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5 Priority Project 3: Explore the City’s Role in Workforce Challenges related to accessing skilled workers emerged as one of the most significant themes as a result of the Business Retention and Expansion Program visits and survey. Recognizing the limited capacity within the city to develop training programs and engage in the broad variety of workforce initiative, it is recommended that partnerships be leveraged to gather additional information and provide resources to your business community. Feedback received from the Economic Development Commission • Understand what skills are needed • Building employer relationships • Single point of contact at City between businesses and schools • Schools to contact: Century College, Anoka-Ramsey, St. Paul Technical College, Dunwoody, Normandale (satellite programs) Recommended Implementation Strategy • Identify a staff lead at the City of Arden Hills to be the point person for issues related to workforce. • Leverage existing capacity that is resourced to engage in workforce issues in the community o The Mounds View Public Schools recently created and filled the role of Director of Community Partnerships. The City should begin conversations with this role to determine how information can be shared. o Gain better understanding of other workforce development resources in the area, such as Ramsey County, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and Greater MSP. • Identify and begin building a relationship with a point of contact from each of the community colleges that serve the metro area (Century, Anoka-Ramsey, Saint Paul College, Dunwoody). Timeline Ongoing through 2016 and beyond with the following target dates: • April/May – Identify Staff Lead • June – Meet with Mounds View Public Schools • End of Year – Complete meetings with each of the community colleges