Defining Rochester’s Role in Workforce Development: A Four-Part Framework

What is the role of a city in promoting an effective workforce development system? This was the question CGR addressed in a recent study for the City of Rochester.

CGR, supported by Val Davis, Inc. and MRB Group, conducted a gap analysis, gathering information from job seekers, employers, and workforce development programs. We also compiled best practices from three peer cities: Newark, Birmingham and Pittsburgh. MRB Group completed a quantitative analysis of industry and occupation trends in the City.

Analyzing the gathered data, CGR developed four key roles for the City of Rochester in supporting and strengthening workforce development initiatives:
 

• The first is Connector. In this role, the City links organizations, helps refer workers, businesses and others to appropriate resources, and supports its own departments by facilitating connections such as expanded collaboration with workforce development partners.
• The second is Convener, with the City using its authority and centrality to bring groups of key players together in a structured setting to work together on a common problem.
• A third major role is direct Supporter of workforce development initiatives by funding projects and passing along funding opportunities to local organizations.
• The City’s final–but still significant–role is as a Representer of the interests of City residents in the larger workforce development ecosystem. At a time when workforce development is receiving unprecedented attention and inflows of funding, it is crucial to have a Representer to assure that the needs and interests of those in the City are not overlooked.

For more information, please contact Dr. Donna Harris. 

August 26, 2025 CGR Briefs Edition