Workforce development leaders, advocates, policymakers, nonprofit organizations, and community partners gathered on June 5 at the UIC Student Center West for the Chicago Jobs Council’s 45th Annual Meeting centered around this year’s theme: “Together in This Moment: Building Power, Advancing Opportunity.”

One of CJC’s top policy priorities for 2026 is advocating for the continued funding of Illinois’ Job Training and Economic Development (JTED) program. JTED is one of the state’s most effective tools for helping people facing economic barriers move into stable, well-paying jobs. For the past few years, JTED has been funded using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, but those funds will run out after 2026.

2025 was the year that ended as it had begun – with uncertainty and disruption for organizations and communities. 2026 begins with the certainty that change is the only constant, and organizations and communities need to be ready to pivot, which is only possible through preparedness in personal and professional development.

The Chicago Jobs Council recently announced the passing of Bob Wordlaw, who served as the organization's Executive Director for 19 years before retiring in 2014. The outpouring of tributes from colleagues, mentees, and community leaders paints a portrait of a man whose influence extended far beyond his official titles—a servant leader, mentor, and tireless advocate who shaped Chicago's workforce development landscape for over five decades.

On October 23rd Chicago Jobs Council co-hosted the 4th annual Chicago Workforce Development Symposium in partnership with the Chicagoland Workforce Funders Alliance. Among the many great sessions of the day was a panel focused on public policy that I had the privilege to moderate. 

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.