Regional Data Connections – Cohort I Descriptions and Summaries

Texas

Problem/Opportunity

Texas’s primary opportunity is improving access to and usability of LMI data across user types. Specific goals include:

• Making LMI data easier for users at varying skill levels within boards and community to access and apply.
• Enhancing data visualizations to increase adoption and effective use.
• Improving understanding of underlying regional data trends.
• Expanding available datasets to more localized geographies (city or MSA level).

Targeted Support Needed

Texas envisions a comprehensive support mix:

• Technical assistance for improving LMI collection, analysis, and presentation.
• Standardized templates and resources for consistency.
• Audience-centered design training to meet end-user needs.
• Peer learning and best practice sharing across cohort members.
• Data-to-action strategies to move beyond dissemination.
• Evaluation and continuous improvement frameworks.
• Technology and platform enhancements for modern LMI delivery.

Definition of Success

Actionable strategies to improve LMI quality, accuracy, and usability at the regional level; a strong peer network for sharing insights; and identification of concrete practices implementable locally and scalable nationally—resulting in clearer, more reliable data for timelier workforce decisions.

What Texas Contributes to Other States’ Learning

Texas can share expertise in producing accessible, timely, user-friendly LMI reports across diverse regions; strategies for tailoring state data to local needs; employer and partner engagement approaches; and experience collaborating with economic development organizations.

What Texas Hopes to Learn

How other states address data accuracy and employer reporting challenges; innovative approaches to more localized data production; strategies for improving data timeliness; and technology-leveraging practices to enhance LMI systems.