Tri-County workforce directors urge county to monitor Maryland Department of Labor review

Ruthie Davis, Director of Regional Workforce and Business Development for the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, briefed the board on a draft Maryland Department of Labor request for proposals that would evaluate and potentially restructure the state's local workforce-area configuration.

Davis said the draft RFP has prompted concern among local workforce directors because it assumes structural change may be needed. "This could lead to restructuring, loss of local control, one size fits all," she warned, and described specific risks including reduced local responsiveness and disruption during any reorganization. She did not ask for action at the meeting but urged commissioners to monitor the final RFP and consider joining a regional voice if changes are proposed.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about timing and what the state might do; Davis said the comment period had closed and the final RFP had not been released. She and commissioners agreed to track developments so Southern Maryland could make its views known if the state proceeds.