21^st Century Workforce Initiative
Strategic Planning Best Practices
July 2007

The 21^st Century Initiative began with the creation of 13 regions.  Each region developed a work plan describing how they would, or currently do, address six focus areas.  In reviewing the plans and discussing each focus area with the primary authors, several promising practices were identified.     To learn more about the promising practices that fall in the following categories, select the appropriate link from the list below:

Communication
Region 3: The Upper Peninsula of Michigan
The Upper Peninsula has created an efficient, aligned communication structure that outlines several specific activities that benefit both their partner and public communication efforts.

Region 8: Northwest Michigan Council of Governments
North West Michigan Council of Governments' vision that economic development planning take place in a holistic, regional manner is woven throughout their strategic plan, highlighted by the belief that a structured communication system is needed to ensure effective communication.

Rapid Response Model
Region 11: Northeast Michigan Consortium MWA
Region 11 has developed a comprehensive Rapid Response model that was used in response to a major community employer.

Talent Development 
Region 10: South Central Michigan Works!
The talent development strategy for Region 10 encompasses all aspects of talent development: educational pipeline, training workers to meet new job demands, identification of developing industries, and strong collaboration between employers and the economic development entities in the region.

Asset Mapping
Example: The Common Framework: West Michigan A Region in Transition The West Michigan Strategic Alliance created this asset map, which offers a detailed look at assets while offering insight into opportunities in which to build upon.