Chicago Jobs Council

10/13/2026

AI is transforming the future of work. How do we ensure workers and jobseekers aren't left behind?

Chicago Jobs Council is developing an AI policy agenda that puts workers, jobseekers, and communities first. One that embraces the opportunities of emerging technology while protecting against job displacement, discrimination, declining job quality, and environmental harm.

In the second installment of our AI blog series, CJC Director of Policy & Advocacy Chris Warland outlines seven priorities guiding our advocacy for a more equitable, worker-centered future.

Read the latest blog and learn how CJC is working to shape AI policies that empower and protect workers: https://www.cjc.net/articles/developing-an-ai-policy-agenda-that-empowers-and-protects-workers-jobseekers-and-communities

By Chris Warland, CJC Director of Policy & Advocacy This is second in a series of blogs exploring the potential impacts of AI on jobseekers, workers, and workforce development providers, and documenting the development of Chicago Jobs Council's AI policy platform.  Generative

10/12/2026

Keeping job seekers employed takes more than getting them in the door.

It requires an intentional retention strategy.

Join Yolaine Jean, CJC Director of Capacity Building, for "Strategies to Meet Your Job Retention Goals" on October 13 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. CT and explore practical approaches to strengthening job retention and supporting long-term success.

Register: cjc.net/all-upcoming-trainings/strategies-to-meet-your-job-retention-goals

10/08/2026

Today’s the day!

'CJC Presents: The Impact Exchange' is happening TONIGHT, and there’s still time to join us!

🎟️ Tickets are available at the door!

Come connect with Chicago’s workforce development community, meet Employment Social Enterprises creating jobs and expanding opportunity, and shop with purpose at the CJC Impact Marketplace.

Enjoy appetizers, local craft b**r, networking, and our raffle, all while supporting CJC’s work to advance workforce equity.

📅 TODAY, October 8 | 5–8:30 p.m.
📍 Midwest Coast Brewing Company Rooftop
2137 W. Walnut St., Chicago

Please note that this is a cashless event, so be sure to bring a credit or debit card.

We look forward to seeing you tonight!

10/07/2026

One More Day: Get Your Ticket to 'The Impact Exchange'

Join us tomorrow evening to connect with Chicago’s workforce development community, meet the Employment Social Enterprises creating jobs and expanding economic opportunity, and shop with purpose at the CJC Impact Marketplace.

Meet:

New Moms | Bright Endeavors
North Lawndale Employment Network | Sweet Beginnings, Chicago
Revolution Workshop
Inspiration Corporation | Inspiration Kitchens (Our caterer!)

Plus, enjoy appetizers, local craft b**r, networking, and our raffle, all while supporting Chicago Jobs Council’s work to advance a more equitable workforce.

Don’t miss out. Get your ticket today! cjc.net/fallfriendraiser

10/06/2026

***HAPPENING TOMORROW***
***REGISTRATION NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC***

Join Chicago Jobs Council (CJC) for a Workforce Convo on "Workforce Development and Homeless Services: Aligning Systems and Programs in a Critical Time."

The event will take place Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 am. This will be a hybrid event with a remote option in addition to in-person at CJC's office located at 29 E. Madison, Suite 1700C, Chicago.

Housing stability and employment are inextricably linked; it is difficult to maintain one without the other. This is a critical time for both homeless services and workforce development systems. The federal government is proposing changes to homeless services that will increase demand for employment programming, and the State of Illinois is piloting efforts to build partnerships between these public systems.

Together, we will discuss:

*Proposed changes in HUD rules that will impact workforce providers
*How systems coordination is being piloted in Illinois
*How workforce development providers can prepare for coming changes in federal policy
*How employment services and housing services can work together for the benefit of jobseekers experiencing homelessness

Panelists include:

Lindsey Winford, Workforce Pilot Program Manager
Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County

Anne VanderWeele, Vice President of Policy & Government Affairs
New Moms

Nancy Phillips, Chief Program Officer
Inspiration Corporation

Get your tickets today! https://lnkd.in/etaVYca8

10/06/2026

Chicago Jobs Council is hiring!

We’re seeking an experienced Development & Grant Writing Consultant to help strengthen CJC’s fundraising efforts and support our mission to reimagine the workforce system so all people can thrive through employment.

The consultant will support grant research, proposal development, funder reporting and grant management, working closely with CJC leadership to help sustain and grow the resources that make our work possible.

Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/eHU3hPSx

Know someone who would be a great fit? Please share this opportunity with your network!

10/05/2026

Meet the Employment Social Enterprises (ESEs) behind 'The Impact Exchange'!

At this year’s CJC Fall Friendraiser, we’re spotlighting ESEs that are creating jobs, building skills, and expanding economic opportunity across Chicago.

Join us this Thursday, October 8 and meet:

*New Moms | Bright Endeavors

*North Lawndale Employment Network | Sweet Beginnings

*Revolution Workshop

*Inspiration Corporation | Inspiration Kitchens (Our caterer!)

Explore their work, shop their products and services at the CJC Impact Marketplace, and see how ESEs are turning employment into a pathway to greater opportunity.

There’s still time to get your tickets. Visit cjc.net/fallfriendraiser today!

10/03/2026

There’s still time to save your spot at "CJC Presents: The Impact Exchange!"

Join Chicago Jobs Council on Thursday, October 8, at Midwest Coast Brewing Company for an evening spotlighting Employment Social Enterprises (ESEs) and the organizations creating quality jobs and expanding economic opportunity across Illinois.

Connect with colleagues from across the workforce development community, meet featured ESEs, shop products and services at CJC’s Impact Marketplace, and enjoy appetizers, local craft b**r, and our raffle—all while supporting CJC’s work to advance a more equitable workforce.

Don’t wait -- get your tickets today! https://www.cjc.net/fallfriendraiser

10/02/2026

***REGISTRATION NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC***

Join Chicago Jobs Council (CJC) for a Workforce Convo on "Workforce Development and Homeless Services: Aligning Systems and Programs in a Critical Time."

The event will take place Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 am. This will be a hybrid event with a remote option in addition to in-person at CJC's office located at 29 E. Madison, Suite 1700C, Chicago.

Housing stability and employment are inextricably linked; it is difficult to maintain one without the other. This is a critical time for both homeless services and workforce development systems. The federal government is proposing changes to homeless services that will increase demand for employment programming, and the State of Illinois is piloting efforts to build partnerships between these public systems.

Together, we will discuss:

*Proposed changes in HUD rules that will impact workforce providers
*How systems coordination is being piloted in Illinois
*How workforce development providers can prepare for coming changes in federal policy
*How employment services and housing services can work together for the benefit of jobseekers experiencing homelessness

Panelists include:

*Lindsey Winford, Workforce Pilot Program Manager
Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County

*Anne VanderWeele, Vice President of Policy & Government Affairs
New Moms

*Nancy Phillips, Chief Program Officer
Inspiration Corporation

Get your tickets today! https://cjc.app.neoncrm.com/forms/1555

09/30/2026

As Workforce Development Month comes to a close, we're highlighting the work we do at Chicago Jobs Council to build a stronger, more equitable workforce system.

Through policy advocacy, capacity building and collaboration, we're working alongside our members and partners to remove barriers, expand economic opportunity and strengthen the workforce development field.

While September may be ending, our commitment continues. Together, we're reimagining a workforce system where all people can thrive through employment.

Learn more: https://www.cjc.net