Durham Strategic Plan Dashboard
Prosperity
Status Indicator: 
In Progress | 
On Hold | 
Complete/Ongoing
Initiative: 1.22 Develop a better outreach/awareness plan to educate the community on NC Works programs/offerings
Shared Economic Prosperity
Description
Raising awareness of the wide range of programs and services offered by NCWorks is essential for fostering meaningful connections between businesses and local talent. By increasing employer familiarity with NCWorks’ resources, businesses can more effectively access tools that support recruitment, hiring, and workforce training needs. This, in turn, expands employment opportunities for the local workforce and helps individuals build skills and gain meaningful careers. Strengthening these connections aligns talent with labor market demands, drives economic growth, supports business competitiveness, and contributes to a thriving regional economy.
Key Measures & Data Analysis
The use of equipment in the NC Works resource room is crucial for the community as it provides essential tools for job seekers who may not have access to them at home. These resources enable individuals to search for jobs, submit applications, and communicate with potential employers, leveling the playing field for those without personal technology. By offering these services, the NCWorks Career Center supports economic mobility, helping community members secure employment and improving overall economic stability. This access is especially important in bridging the digital divide and fostering workforce participation. Please note, the data for 2025 cannot be updated until summer of 2026 based on the Federal program year.
Use of One-Stop Resource Room/Equipment
Why is it important?
Increasing awareness of NCWorks’ federally funded programs and services among both individuals and employers is essential to boosting participation, strengthening workforce engagement, and expanding meaningful employment opportunities. By connecting more people with these resources, NCWorks helps align talent with local labor market needs, supporting economic growth and community prosperity.
What have we been doing?
Staff have worked to increase awareness and utilization of NCWorks programs through strategic marketing, partnership development, and targeted job fair events for both employers and jobseekers.
Key activities include:
• Collaborating with the Marketing/Communications sub-committee on the AdvanceNC website and hosting quarterly Executive Meetings.
• Hosting the 2025 Job Fair on October 22 with 21 participating employers and 199 job seekers.
• Attending the State Business Services Team Steering Committee, NC Partnership Conference, and graduating from the Greater Triangle United Way Workforce Leadership Academy.
• Maintaining strong NCWorks service levels, serving 1,548 clients in July, 1,470 in August, 1,312 in September, and 1,355 in October.
What's next?
Work to expand outreach and build the NCWorks brand in Durham will continue through the following activities:
• Marketing and Communications – Ongoing marketing for DWDB and NCWorks programs.
• 2026 Employer Breakfast – Planning and executing an employer engagement event for the new year.
• 2026 Fall Job Fair – Planning and executing the next large-scale hiring event.
• Community Partnerships – Continuing to build relationships with community organizations and employers.
• WIOA Registered Apprenticeships – Preparing to initiate the 6% WIOA funding mandate for Registered Apprenticeships.
City Website Home Page: Durham, NC | Official Website (durhamnc.gov)
Budget Website Page: Budget & Management Services Department | Durham, NC (durhamnc.gov)
Budget and Management Services Department
Office of Performance and Innovation
Strategy and Performance Division