Develop Our Workforce & Attract New Talent
Building a stronger, more resilient workforce in the Rockford region requires collaboration among civic, business, and nonprofit leaders, with a focus on transportation, housing, training, and amenities to make the area an attractive place to live and work. Efficient transportation options will help workers access employment across the two-county region, and Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs) near job hubs can provide convenient access to essential services like grocery stores, childcare, and housing. Housing availability remains a challenge, and with Rockford recently cited as the top housing market by The Wall Street Journal, efforts to address this issue will be key in removing a major barrier to workforce attraction.
Businesses also face an immediate need to attract new workers, making continued investment in the Made for Rockford talent attraction initiative essential. Now in its second phase, this initiative highlights the region's quality of life and supports recruitment efforts. In addition, both new residents and visitors seek similar lifestyle amenities, such as nightlife, entertainment, sports, and dining experiences. To attract and retain talent across all socioeconomic groups, investments in these lifestyle amenities, alongside hospitality training programs, will help elevate the overall experience and strengthen the region's appeal as a place to live, work, and play.
Initiatives
Workforce Development
a. Collaborate with industry partners to support timely and reliable transportation to employment hubs.
b. Advocate for workforce childcare centers at or near employment hubs, and as part of Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs).
c. Advocate for workforce housing as part of new accommodation and commercial real estate developments.
d. Encourage the development of a culinary and hospitality training school for post-secondary credentialing, certificates and degrees.
e. Invest in amenities to attract and retain residents to the region (e.g., nightlife, entertainment, restaurants and retail).
f. Leverage and promote the region’s quality of life offerings, such as affordability, abundant outdoor recreation, and proximity to major travel centers, to attract new residents and workers.
Leadership
a. Continue investment in Made for Rockford talent attraction initiative as led by GoRockford and in cooperation with the City of Rockford and area employers.
b. Create “on ramps” for community leadership participation by convening civic and government leaders throughout Boone and Winnebago counties to share data, ideas, strategies and progress of Destination Master Plan initiatives to generate momentum and collaboration for implementation.
