Sponsor: Workforce Solutions
Title
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Memorandum of Understanding and Infrastructure Funding Agreement with CareerForce Partners
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Recommendation
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1. Approve the memorandum of understanding and infrastructure funding agreement with CareerForce partners in Local Workforce Development Area #15 - Ramsey County, for the period of October 27, 2026, through October 26, 2029; in accordance with the rates established in the agreement.
2. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the memorandum of understanding.
3. Authorize the receipt of funds from CareerForce partners to support the infrastructure costs of operating the comprehensive CareerForce Center.
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Background and Rationale
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The Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County (WIB) serves as the Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB) for Local Workforce Development Area (LWDA) #15 - Ramsey County. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA) requires all LWDBs to develop and enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with all required partners. The MOU outlines how each partner delivers services within the local area and through the Comprehensive CareerForce Center, the methods used to refer individuals seeking workforce services among partners, and how workforce services are coordinated throughout LWDA 15. The accompanying Infrastructure Funding Agreement (IFA) establishes the cost sharing structure for infrastructure costs associated with operating the comprehensive CareerForce Center and additional operating expenses. By improving access to coordinated workforce services for residents who have historically faced systemic barriers, this work strengthens pathways to economic opportunity and supports the county’s Intergenerational Wealth & Economic Justice strategic priority.
The WIB’s operations and funding are managed by Workforce Solutions. With the relocation of the CareerForce Center into the Ramsey County Government Center, the county became the leaseholder for the facility and is now responsible for collecting the IFA infrastructure contributions from the CareerForce partners.
Ramsey County and its CareerForce partners have agreed to the terms of the MOU and the infrastructure cost sharing allocation within the IFA. The infrastructure budget for the CareerForce Center for 2026 is $150,767, with additional operating costs shared between the county and the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Contributions were based on each partner’s proportionate use and relative benefit using a square footage-based allocation formula. The budget will be reconciled and contributions adjusted annually.
A separate license agreement governing the use of shared office space within the CareerForce Center was executed in 2025 between the county and the State of Minnesota, Department of Administration, acting on behalf of DEED.
The county’s approval of the MOU and IFA allows the WIB to oversee the continuation of a fully integrated one stop service delivery model to serve local job seekers and employers and authorizes receipt of shared partner contributions.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
The CareerForce system is designed to reduce disparities in employment outcomes experienced by communities of color, individuals with disabilities, immigrants and refugees, and other residents who have historically faced barriers to opportunity. This agreement outlines accessibility standards and partner commitments to equitable service delivery, including physical, communication, virtual, and programmatic accessibility requirements.
With the relocation of the CareerForce Center into the Ramsey County Government Center, the WIB and the county further strengthened their commitment to reducing disparities. The new location was intentionally selected to place the CareerForce Center directly across the hall from the county’s downtown service center, allowing residents who come to receive other county services to access workforce services more easily during the same visit. This co‑location strategy reduces barriers and creates a more integrated, welcoming service environment for residents with the highest needs.
Workforce Solutions also tracks the percentage of career lab visitors who reside in low‑income Ramsey County zip codes as part of the County’s Resident‑Centered Holistic Support performance measure. This metric helps assess whether workforce services are reaching communities with the highest need. In 2025, 92% of career lab visitors came from low‑income zip codes, demonstrating a strong alignment between CareerForce services and the county’s equity goals. The improved accessibility and integration achieved through relocation are expected to continue, making workforce services even more convenient and accessible for residents seeking support.
Community Participation Level and Impact
The CareerForce system in Ramsey County is supported by a broad network of partners who collectively ensure that workforce services remain accessible and responsive to residents’ needs. These partners participate through coordinated service delivery, direct referrals, and shared staffing in the comprehensive CareerForce Center, creating a unified experience for job seekers and employers.
Relocating the CareerForce Center into the Ramsey County Government Center has strengthened community participation by placing workforce services in a central location where residents already seek county assistance. This increased visibility and ease of access encourages greater engagement from individuals who may otherwise face barriers to navigating multiple service systems.
CareerForce services consistently reach residents with the greatest needs, including a high percentage from low-income zip codes and communities disproportionately affected by employment barriers. Through this coordinated partner network and accessible location, the CareerForce Center functions as a resource that supports economic opportunity and improves employment services to the community.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☒ Involve ☒ Collaborate ☒ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Funding to support the operation of the CareerForce Center is already included in the Workforce Solutions 2026-2027 department budget. Approval of the MOU and IFA will allow Workforce Solutions to accept funds from the CareerForce partners to offset some of the cost of operating the CareerForce Center.
Last Previous Action
On February 11, 2025, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved a license agreement with the State of Minnesota Department of Administration for the use of shared office space within the CareerForce Center (Resolution B2025-034).
Attachments
1. CareerForce Center MOU and IFA 2026-2029