel Simon shares ideas for how EDDs can best incorporate workforce development and upskilling strategies into the CEDS process and document.  The video and brief cover the following topics: 

• Workforce Development as Infrastructure: Treating workforce initiatives as critical infrastructure in economic development plans ensures they function cohesively and contribute significantly to regional competitiveness.

• Data-Driven and Targeted Upskilling: Utilizing detailed workforce data to identify skill gaps and implementing targeted education and training programs can create a workforce ready to meet the needs of emerging industries.

• Holistic and Inclusive Economic Strategies: Combining workforce development with traditional economic assets and focusing on equity and job quality fosters a more inclusive and resilient economy, engaging underrepresented groups and promoting long-term regional prosperity.