Detroit’s employment rate exceeds those of thriving peer cities, and its poverty rate is significantly lower than those of thriving peer cities.

1. Use a data-driven approach to help identify needs and develop solutions for employment
2. Bring scale, resources and capacity to the workforce system
3. Ensure Detroiters are equity partners in Detroit’s revitalization
4. Focus on economic growth for Detroit residents and businesses, and
5. Prioritize employment as the underlying guidepost for all efforts

The Mayor’s Workforce Development Board is a federally established entity charged with administering the public workforce system in Detroit. It works to understand the local labor market and employment picture for Detroit and create programs and strategies that connect Detroiters to jobs. The Board works with the public, private, nonprofit and education sectors to identify opportunities and address the barriers facing job seekers in Detroit.

At least 50% of the board membership must be employers, to help provide first hand knowledge of the local labor market. Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) is the implementation and fiduciary arm for the Board.

The below diagram outlines the role the Mayor’s Workforce Development Board plays in Detroit’s public workforce ecosystem.