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.

There is also a fundamental connection between voting and workforce development funding. The future of legislation like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Illinois’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) depends on the choices made at the ballot box. After reading this, we hope our sector will be motivated and equipped to effectively advocate for increased voter turnout, ensuring that our elected officials prioritize the needs of those who rely on essential programs.