Located in:
- III. Operational Planning Elements
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that supports the State’s strategy and the system-wide vision described in Section II(c) above. Unless otherwise noted, all Operational Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs. This section must include—
- a. State Strategy Implementation
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include–
- 2. Implementation of State Strategy
Describe how the lead State agency with responsibility for the administration of each core program or a Combined Plan partner program included in this plan will implement the State’s Strategies identified in Section II(c). above. This must include a description of—
- 2. Implementation of State Strategy
- a. State Strategy Implementation
III. a. 2. I. Coordinating with Economic Development Strategies
Describe how the activities identified in (A) will be coordinated with economic development entities, strategies, and activities in the State.
Current Narrative:
The Governor’s Workforce Cabinet (GWC) and Department of Workforce Development (DWD) work closely with the Indiana Office of Economic Development (IEDC) and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce to ensure the alignment of efforts and strategies spanning workforce and economic development. At the local level, economic development partners are members of and/or engaged in the work with the Workforce Development Boards. Economic and workforce development have both been part of the Governor’s next level agenda each legislative session since his election. The 2019 agenda, for example, included modernizing economic development tools to increase competitiveness, economic diversity, and flexibility.
Many of the initiatives discussed in Section D. Coordination, alignment and provision of services to employers will carry over to Economic Development Strategies as we continue to align these engagement efforts with our programmatic supports to employers. WIOA emphasizes engaging employers across the workforce system to align training with needed skills and matching employers with qualified workers. In order for this to happen, business and economic development must work together toward the common goals addressed in this Plan. Due to the challenges and opportunities associated with the changing nature of work and society, a subcommittee on the future of work will continue to evaluate and report on innovative solutions to ensure every Hoosier has access to a career and every business has access to needed talent.