Insights
from the field

Learn with us as we share news from our community, the front-line, and experts in the policy field. Please contact us at info@cjc.net for any Chicago Jobs Council related news inquiries.

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Blog Articles

Ivana Grant Ivana Grant

Preparing Job Seekers for a Competitive Job Market in 2025

As we move further into 2025, the job market continues to evolve, shaped by a combination of technological advancements, shifting economic policies, and changing workforce demands. At the Chicago Jobs Council (CJC), our mission is to equip our partners to prepare job seekers to navigate these changes with resilience and confidence.

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Ivana Grant Ivana Grant

Illinois Needs to Protect Workforce Equity Now

Federal actions are threatening opportunities for job seekers and workforce organizations across Illinois. See how Chicago Jobs Council is stepping up to protect equity and opportunity through a letter to the Governor's office. Learn more about our key recommendations and how we’re working with partners to drive change. Special thank you to all the partner organizations who have signed on to this letter.

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Ivana Grant Ivana Grant

Customized Training vs. Public Training: Tailored Solutions for Your Team

Discover how CJC’s tailored training solutions help workforce professionals break down barriers and create equitable opportunities for job seekers. From virtual sessions to in-person workshops, we design programs that meet your team’s unique needs. Plus, sign up for membership before April 1 to enjoy a 15% discount on your first customized training!

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Ivana Grant Ivana Grant

The Future of Workforce Funding: Advocacy for Equity in Uncertain Times

As Illinois enters a pivotal legislative session, the decisions made in the coming months will shape workforce development for years to come. Advocacy is essential to ensure that funding prioritizes equity and supports job seekers facing systemic barriers.

Discover how robust funding and dedicated leadership, including the need for a Chief Workforce Officer in Chicago, can drive meaningful change for workers, communities, and the workforce development system.

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Ivana Grant Ivana Grant

Chicago Jobs Council Response to Executive Orders and Federal Funding Freeze

Recent executive actions threaten workforce equity by dismantling programs that support job seekers, employment specialists, and inclusive hiring practices. These changes put essential workforce development initiatives and opportunities for marginalized communities at risk. Learn how Chicago Jobs Council is advocating for equity and fighting to protect access to meaningful employment for all.

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Ivana Grant Ivana Grant

Reflecting on Membership Growth and Engagement

In Quarter 2, we launched a Membership Committee to focus on how we nurture and support our members. As a result, we’ve implemented more intentional strategies to improve the onboarding experience for new members.

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CJC in the News

See where CJC has been mentioned in the news. Please contact us at info@cjc.net with any other Jobs Council related news event.

  • “Progress is slow on Illinois’ clean energy promises“

    WBEZ Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons, September 28, 2023

    Listen

    “Chicago Jobs Council on widespread driver’s license suspensions: ‘The consequence is too significant and severe“

    Southland Marquee, January 30, 2023

    Read

  • “Gov. Pritzker Announces $44 Million Investment in Workforce Training“

    Chicago Defender, September 23, 2021

    Read

    “Illinois the Latest State to End Driver’s License Suspensions That Fuel Inequality”

    Sam Mellins, Filter Mag, March 1, 2021

    Read

    “Thousands of Illinois Drivers Would Get Their Licenses Back Under a Criminal Justice Reform Bill”

    Melissa Sanchez, ProPublica, January 15, 2021 (reprinted in InjusticeWatch)

    Read

  • “Illinois Senate Committees Discuss Inequity in Education Employment”

    Sarah Mansur, Herald & Review, November 5, 2020

    Read

    “Mayor Lori Lightfoot Defends Plan to Start Issuing Speed Camera Tickets for Cars Going 6 MPH Over the Limit as ‘Safety’ Issue. City Data Shows a More Complicated Picture.”

    Gregory Pratt, Joe Mahr, and John Bryne, Chicago Tribune, October 27, 2020

    Read

    “Mayor Lori Lightfoot Wants to Start Issuing Speed Camera Tickets for Cars Going 6 MPH Over the Limit.”

    John Bryne and Gregory Pratt, Chicago Tribune, October 23, 2020

    Read

    “5 New Laws to Know in Illinois.”

    Amanda Vinicky, WTTW, July 1, 2020

    Read

    “Chicago Temporarily Halts Some Ticketing and Debt Collections Amid Coronavirus Pandemic.”

    Elliot Ramos, WBEZ Chicago, and Melissa Sanchez, ProPublica Illinois, March 18, 2020

    Read

    “Tens of Thousands Lost Driver’s Licenses Over Unpaid Parking Tickets. Now, They’re Getting Them Back.”

    Melissa Sanchez, ProPublica Illinois, and Elliot Ramos, WBEZ Chicago, January 17, 2020

    Read

    “50,000 Cook County Residents Will Lose Food Stamps If They Don’t Find Work Soon, and The Clock is Ticking.”

    Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz, Chicago Tribune, January 10, 2020

    Read