Webinars & Smart Takes

Economic developers, educators, and workforce leaders are finding themselves at the forefront of the AI revolution—and their communities are looking to them for guidance. As businesses, employers, and jobseekers increasingly ask for clarity and direction, the opportunity to lead has never been greater.

This Smart Take offers a roadmap to help economic and workforce development organizations confidently design and implement AI strategies that fuel business innovation, strengthen talent pipelines, and drive long‑term regional growth.

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Evaluations don't have to feel like a hurdle. While they're often a requirement of grant-funded programming, they can also be a powerful tool to demonstrate impact, strengthen program design, and position an organization for investment.

In this session, our evaluation experts share practical insights on:

-Crafting evaluations that support growth and longevity.
-Using data to highlight program successes.
-Translating evaluation results into new funding opportunities.

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The Workforce Pell program is poised to expand federal Pell Grant eligibility to students in short-term training programs, starting July 1, 2026. TPMA's Sara Tracey and Bill McKinney are joined by Nick Beadle, author of the JOBS THAT WORK newsletter for this session, which highlights the key policy changes, the implications for colleges and workforce partners, and the steps institutions should consider now to prepare for implementation.

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As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into planning and policy, it’s important to pause and ask not just what AI can do, but also what it cannot. Join this 30-minute session to explore the benefits and limitations of AI in community engagement.

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Many workforce boards, job center staff, funders, and partners are looking to AI to improve efficiency and customer experience. At the same time, they balance serious concerns about sensitive data and private information, accountability with public funds, and trust with job seekers and employers.

This session brings real-world perspectives on how workforce boards are approaching AI in their operations today, including logistical and safety considerations, policy guidance, and the questions leaders are weighing as the AI landscape evolves.

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TPMA's workforce experts spoke with industry leaders to discuss how AI is already disrupting workforce development. How is AI impacting skills and talent gaps, non-traditional pathways, employer industry engagement, and how can your industry benefit?

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TPMA staff discuss strategies that communities and organizations can use to support unhoused individuals and those facing housing instability.

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Members of TPMA's workforce and education team discuss the Veteran Ready Communities series, featuring excerpts from Part 4 of the series.

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Data centers are an increasingly hot topic nationwide, but what does a data center mean for your city or town? We'll discuss the key questions communities should ask as they navigate the growing presence of these facilities.

Smart Take with TPMA is a series for quick industry insight without the fluff. In 30 minutes, we explore key topics that are driving change in communities across the country.

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In Part 3 of TPMA's Veteran Ready Communities series, our panel discusses the importance of connecting veterans with meaningful careers.

Learn more about TPMA's workforce development efforts at tpma-inc.com.

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TPMA presents Part 2 of our Veteran Ready Communities series. In this session, our expert panel discusses how communities can attract, welcome, and support veterans.

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The transition from classroom to career has never been more important. Join us for a powerful webinar on strategies to create robust, scalable K-12-to-workforce pipelines through strategic partnerships. Hear from industry leaders who are successfully closing the gap between education and employment—ensuring students graduate with the real-world skills employers need.

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Housing remains one of the most pressing challenges facing communities across the nation. In this dynamic and insightful webinar, TPMA and an expert panel explore game-changing strategies for collaboration between communities and affordable housing developers.

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As we anticipate the reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), now is the time to prepare for potential changes that could reshape workforce development programs. This webinar explores key updates on the reauthorization process, how to position your organization for success, and strategies to ensure compliance and adaptability.

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Frederick County is taking bold steps to address the housing affordability crisis by engaging TPMA to lead a comprehensive 10-Year Housing Study and Strategic Plan. On Wednesday, TPMA consultants Aaron Finley and Ben Helkowski officially launched the study with a public presentation at the Urbana Regional Library. Addressing a room filled with elected officials, housing experts, and community members, they emphasized the importance of affordable housing while dispelling common myths and misconceptions surrounding this pressing issue.

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The lack of affordable, accessible childcare is a growing challenge for rural communities, impacting families, businesses, and local economies. Together, the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) and TPMA have released a new report, “Understanding Childcare Challenges in Rural America,” that explores innovative solutions to this pressing issue. In this webinar we discuss key findings from the report.

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Join us for an engaging conversation as we dive into Spirit AeroSystems' groundbreaking apprenticeship programs. Discover how they are training the next generation of skilled professionals, offering hands-on experience, and creating pathways to rewarding careers in aerospace.

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Join us for this engaging webinar and discover how apprenticeships can bridge skill gaps, foster innovation, and create sustainable career pathways in an ever-evolving economy. Whether you’re an employer, educator, or policymaker, this session offers practical insights to help you build a workforce equipped to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

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As we head into 2025, unlock the full potential of your workforce and economic development initiatives by learning how to measure success effectively. In this dynamic webinar, we’ll dive deep into the key metrics that fuel high-impact programs—from boosting employment outcomes to driving economic growth. Discover actionable strategies that will empower you to track progress, showcase results, and maximize your impact.

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Making informed strategic decisions is vital for both workforce and economic success. In this webinar, we’ll delve into transforming data into actionable insights that will propel your organization forward in 2025! You’ll gain a thorough understanding of impact assessments and their critical role in strategic planning. This webinar will provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make data-driven decisions.

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