Public Policy Advocacy

Strengthening Regional Economic Opportunity

Regional unemployment remains above state and national averages, and the future is increasingly uncertain. According to the December 2011 Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, the region’s hiring outlook is uncertain and among the weakest in the nation. Jobs in those industries which have grown through 2010, including retail and hospitality services, provide average wages below the needs of working families. Jobs in other expanding industry sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and other professional services offer higher wages and career paths, yet may lack readily available, skilled workers to support future growth. 

 
To address these issues and to further strengthen regional economic development opportunities, Gulf Coast’s Board of Directors is actively engaged in philanthropic efforts focused on two critical issues—education and jobs. This Regional Workforce Solutions study will reinforce this focus by identifying future opportunities for regional alignment and coordination of workforce development strategies.

 
Mapping current challenges to future opportunities will ensure region’s workforce system is delivering for workers and businesses and that it is one of the most innovative in the nation. This effort is anticipated to include the following research tasks and intended outcomes:

• Mapping Systems –  An overview will be prepared of Florida’s statewide and regional workforce development system and address topics such as: regulatory framework, funding streams, institutional relationships, regional arrangements, and existing programs and partnerships.
   
• Innovative Practices – A best practices scan will be conducted of innovative workforce development programs, funding streams, partnerships, and delivery systems nationwide.
   

• Regional Perspectives – A series of interviews will be conducted with workforce practitioners and completers, private employers, and economic development professionals to develop a richer understanding of regional workforce needs and future opportunities.

• Future Opportunities – A set of future opportunities will be drawn from initial research findings, best practices scan, and partner input. The Advisory Team will help refine and affirm these findings.
   
• Key Recommendations – Gulf Coast’s Board of Directors will present a series of recommendations for future action and collaboration aimed at strengthening regional economic opportunity. 

Design Team: A group representing key regional private employer, economic development, regional workforce board, and educational partners will form a research Design Team. This group will provide overall guidance and direction to the effort and be responsible for review of research materials prepared and developing initial key findings.

Follow the link to GCCF's Will Work For Change Policy Paper