U.S. Conference of Mayors Workforce Development Council
About Us
Building the Workforce of the Future
The Workforce Development Council is an affiliate of The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) and serves as the advisory board to develop priorities and recommend policy to the nation’s mayors with respect to the workforce system.
The WDC, unlike any other national organization, plays an active bipartisan role in representing workforce development issues and positioning them before mayors, congressional leaders, and members of the Administration. It provides a direct line to Washington, D.C., and assists in defining how the workforce system fits into workforce development initiatives of the Administration and the 119th Congress.
Advocacy & Policy
On Wednesday, April 16, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) placed hundreds of employees
on paid administrative leave as part of a broader restructuring effort that has sparked
concerns across multiple agencies. The move includes staff from the Office of Federal Contract
Compliance Programs (OFCCP), the Employment and Training Administration (ETA), and
several other offices amid ongoing changes under the Trump Administration. At OFCCP, the
shift follows the revocation of a longstanding executive order (EO) that had supported much of
the office’s authority. The change significantly narrowed OFCCP’s mission, now focused
primarily on enforcing anti-discrimination laws related to veterans and individuals with
disabilities in federal contracting. According to agency leadership, the restructuring aligns the
office with its current statutory responsibilities, reduces operational costs, and eliminates
practices they consider discriminatory under diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Testimonials
"The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) Workforce Development Council (WDC) is a vital resource for mayors across the nation, providing practical expertise and policy recommendations to mayors to empower us as we build robust local economies. Through its extensive roster of local workforce experts, the WDC offers practical tools, real-time data, and best practices that assist in the development of effective local workforce strategies. Their dedication at the local level and recommendations on federal workforce policy make them a trusted advisory group and indispensable partner in our collective efforts to up-skill America’s workers and build the workforce of tomorrow."
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves
"The WDC continues to be the most trusted workforce development policy resource for the nation’s mayors, and one I deeply value. WDC staff facilitates connections between mayors and congressional leaders, officials at the Department of Labor, and local workforce administrators, and provides invaluable insight into workforce trends and activities across the country. I've found their weekly newsletter and legislative updates critical to ensuring that mayors and their workforce staff are kept abreast of the latest developments on federal and local workforce issues. The WDC actively works to promote a legislative agenda and shape national policy to strengthen the local system. It is a trusted partner to mayors and a vital information conduit — and serves as a first-rate resource to strengthen the role of mayors in building strong and successful workforce programs."
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego
2025 WDC Annual Board of Trustees MeetingThu, Apr 24Charlotte
2025 USCM WDC Annual MeetingThu, Jun 19Tampa
Upcoming Meetings
Resources & Publications
Partnership & Projects
USCM-Wells Fargo Small Business Initiative
The USCM-Wells Fargo Small Business Initiative is a multi-element strategy to promote mayoral leadership that establishes, supports and strengthens small business and entrepreneur ecosystems in cities by equipping small business owners and entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and access to capital needed to succeed in today's economy. Click here to learn more.
USCM-Comcast Talent for Tomorrow: Digital Equity Challenge
The 2024 Talent for Tomorrow: Digital Equity Challenge, developed by The U.S. Conference of Mayors in partnership with Comcast’s Project UP, will award a total of ten competitive grants to help cities expand local workforce and career readiness programs that provide digital access, improve economic mobility, and support digital skills and creativity. The grants will be awarded during the 2024 USCM 92nd Annual Meeting in Kansas City. Click here to learn more..
Contact Us
1620 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006