Independence Works 2025 was created in 2018 to address workforce development challenges in the City of Independence.
This workforce development initiative is designed to align with KC Rising, the Kansas City regional plan for prosperity. KC Rising was launched in 2014 to increase prosperity through strategic tactic in the areas of globally traded sectors, innovation and entrepreneurship, and human capital. Independence Works 2025 complements regional efforts to position the Kansas City region in the top ten of peer cities in key metrics by 2025.
Research conducted by KC Rising though local and national sources reveals key issues:
The Independence employment market is rich with jobs that offer wages at or above our per-capita median income yet local employers are continually challenged to attract and retain employees to fill high-quality career paths within their companies. Independence Works 2025 will seek to connect employers to the workforce by innovating traditional human resource practices.
These initiatives include but are not limited to:
Independence Works 2025 will design strategies impacting all segments of the workforce including the unemployed, underemployed, low-skilled, and highly-skilled workers. The Independence Works 2025 Steering Committee will employ emerging technologies, community engagement, and strategic partnerships to close the gap between employers and the workforce.
Independence Works 2025 will leverage expertise from robust, diverse, multi-sector partnerships to assess needs and develop action items. The Steering Committee will be comprised of representatives from five cabinet groups:
City Council | ||||
Steering Committee | ||||
Education Cabinet | Workforce Training & Supports Cabinet | Social Services & Faith Cabinet | Industry Employers Cabinet | Innovators & Entrepreneurs Cabinet |
The City Council will adopt public policy and assign public resources to Independence Workforce 2025 initiatives recommended through the Steering Committee in accordance with Independence for All.
Steering Committee members will include elected officials, City staff, and representatives from each Cabinet to assimilate information and action items for implementation by the City Council and partner organizations.
Each Cabinet will include representatives from local and regional organizations to gain understanding of obstacles and opportunities for Independence residents and employers, including: