Governor's Council on Workforce Investment

This council is the federally-mandated entity under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act that assists the governor in developing innovative and dynamic approaches to develop Wisconsin's workforce.

The Council is charged with aiding Wisconsin employers in finding the workers they need and providing resources to enable workers to access training for in-demand careers with the ultimate goal of moving Wisconsin's economy forward.

Governor's Council on Workforce Investment Members
Governor's Council on Workforce Investment Members

Members include a majority of business leaders, as well as state legislators and local elected officials, representatives from educational institutions, community-based organizations, and labor representatives from throughout the state.

The members of the Council on Workforce Investment work closely with the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to craft a comprehensive workforce development strategy that:

  • Anticipates employer labor needs while building and strengthening Wisconsin's workforce.
  • Supports the development of a highly-skilled labor force.
  • Empowers individuals to pursue and retain good paying careers.

Achieving Governor Evers' vision for workforce development requires collaboration between DWD, state agencies, economic development entities, workforce development organizations, and educational institutions to support a robust pipeline that will support private-sector job creators.

The Council also leverages the strong, pre-existing partnerships within Wisconsin's workforce development system to lay the foundation for continuing enhancements benefiting Wisconsin businesses and workers.

More Information on Council Meetings

Focus Areas

Education Focus Area

Increase the number of counties in Wisconsin where 60% of working-age adults living in that county have an industry-recognized credential.

Employers Focus Area

Increase the number of businesses served by the workforce system through the development and implementation of a coordinated industry engagement strategy across the state.

Workforce Focus Area

Sustain Wisconsin's economic resilience by maintaining the employment-to-population ratio of adults aged 25-54 of at least 80%, mitigating the projected decline in the overall ratio by reducing structural barriers to the workforce.

Organization and Resource Alignment Focus Area

Achieve passing WIOA performance each year through data-driven strategy and ongoing continuous improvement.

Governor's Council on Workforce Investment Members

Education Committee

This committee is responsible for Focus Area 1 - Education in the 2026-2030 CWI Strategic Plan with the goal to increase the number of counties in Wisconsin where 60% of working-age adults living in that county have an industry-recognized credential.

As part of their goal, this committee will focus on initiatives related to strengthening the alignment between educational institutions and industry, enhancing Wisconsin's training ecosystem and increasing awareness and knowledge of high-demand industries, required skills, and career pathways.

Education Committee
Governor's Council on Workforce Investment Members

Employer Committee

This committee is responsible for Focus Area 2 - Employers in the 2026-2030 CWI Strategic Plan with the goal to increase the number of businesses served by the workforce system through the development and implementation of a coordinated industry engagement strategy across the state.

As part of their goal, this committee will build on lessons learned and develop a coordinated employer engagement strategy, promote employer-driven workforce programming, and implement statewide, industry-specific, employer-led training grants.

Employer Committee
Governor's Council on Workforce Investment Members

Workforce Committee

This committee is responsible for Focus Area 3 - Workforce in the 2026-2030 CWI Strategic Plan with the goal to sustain Wisconsin's economic resilience by maintaining the employment-to-population ratio of adults aged 25-54 of at least 80%, mitigating the projected decline in the overall ratio by reducing structural barriers to the workforce.

As part of their goal, this committee will promote innovative service delivery models and evidence-based practices that match job seekers with a quality job, incorporate stakeholder feedback into program development, and advocate for policies and supportive services that encourage people to enter and remain in the workforce.

Workforce Committee
Governor's Council on Workforce Investment Members

WIOA Governance & Resource Alignment Committee

This committee is responsible for Focus Area 4 - WIOA Governance & Resource Alignment in the 2026-2030 CWI Strategic Plan with the goal to achieve passing WIOA performance each year through data-driven strategy and ongoing continuous improvement.

As part of their goal, this committee will enhance the Integrated Service Delivery structure to address system-wide issues, implement change, and improve collaboration and accountability, continue developing the longitudinal data system to improve data governance, and create an effective state and local partner communication strategy to build a stronger, more coordinated relationship.

WIOA Governance & Resource Alignment Committee