Chicago Jobs Council

Founded in 1981, the original mission of the Jobs Council was to track economic development funds earmarked for low-income Chicagoans. Over our 37 year history we have actively worked at the intersection of policy and practice and have evolved over time to serve as a critical intermediary organization positioned to: bring the frontline experience of job seekers to systems change conversations; convene and facilitate cross-system conversations; and make connections between typically siloed systems. Each year, we work alongside our members (as well as 300 unique organizational partners) to change policy, develop innovative practice, reform systems, strengthen organizations, and support frontline professionals. This is done at all levels - local, state, and federal - with a focus on the Chicago region. The Jobs Council’s major policy efforts focus on alternative business models and “high road” employer practices; building an inclusive continuum of education and training; and reducing systemic barriers to employment experienced by people of color and women. Our capacity building efforts are conducted primarily through the Frontline Focus Training Institute (FFTI) and the Workforce Information & Resource Exchange (WIRE) online portal. Over 600 unique individuals were engaged in Jobs Council events last year (Working Group, Workforce 360, Frontline Focus trainings, Frontline Workforce Association, Transit Table, etc.) and we estimate that ultimately 40,000 disadvantaged job seekers and workers benefited from our capacity building and policy advocacy efforts.