Dakota County proclaims September 2025 Workforce Development Month after annual update

The Dakota County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 9 in Hastings unanimously proclaimed September 2025 as Workforce Development Month in Dakota County after receiving the Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board’s annual update.

The proclamation recognizes the board’s role coordinating career services, employer engagement and youth programming across the county and nearby communities.

The update was delivered by representatives of local workforce partners: Kristen Ridley of Reem Kenworth in South St. Paul, Jeffrey Rainey, economic development director at Dakota Electric Association, and Holly Ovegard, talent acquisition program manager for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and Mystic Lake Casino. The presenters described client success stories, new service sites and changes in the local labor market.

Kristen Ridley described a recent client case and the role of the CareerForce network: “This quick timeline might not happen with everyone, but every success story is so great to read about. I absolutely look forward to these emails, when they get sent out and reading all these success stories.” She also noted a ribbon cutting in March for a new CareerForce site in Burnsville that joins existing sites in Shakopee and West St. Paul.

Jeffrey Rainey, who chairs the workforce evaluation committee, described local labor-market shifts that are mirrored nationally: “We’re seeing, as mentioned, more layoffs, more on mass layoffs so far in 2025 than all of 2024.” He cited data provided by Tim O’Neil of Minnesota DEED showing a recent rise in the unemployment rate, a slight reduction in the number of people employed and increased visits to CareerForce centers.

Holly Ovegard highlighted workforce partnerships and programs, including internship management, community outreach and work to reduce barriers such as child care, transportation and housing. The presenters described employer services (webinars and workshops on topics like paid medical leave and pay transparency), youth engagement efforts including a record-attendance teen job fair, and new workshops focused on networking and employer engagement.

Board members asked how statewide and national trends were playing out locally. Commissioner Atkins asked whether the national increase in unemployment was visible in Dakota County; presenters replied that they have seen more people seeking services and fewer employers participating in hiring events than the prior year. No specific dollar figures for countywide workforce funding were provided during the presentation.

Motion and vote: Commissioner Hayman Rowland moved to adopt the proclamation; Commissioner Atkins seconded. The clerk called the roll and the motion carried with the commissioners answering in the affirmative. (See actions[] for formal record.)

The board thanked workforce board members for their volunteer service and invited continued outreach and collaboration between employers, training providers and county programs.

Looking ahead, presenters noted continuing attention to trends such as AI’s impact on hiring, state-level legislation affecting workforce policy, and plans for additional employer and youth programming in 2025–2026.