Investing in the American workforce is critical to expanding our nation’s economic success and ensuring that all people have opportunities to thrive. Congress must prioritize “re-skilling” those who are already in the workforce for new jobs in expanding industries and providing access to careers for those looking to enter the workforce. Without a skilled and trained workforce, the nation’s cities, towns and villages will face serious challenges when it comes to attracting and retaining business and staying economically competitive. According to federal government estimates, 4.6 million additional trained workers will be needed by 2022 to keep pace with current hiring needs in the infrastructure sector alone. Because of the diversity of local economies, the federal government needs to empower local workforce solutions, streamline federal funding, and drive new resources to proven approaches in our communities.
Legislation and Regulation
Resources
Supporting Small Businesses,
Essential Workers and Jobseekers
With unemployment rates at historically high levels and businesses of all sizes struggling to find their way in the new COVID-19 reality, local leaders are uniquely positioned to ensure that services are available to support local businesses and jobseekers as they rebound and drive economic recovery.
This COVID-19 principle Response Brief provides guidance and outlines specific actions cities can take to local businesses and workers during this pandemic.
About the Federal Action Agenda
The NLC Advocacy Center takes a proactive approach to the decisions and policies coming out of Washington, D.C. In response to those decisions, we have created the Federal Action Agenda as a resource for the latest information and to provide recommendations on how member cities could best respond and implement. Find our up-to-date recommendations and priorities in the Federal Action Agenda.