The overarching goal of the 21^st Century Workforce regional planning strategy is to help build stronger regional economies through the successful transformation of our state into a 21^st Century Global Economy.  By working collaboratively with state agencies, businesses, unions, and local leaders we strive to build a workforce that embraces innovation, supports the development of new industries, and strengthens our states  economy.

Leaders in workforce and economic development convened to create 13 regions, led by Michigan Works! Agencies, to address immediate workforce needs, specifically to:

• Prevent Michigan's traditional industries and jobs from leaving the state by adopting a lay-off aversion strategy,
• Support community-led efforts to address plant closings and lay-offs through the development of strategies that link workforce and economic development, and
• Create regional workforce development teams to implement these strategies and make a successful transition to new markets, new jobs, and new work skills.