The Governor’s Workforce Development Board (GWDB) was created and established to assist the Governor in implementing the federal Workforce and Investment Act of 1998 (WIA). When The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2014 to replace WIA, state boards like the GWDB were tasked with assisting in the implementation and oversight of this new federal law that guides workforce development efforts at the state, regional, and local levels.  

The GWDB is responsible for developing, overseeing, and modifying Minnesota’s State Plan for workforce development so that our state fulfills the requirements of WIOA. This includes developing funding formulas for the allocation of workforce development funds, as well as developing strategies, performance measures, and other policies related to WIOA compliance. Additionally, the GWDB provides reports and other information to both the Governor and the Legislature relating to WIOA and other workforce development issues.



Members of the GWDB are appointed by the Governor and serve three-year terms on the board. As required by WIOA and state law, the majority of GWDB members are representatives from businesses across the state. Other members of the board include representatives from labor unions, higher education, Commissioners (or their designees) from various state agencies, legislators from both branches of the Minnesota Legislature, and members of community-based organizations that have demonstrated experience in addressing the employment, training, or education needs of individuals with barriers to employment. There are also many non-voting members of the board that represent state agencies, public education, various state advisory councils and offices, and other workforce development partners.

Click here to learn more about the GWDB on their website. If you have additional questions about the GWDB you can contact Katie McClelland, GWDB Board Director, at katie.mcclelland@state.mn.us.