Transforming Communities Through Investment and Opportunity
The four-year anniversary of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) falls on March 17, 2025, marking the passage of a historic piece of legislation that provided stimulus funding to state and local governments through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program. Since its passage, stimulus has supported programs and services, benefiting 15,130 Coloradans.
The Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) stewarded a $60 million SLFRF package funded through Colorado House Bill 21-1264, providing stimulus programs to help communities across Colorado recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. These programs assisted Coloradans who lost their jobs during the pandemic, experienced another type of negative economic impact, as well as those seeking to advance in their current roles or change careers entirely.
“ARPA provided an unprecedented opportunity to not only help individuals gain skills for in-demand careers, but also strengthen talent pipelines for industries struggling to find qualified workers,” says CWDC Managing Director Lee Wheeler-Berliner. “People are securing jobs, businesses are finding skilled talent, and communities are thriving because of these targeted SLFRF training initiatives.”
The bill not only provided aid for economic recovery, but also aimed to improve outcomes for learners and workers, and help prepare Coloradans for well-paying, quality jobs of the future.
Stimulus programs were offered through local workforce centers and community-based organizations throughout the state, as well as workforce innovation initiatives—including the Career Coaching Collaborative, Trade Association Training programs, Regional Sector Partnerships, and grants to increase capacity across the state to strengthen training programs and help nonprofit providers and other organizations receive public funding.
Colorado has made significant strides in deploying resources for economic recovery, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements. Through targeted investments, thousands of Coloradans have gained in-demand skills, setting them on the path to meaningful employment.
Reskilling, Upskilling, and Next Skilling (RUN) Programs
RUN programs at local workforce centers and community-based organizations throughout the state, as well as workforce innovation initiatives have provided training in key industries such as technology, healthcare and construction. These programs have helped bridge the skills gap and connect workers to employers eager for trained talent.
Career Coaching Collaborative: 3,000 Served
Over 3,000 Coloradans have received career coaching services through the Career Coaching Collaborative (CCC), a state-wide program providing funding to hire career coaches for every local workforce area and grantees of community-based organizations.
Through the career coaching services and financial support from the CCC program, Coloradans like Reza were able to discover the pathway for international dentists to obtain licensure in the United States. Discover how Reza restarted his career in dentistry with the help of the CCC and Spring Institute.
Trade Association Training Programs
Coloradans have accessed critical training programs through trade association training programs. A portion of stimulus funds were allocated directly to businesses and industries to support workforce development and rebuild the talent pipeline. Seven industry groups were awarded up to $300,000 in stimulus grants through the CWDC to implement training programs designed to lead directly to employment. Explore how this trade association training program graduate is taking their first steps toward a promising career in construction.
Looking Ahead: Building A Lasting Legacy
The fourth anniversary of ARPA is a moment to reflect on the transformative impact of these investments. From equipping workers with valuable skills to strengthening local economies, ARPA has played a vital role in shaping a more resilient, skilled, and prosperous workforce. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these investments will continue to inform future workforce development strategies ensuring that communities remain strong, adaptable, and ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.