Useful Links

The following are links to sites with useful information related to the workforce development system.

US Census Bureau - This site provides data at the individual, household, business, and industry level. Data is obtained through a number of survey tools conducted at varying intervals (i.e. one-year, five-year, ten-year). The American Community Survey (ACS) FactFinder is a resource that can be used to download demographic, social, and economic information for over 7,000 different geographies nationwide (including Chicago, Cook County, and Illinois).
Bureau of Labor Statistics – The BLS is “the principal Federal agency responsible for measuring labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the economy.” It aims, “to collect, analyze, and disseminate essential economic information to support public and private decision-making.” (From the BLS site)
Illinois Department of Employment Security LMI Source – A source of LMI for Illinois, includes unemployment statistics, employment projections, occupational wage data, and more. Also, check out an overview of three interactive resources dedicated to local employment dynamics.

Social IMPACT Research Center - An arm of Heartland Alliance, the Center conducts research to provide articles, policy briefs, and other reports related to topics of interest to advocates, frontline workers, legislators, and more. Especially check out their poverty reports for different geographies across the Chicago Metro region, Illinois, and the Midwest.
CWICstats – This research initiative of the Chicago Workforce Investment Council (CWIC), housed at University of Chicago’s Chapin Hall, is focused on collecting and disseminating information regarding the performance of Chicago’s workforce development programs.
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning - CMAP is the regional agency for comprehensive planning of land use and transportation in Northeastern Illinois. Its site includes related policy updates and publications, including the Go To 2040 Report. Every quarter, CMAP releases case studies of initiatives developed to help achieve the goals laid out in the Go To 2040 report. One of the specific areas of focus is the development of human capital, or the workforce. Also from CMAP, MetroPulse is a web portal to information for over 200 regional indicators.

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity - This link to DCEO’s Office of Employment and Training provides information about the agency and specifically its role in overseeing the implementation of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Additionally, it includes information about other workforce development programs and services, including the Job Training and Economic Development (JTED) Program and Trade Adjustment Assistance.
Illinois Department of Economic Security – IDES administers Illinois’ unemployment insurance program, helps individuals in searching for jobs, and provides economic information (see IDES LMI Source above).

The Workforce Boards of Metropolitan Chicago - Nine workforce boards located in Chicago and seven surrounding counties comprise this consortium. The website provides access to relevant publications, labor market information, contact information, and other resources.
Chicago Workforce Investment Council (CWIC) - An independent nonprofit organization led by a Board of business and civic leaders, and chaired by the mayor. CWIC also provides staffing to the Chicago Workforce Investment Board, the federally mandated entity that oversees the City’s annual WIA allocation. The website’s resources section includes reports and links to relevant data. CWICstats’ reports include quarterly dashboards that provide information on key workforce and economic development indicators.
President’s Office of Employment Training - POET is the administrator of south and west suburban Cook County’s Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funding. Its website provides information regarding the schedule for board and committee meetings, One Stop Center location and contact information, and a binder of WIA policy information.
Chicago Department of Family & Support Services – DFSS is the administrator of Chicago’s Workforce Investment Act funding. Its website provides information about its workforce centers, affiliates, and other programs including those dedicated to youth, the formerly incarcerated, among other populations.

Youthfutures - Provided by the Workforce Boards of Metropolitan Chicago, this site is a collection of resources for youth making career choices and those who are helping them. Included in this collection of resources is a provider directory of organizations serving youth.
Online Work Readiness Assessment Tool (OWRA) - This tool from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is meant to help State, Tribal, and County Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs better serve their clients in assessing available work activities and appropriate support services.
Bridge Program Directory - Aligned with Illinois' Shifting Gears Initiative, this directory provides information about current bridge instruction offered by Illinois' community colleges and adult education providers. Program listing is based on a survey done by OCCRL in spring 2010.

Contents