Committee Description
Updated November 2023
All Committees
- Workforce Development Board members serve as chair or at least one of two co‐chairs.
- Chair/co‐chair role is renewed
- Each Board member is expected to serve on at least one Board members may appoint a proxy to represent them on the committee.
- Aside from Executive and Governance Committees, membership may include employers, community organizations, representatives of target client populations, and other community
- Former Board members are invited to continue participating in committees after concluding their terms.
- Meeting frequency and schedule is determined by the
- All members are asked to serve a one year term, with opportunity for renewal
- Quorum for committees is 50% of current membership plus
Executive Committee
Membership: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Committee Chairs
Meeting Frequency: Bi-monthly for 1.5 hours (Week before each board meeting)
The work of the executive committee revolves around the following key areas:
- Set overall direction of the Board’s work, ensuring alignment with local and regional plans;
- Provide input on agendas for Board meetings;
- Coordinate development of strategic planning process and monitor progress toward goals;
- Handle urgent issues and act on behalf of the Board between meetings as needed;
- Act as liaison to the Workforce Director;
- Review and make final recommendation for new members to the Mayor.
Governance Committee
Membership: Secretary (Chair) + an additional 2-4 WDB members (between 3 and 5 total)
Meeting Frequency: Every other month for 1.5 hours. Currently meeting on the 1st Thursday of each odd month from noon – 1:30.
The governance committee oversees Board structure and functioning, ensuring alignment with WIOA requirements by:
- Ensuring Board member roster is in compliance with bylaws, recruiting new members as needed;
- Developing and administering policies and governing documents (e.g. bylaws, conflict of interest policy, board calendar, member roster, etc.);
- Maintaining and updating Board documents and files, including member orientation manual and Dropbox archive;
- Tracking member attendance and engagement to ensure an active Board;
- Conducting board evaluation and assessment, and making recommendations to Executive Committee regarding necessary trainings and facilitation.
- Providing oversight, guidance, and support to committees, including designation of committee chair based on member recommendation.
Healthcare Working Group
Membership: At least 1 WDB member plus employers and community members
Meeting Frequency: Monthly for 1.5 hours (2nd Thursday of month from 8:00‐9:30 AM ‐ Virtual)
The Healthcare Working Group convenes healthcare industry employers, higher education institutions, and community based organizations to develop and lead sector‐based initiatives in alignment with both local and regional strategic workforce plans. This is accomplished by:
- Working to create a bridge between educational institutions and employers by articulating career pathways and stackable credentials;
- Supporting initiatives which increase the labor supply and equitable access for high demand occupations;
- Serving as a hub for communication and coordination of career pathways efforts throughout the community;
- Identifying gaps and barriers in career pathways and develop strategies to address and resolve.
Construction Working Group
Membership: At least 1 WDB member plus employers, labor representatives, and community organizations
Meeting Frequency: Monthly for 1 hour (last Friday of the month from 8:30‐9:30am ‐ Virtual)
The Construction Working Group engages employers, union representatives, education entities, and workforce development organizations to:
- Help connect people to careers in the construction trades
- Ensure our region is prepared for expected demand for construction workers
- Engage in group problem solving to address persistent challenges with hiring and retention
- Create programs to help disadvantaged adults access jobs in construction
- Work with unions and contractors to serve as leaders and role models in creating an inclusive workplace
Emerging Workforce Committee
Membership: At least 3 WDB members plus community members
Meeting Frequency: Monthly (4th Tuesday of each month at 1:00 PM - Virtual)
The Emerging Workforce committee works to support eligible youth in accessing education and employment opportunities by:
- Recommending policy direction to the Local Board for the design, development, and implementation of programs that benefit all eligible youth;
- Design ways to better coordinate serviced and leverage resources among schools, programs, and community organizations that serve youth;
- Provide ongoing local and regional leadership in identifying and implementing best practices and continuous quality improvement in services provided to youth in the community;
- Advise and support planning and operations of YES Duluth services, assisting with resolution of any issues that may arise.
Equity Committee
Membership: At least 3 WDB members plus community members
Meeting Frequency: Monthly (2nd Tuesday of each month at 3:00pm ‐ Virtual)
The equity committee’s purpose is to drive equitable workforce outcomes by:
- Engaging Board members, workforce staff, job seekers and community partners in embracing and attracting diversity;
- Addressing opportunity gaps affecting underrepresented populations in the Duluth workforce;
- Introducing new perspectives and developing better solutions by ensuring People of Color and workforce clients are represented on the Board and committees;
- Working to address and overcome implicit bias among workforce staff, Board members, and employers.