Task Force on Workforce Development System Reform

The purpose of the Task Force on Workforce Development System Reform is to examine how Minnesota develops workforce strategies, sets goals, and allocates funds to meet statewide workforce development needs.

The Task Force envisions a future where Minnesotans from all communities are able to receive the support they need to enter the workforce and elevate their careers to provide family-sustaining income.

The Scope of the Task Force includes:

• Reviewing existing workforce development programs in Minnesota, including those funded by the federal and state governments;
• Studying the current system for funding workforce development efforts;
• Investigating potential metrics for evaluating workforce development program outcomes;
• Making recommendations for changes to practices, programs, funding, and laws related to state workforce development efforts; and
• Proposing policies to implement any of the task force's recommendations.

Meetings

The Task Force will meet at least six times prior to January 15, 2027. All meetings will be posted on this page at least ten days prior. All meetings are open to the public to attend and observe. A virtual option is available at all meetings.

Please contact gwdb.deed@state.mn.us if you have questions or need access to the virtual meeting room. The phone number for the DEED accommodations request line is 651-259-7691.

Thursday, October 30, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Planning Meeting/Scope Discussion: 

1. 1:00 p.m. – Welcome and Call to Order (Co-Chairs)
2. 1:10 p.m. – Upcoming Meeting Schedule (Co-Chairs)
3. 1:30 p.m. – Taskforce Feedback and Proposed Scope of Work (Task Force members discussion)
4. Review Taskforce Problem Statement
5. Narrow Key Questions
6. 2:55 p.m. – Closing and Next Steps

Friday, December 12, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Current State of State and Federal Programs

Friday, January 9, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Current State of State and Federal Funding Systems

Friday, February 6, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Current State of State and Federal Metrics for Evaluation & Review Interim Report

Report Schedule

The Task Force will produce an interim report on their work to date by February 15, 2026. The Task Force will then produce a full report on their findings and recommendations by January 15, 2027.

Membership

• Matt Varilek (DEED Commissioner)
• Task Force Co-Chair Misun Bormann –Southeast Minnesota Workforce Development Board
• Task Force Co-Chair Representative Dave Baker – GOP, House District 16B, House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Committee Co-Chair
• Nicole Mattson –Hennepin-Carver Workforce Development Board
• Carol Anderson –Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (RMCEP) Workforce Development Board
• Michael Berndt –Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board
• Rep. Dave Pinto – DFL, House District 64B, House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Committee Co-Chair
• Sen. Bobby Joe Champion – DFL, Senate District 59, Senate Jobs and Economic Development Committee Chair
• Sen. Carla Nelson – GOP, Senate District 24, Governors Workforce Development Member