Midwest Urban Strategies represents a coordinated effort on behalf of 12 Department of Labor Region 5 urban workforce development boards to marry traditional workforce development practices with economic development. Through intentional collaboration, leveraging stakeholders and efficient and creative use of resources, our strategy is to retain and grow local talent and generate greater return on investment for our employer partners and the workforce system. As representatives from urban epicenters, the challenges and opportunities we experience by serving diverse populations – culturally, socially, and economically, require a unique set of strategies and tactics to connect people to the changing expectations and needs of employers.