What We’re Working Toward

Four goals guide this initiative:

• State Capacity — Support high-quality substate employment projections and localized LMI data
• Better Alignment — Connect education and workforce programs to regional labor demand
• Expanded Access — Reach workforce boards, community colleges, and other affiliates
• Informed Decisions — Embed projections in advising, planning, and investment decisions

Three Interconnected Workstreams

1. Regional Data Connections Cohort

A six-month technical assistance cohort bringing together state LMI agencies and regional Workforce Development Boards to improve the accessibility, usability, and impact of sub-state labor market information. Teams will work together on real challenges through monthly technical assistance, expert webinars, and in-person convenings.

The inaugural cohort includes teams from:

View more about the RDC Cohort and opportunities to participate in future cohorts here.

2. Emerging Methods & Innovation

Working with academic and government partners, the LMI Institute and CREC are developing and testing new methodologies for county-level projections and job-postings integration. Methods will be documented for adoption across the LMI ecosystem.

3. National Diffusion

Innovations developed through the cohort and emerging methods work will be shared across states and be housed in a central repository of state LMI products and best practices, and regularly updating resources and tools available to the full LMI ecosystem on the LMI Institute website.

Why This Matters for You

Sub-state labor market data is only as useful as the systems, relationships, and skills that surround it. Whether your state is grappling with data suppression, building better dashboards, or integrating real-time job postings with long-term projections — others in this network are working on the same problems. This initiative exists to connect you with them, and to build shared tools and resources that any state can use.

 

Applications for the Regional Data Connections Cohort II will open in early 2027

Across the country, workforce boards and practitioners depend on high-quality labor market data to make informed decisions — from guiding training investments to aligning education programs with the jobs employers actually need. But while many states generate sub-state labor market projections, accessibility and usability can vary widely. The result? Valuable data often remains out of reach for those who need it most.

The first RDC Cohort is underway June – December 2026. This initiative helps states and regions strengthen the ways they produce, share, and apply localized labor market information — making it more actionable, transparent, and connected to real-world decision-making.  

If you are state LMI office or regional workforce board, and you are ready to work on advancing how sub-state projections and workforce data are used to shape policy and programs, this is for you. The second RDC Cohort will open for applications in early 2027. 

Click here for Application Details and Requirements if you want to think about getting a team ready. There may be slight changes to the 2027 application, but this can give you a feel.