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 Tuesday, July 21, the House passed a short-term continuing resolution (CR) to extend federal government funding through December 4 by a vote of 220-205, with six Democrats joining the Republican majority and one Republican voting against the measure. The legislation now heads to the Senate, where leaders in both parties are expected to negotiate a revised version, as the House-passed bill is unlikely to advance unchanged. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (SD) said the Senate’s immediate priority is reaching a bipartisan agreement on a CR before turning to the other major legislative priorities, signaling that avoiding a government shutdown will take precedence over budget reconciliation.

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Membership

Join the WDC

We welcome your participation on the WDC. Please click below for your introduction to the organization, to help understand the governance, structure and operating procedures of the WDC, and learn more about the opportunities it provides for professional development.

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Testimonials

“The nature of work is changing rapidly, and cities must be prepared to ensure our residents have the job skills and opportunities they need to succeed in a constantly evolving economy. The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) Workforce Development Council (WDC) gives mayors and local workforce leaders a critical forum to share ideas, learn from innovative approaches, and stay ahead of emerging trends, including new technologies and artificial intelligence. The WDC helps us advocate for effective workforce policies and turn these conversations into practical strategies that connect people to opportunity and help our communities and country flourish.”

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson

"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

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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..