Lansing, MICH – The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is seeking applications for the new Community and Worker Economic Transition Office Advisory Committee.

Authorized as part of Michigan’s historic clean energy and climate action legislation, the Advisory Committee will help create Michigan’s first-ever statewide transition plan that will support communities, workers and employers in the fossil fuel and automotive industries who are subject to significant economic transition.

“Shifting to new energy technologies in years and decades ahead is an opportunity to create good paying jobs here in Michigan, but only if we prepare now for the future economy,” said Jonathan Smith, LEO Senior Chief Deputy Director. “The Economic Transition Advisory Committee will help develop a proactive strategy that leverages Michigan’s leadership in clean energy to create new jobs as our utility and auto sectors transition to new technologies like batteries and electric vehicles.”

Advisory Committee members will represent communities, industries and labor organizations impacted by the clean energy and automotive transitions to serve as advisors across four committee pillars:

• Employee Engagement & Empowerment: Experience representing workers, workforce development and/or employee advocacy; knowledge about the challenges and opportunities for transitioning workforces.
• Community Resiliency: Background in local governance and/or community engagement; skill in addressing the impacts of economic and industry transitions on communities and residents.
• Industry Growth & Diversification: Experience with the energy and automotive sectors and insights into economic trends, talent development needs and challenges with industry adaptation.
• Data & Analytics: Experts in economics, labor market data, and/or policy analysis with skill in providing data-driven insights and supporting strategic planning efforts.

LEO encourages applications from individuals with knowledge about the challenges and opportunities in economic transitions impacting our state’s workforce, skill in addressing the impacts of industry transitions on communities, insight into job creation and employer adaptation, or expertise in data-driven analysis and strategic planning. Membership will reflect diversity in background and expertise, affected industries and demographics across the state. Applications to serve on the Economic Transition Advisory Committee are due by August 31, 2024.

Learn more about the committee and apply at www.michigan.gov/EconomicTransition.

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