Alignment Evaluation Update

October 2022

As Florida's principal workforce policy organization, CareerSource Florida is exploring approaches to aligning Florida’s 24 local workforce development boards consistent with the charge for reducing the number of local boards under the Reimagining Education and Career Help (REACH) Act and in collaboration with the Governor's REACH Office. This periodic newsletter includes information and updates on the state's alignment evaluation process. Please visit our REACH Act webpage for more details.

Latest News

Listening to Stakeholders

October has been a month of robust engagement as part of our commitment to involve all partners in evaluating the alignment of Florida’s 24 local workforce development boards to identify options for consolidation. Many of the 150 in-person and online interviews, roundtables, focus groups, webinars and workshops for state and local leaders have taken place this month, with more than 400 participants.

Engagement includes:

Local Workforce Development Boards

24 one-on-one, in-person interviews in September with the chief executives of each board.
24 focus groups for leadership and staff in October.
7 regional in-person workshops scheduled for November.

Employers, Economic Developers, Educators, & Other Leaders

48 roundtable discussions in October.
A webinar with chief local elected officials Oct. 27. A second workshop and interviews with state leaders will occur in Nov/Dec.

Engagement will continue into early 2023, along with research and data analysis, focused on identifying options that best address the intent of the REACH Act and the commitment to continuous improvement of the CareerSource Florida network.

Staying Informed Throughout the Process

CareerSource Florida has contracted with EY (Ernst & Young) to conduct Phase Two of the Alignment Evaluation initiative, identifying key dynamics of the state's workforce system and exploring options for greater alignment in keeping with the REACH Act and federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act requirements. This evaluation will affect action by the state workforce development board to redesignate local workforce development areas. The multi-phase process includes more engagement opportunities, research and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative inputs, and a continued emphasis on identifying exemplary service and areas for improvement. Read EY's Findings Report for Phase One of this initiative and view the Scope of Work for Phase Two at the link below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Evaluating the alignment of Florida's local workforce development boards for consideration of consolidation is a new process for the state of Florida. One question workforce system partners, stakeholders and customers may have is how a new alignment of local workforce development boards will improve outcomes for Floridians. We have compiled a list of questions and answers for interested parties.

What is the REACH Act?

Florida's REACH Act seeks to achieve a more coordinated approach in delivering and using essential workforce development resources and services through enhanced alignment and accountability.

The CareerSource Florida Network

CareerSource Florida is the statewide workforce policy and investment board. Our partners include the Department of Economic Opportunity, 24 local workforce development boards and 100 career centers throughout Florida.