BOARD/COMMISSION:  Governor's Workforce Development Board

The governor’s Workforce Development Board is composed of members appointed by the governor. In selecting representatives, the governor shall ensure a majority come from the private sector, pursuant to United States Code, title 29, section 3111. For public members, membership terms, compensation, and removal are governed by section 15.059, subdivisions 2, 3, and 4. To the extent practicable, membership should reflect gender and ethnic diversity.

No person may serve as a member in more than one category described below:

Voting members consist of:

1. The governor or the governor’s designee;

2. Two members of the House of Representatives — one appointed by the Speaker and one by the Minority Leader;

3. Two members of the Senate — one appointed by the Majority Leader and one by the Minority Leader;

4. A majority of the board shall be business representatives appointed by the governor who:

• are business owners, chief executives, operating officers, or other business leaders with policy-making or hiring authority;
• represent businesses, including small businesses or trade associations, offering high-quality training and employment in in-demand sectors
• are nominated by statewide business or industry associations;
  

5. Six labor representatives appointed by the governor, including:

• representatives nominated by state labor federations;
• a member of a labor organization or a training director from a joint labor organization;

6. Commissioners of state agencies with core workforce program oversight:

• the Department of Employment and Economic Development;
• the Department of Education; and;
• the Department of Children, Youth, and Families;

7. Two chief elected officials, appointed by the governor, representing cities and counties;

8. Two representatives from community-based organizations, appointed by the governor, with demonstrated experience addressing employment, education, or training for individuals with barriers to employment.

9. Four education representatives, including:

• the chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities;
• the president of the University of Minnesota;
• a president from a private postsecondary school; and
• a representative of career and technical education;

10. The chair or executive director of the Minnesota Association of Workforce Boards.

Nonvoting members, appointed by the governor, shall include:

1. A representative of public libraries;

2. A person with expertise in women's economic security;

3. The commissioner of labor and industry;

4. The commissioner of the Office of Higher Education;

5. The commissioner of corrections;

6. The commissioner of management and budget;

7. Two representatives from community-based organizations who have expertise in employment, education, or training for individuals with barriers to employment;

8. A representative of school-based service learning;

9. A representative of the Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans;

10. A representative of the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs;

11. A representative of the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage;

12. A representative of the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council;

13. A representative of the Minnesota State Council on Disability;

14. A representative of the Office on the Economic Status of Women;

15. The commissioner of human services.

Under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Minnesota Statutes §116L.665, the Governor’s Workforce Development Board (GWDB) advises the Governor on statewide workforce strategy and oversees the development, implementation, and modification of the WIOA Combined State Plan. The Board works to align workforce programs, remove barriers to coordination, and promote career pathways that meet the needs of both workers and employers.

The GWDB provides guidance on performance accountability, system improvement, and promising practices, while supporting local boards and regional efforts across the state. The board supports local boards and regions, assuming responsibilities for Title I Workforce Development Activities, Title II Adult Education and Literacy, Title III Wagner-Peyser, and Title IV Vocational Rehabilitation.

The Board plays a key role in coordinating one-stop system partners, aligning technology and data systems, promoting digital skills, ensuring fiscal accountability, and accelerating the attainment of industry-recognized credentials. The board is also responsible for developing strategies for one-stop partners, aligning technologies and data systems, enhancing digital literacy skills, ensuring fiscal accountability, and accelerating the achievement of industry-recognized post-secondary credentials.