City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development
City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development is a government entity. Learn more at www.chicago.gov.
Introductory Conversations and Assessment
How organizations conduct initial needs assessment with employers, introduce workforce development in general as well as their own organization’s programs, and gauge whether an employer could benefit from workforce development programs.
Learning About Employers' Needs
- Initial interactions confirm business location eligibility before further engagement.
- A training needs assessment is performed during the application process, focusing on required skills, credentials, and business goals.
- Employers are encouraged to think beyond immediate needs, identifying training opportunities that align with their growth plans.
- Information is tracked using spreadsheets before grant approval and moved to a database once the grant is awarded.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lijia Evariz in 2024. This content was approved by the organization in March 2025.
Introducing Your Organization
- Opportunities are introduced through tailored presentations and Q&A sessions with employers.
- Personal phone calls and presentations are used to introduce the organization’s mission and services.
- DPD staff regularly attend community meetings and events where businesses are present and provide information on the various grant programs available.
- Employers are given clear, upfront explanations about program requirements to establish credibility.
- Employers are directed to the DPD website for more information.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lijia Evariz in 2024. This content was approved by the organization in March 2025.
Evaluating Employer Suitability
- Suitability is primarily determined by confirming location eligibility and assessing the alignment of training needs with available program offerings.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lijia Evariz in 2024. This content was approved by the organization in March 2025.
Establishing Employer Relationships
Ways that organizations follow up or otherwise build relationships with potential employer partners. How do organizations keep employers’ interest and stay top of mind, despite how busy they may be?
Following Up via Phone and/or Email
- Follow-ups are conducted around application deadlines, with reminders sent by phone or email.
- Regular check-ins with grantees are performed to monitor progress and provide assistance.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lijia Evariz in 2024. This content was approved by the organization in March 2025.
Service Provider Visits to Employer Workplace
- On-site visits are used to observe trainings, training provider, and provide support to the business as necessary.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lijia Evariz in 2024. This content was approved by the organization in March 2025.
Job Fairs and Hiring Events
- The City does not organize job fairs. However, City employees sometimes attend job fairs organized by others, depending on resource availability. City representatives hand out flyers or business cards to provide direct access to additional information and resources.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lijia Evariz in 2024. This content was approved by the organization in March 2025.
Metrics and Financial Factors
How organizations collect and share information about expected outcomes and potential financial rewards and incentives.
Sharing Metrics and Return on Investment with Employers
- Employers are involved in discussions about expected ROI during training needs assessments to highlight potential benefits.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lijia Evariz in 2024. This content was approved by the organization in March 2025.
Explaining Subsidies and Tax Credits
- Employers are informed about the reimbursement structure of grants during initial interactions.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lijia Evariz in 2024. This content was approved by the organization in March 2025.
Gathering Data to Track Employer Metrics
- Employer data is initially tracked using spreadsheets, with milestones like training start dates and grant amounts recorded.
- Once approved, engagement data is moved to a centralized city database for ongoing tracking.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lijia Evariz in 2024. This content was approved by the organization in March 2025.
Organizational Level Considerations
How organizations are set up to build partnerships with employers, and how they leverage relationships with other organizations for better outcomes.
Organizational Structure, Resourcing, and Staffing
- Employer-facing roles include project managers who handle the entire engagement lifecycle, from the first contact to project completion. This role will soon be contracted to a Program Administrator who will provide all of the project management and technical support, as well as marketing and outreach to employers.
- Delegate agencies and aldermanic offices (local government representatives) help market to employers through their established business relationships, efficiently sharing available resources.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lijia Evariz in 2024. This content was approved by the organization in March 2025.
Collaborating with Other Organizations
- The Department of Planning and Development partners with City departments, Sister Agencies, Aldermanic Offices, Delegate Agencies, and community-based organizations to support outreach and referrals.
- DPD administers small business grant programs and promotes Workforce Solutions alongside them through regular communication with community partners and Aldermanic offices.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lijia Evariz in 2024. This content was approved by the organization in March 2025.
Challenges
Common challenges and how organizations typically respond to them.
Workforce Development Jargon
- Rebranding efforts are in progress to align program names and marketing materials with employer-friendly terminology.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lijia Evariz in 2024. This content was approved by the organization in March 2025.
Ensuring Compliance with Progammatic and Funding Requirements
- Employers must submit required documents up front, with a detailed list of requirements shared during the application process.
- Grantees enter into a formal agreement that clearly defines employer compliance requirements.
- Step-by-step templates and ongoing technical assistance help businesses navigate the application process and provide a point of contact for questions throughout the project.
- The Project Manager conducts regular check-ins to support and verify adherence to the grant agreement.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lijia Evariz in 2024. This content was approved by the organization in March 2025.
Handling Objections from Employers
- Employer skepticism about public programs is addressed through transparent communication and clear, upfront explanations about program requirements.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lijia Evariz in 2024. This content was approved by the organization in March 2025.
Handling Challenges
- Limited resources for outreach and marketing are partially mitigated through partnerships with delegate agencies.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lijia Evariz in 2024. This content was approved by the organization in March 2025.
