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Draft workforce development plan: city proposes three focus areas and metrics; Office of Workforce Development aims for March city review
Summary
The Jobs and Economic Development Committee reviewed a draft workforce development plan on Feb. 3, 2025, that proposes three strategic focus areas and a set of measurable metrics aimed at growing training pipelines, strengthening employer ties and expanding apprenticeship and hire programs.
Charlotte’s Jobs and Economic Development Committee received a draft workforce development plan on Feb. 3, 2025, that outlines strategic focus areas, measurable goals and next steps toward a March 2025 city‑council review.
The plan was presented by Danielle Frasier, director of the city’s Office of Workforce Development, and Greg (consultant from SHRM Co.), who said the draft reflects outreach to approximately 90 stakeholders, a review of best practices in peer cities and analysis of local employment needs. Allison Craig, interim economic development director, attended the committee session.
Frasier said the draft plan is structured around three primary focus areas: (1) expand access and awareness of in‑demand career pathways for residents, including work‑integrated learning experiences; (2) enhance skill development and credential attainment targeted at unemployed and underemployed residents; and (3) connect more job‑ready talent to sustainable employment through earn‑and‑learn models, registered apprenticeships and an expanded city education‑to‑employment program.
The plan includes proposed metrics such as work‑based learning opportunities created, certifications and training completions, number of residents referred to services, job placements and wage progression. Frasier said the city will emphasize data‑driven investments, partnerships with employers and education providers, and connecting workforce actions to other council priorities such as housing and mobility.
Committee members stressed employer engagement, measures of scale and accountability. Committee member Tarik Bakari urged the office to target measurable outcomes (for example, annual counts of graduates followed into work) and pilot programs that can be scaled. Chair Malcolm Graham and others asked staff to align the plan with specific industry needs (including construction and health/tech clusters) and to report back monthly on implementation metrics.
Frasier said SHRM Co. will finalize some remaining research, staff will incorporate committee feedback and the Office of Workforce Development intends to bring a final draft for council review in March 2025. No formal council action was taken on Feb. 3.
