Sweeping federal funding cuts across departments have underlined the importance of state-funded investments like the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) which invests $80 million a year towards clean energy workforce and contract programs for Illinoisans who face high barriers to good jobs; however, since its passing in 2021, there have been delays in its implementation. 

Founded by a grassroots collective of adult education providers from Chicago’s south and west sides, scaleLIT (formerly the Chicago Citywide Literacy Coalition) supports adult education organizations by securing resources and training to help underserved learners achieve economic success.

Curated list of resources to help you know your rights, access legal and emergency support, and connect with organizations working to protect immigrant and refugee families. From hotlines and workplace protections to local trainings and citywide response efforts, these tools are here to help you and your neighbors stay informed and prepared.

Chicago’s workforce development system faces critical challenges in 2025. Federal policy changes, including equity rollbacks, funding delays, and disrupted apprenticeship programs, are impacting local job training, workforce programs, and career pathways. The Workforce Report, from Chicago Jobs Council put together by Compass Pro Bono, offers analysis and strategies to strengthen equity-driven services, workforce partnerships, and jobseeker preparation in an evolving economy.

In Q4, the Chicago Jobs Council (CJC)-led CEJA Table took significant steps toward advancing clean energy workforce development across Illinois. As the table’s convener, CJC guided the transition into geographically focused working groups–Chicago South and Chicago West/Southwest. These groups collaborated to streamline the CEJA program workflow, from navigators’ intake to hubs’ bridge programming, clean energy training, and ultimately, employment opportunities.

Our advocacy at the Skills Agenda Table has also brought together diverse partners to address pressing challenges and drive systemic change.  The Illinois General Assembly concluded its spring legislative session. The Skills for Good Jobs coalition advocated for legislation that equitably dedicates Illinois resources to workforce development, eliminates structural employment barriers, promotes good jobs and strong community support, and increases research, data sharing, and transparency across state agencies.

At the Chicago Jobs Council (CJC), supporting workforce workers is key to making lasting change. In Q4 FY2025, we held 22 training sessions—12 open to the public and 10 tailored—covering trauma-informed care, AI in workforce development, and career readiness. These sessions had 319 different attendees and over 290 seats filled, providing learning that helped workers use new methods and tools in their jobs.

Congress has passed a federal budget bill that imposes punitive work requirements on SNAP and Medicaid recipients—despite no evidence that such policies increase employment. These changes threaten the well-being of millions, particularly communities of color, immigrants, and low-income families. Chicago Jobs Council strongly opposes this legislation and reaffirms our commitment to building equitable workforce systems that center people, not politics.

The recent Executive Order, Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future, aims to expand opportunities in skilled trades and streamline federal workforce programs. But will these efforts lead to equitable access for all? Explore CJC’s analysis of key areas to watch, including diverse pipelines, program consolidation, and strategic advocacy to ensure no one is left behind in the evolving workforce landscape.

Our inaugural CRC Train-the-Trainer session was a resounding success! Designed to make the Career Readiness Curriculum more accessible, this session provided actionable strategies for guiding job seekers, overcoming barriers, and inspiring long-term career planning.

CJC is joining other partners March 13th, including Opportunity@Work, to support a city hiring ordinance and advocate for skills based hiring at the city level.

Shared resources to support community organizations and nonprofits that support the workforce sector and beyond. We have to come together to support the work of social good.

Discover how Opportunity@Work's insights on STARs (Skilled Through Alternative Routes) could reshape hiring practices in Chicago. Learn about the economic impact of degree requirements, initiatives to build a skills-based workforce, and next steps for fostering inclusivity and growth. Join the movement to 'Tear the Paper Ceiling' and unlock talent across industries."

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it is essential to not only honor the achievements of women in the workplace but also to recognize the challenges they continue to face. At Chicago Jobs Council (CJC), we partner with organizations that champion the rights of women in the workforce.

Workforce development isn’t just about jobs—it’s about creating pathways for individuals to achieve stability, dignity, and growth in a rapidly changing economy. It’s also a vital component of building a more equitable society by addressing systemic barriers that prevent many people from accessing meaningful employment.

The potential impacts we could see on the job market due to economic shifts underscores the importance of equipping job seekers with versatile, transferable skills that can weather economic shifts.