The Long Island Association and the Institute for Workforce Advancement announced on March 11 the formation of the Long Island Workforce Development Roundtable, a new initiative supported by JPMorganChase and The New York Community Trust-Long Island. The roundtable brings together leaders from business, education, labor, government, and community organizations to develop an action plan aimed at strengthening Long Island’s workforce.
The initiative is designed to address the need for a coordinated approach to workforce development in the region. By focusing on identifying high-demand skills and creating pathways to well-paying jobs, the roundtable seeks to align training with both employer needs and community priorities.
The research team from James Lima Planning + Development and Regional Plan Association has been conducting interviews with stakeholders across Long Island to inform the action plan. This process has helped identify potential pilot programs that will focus on developing specific skills needed in high-growth industries.
Alan Petrilli, Long Island Regional Manager of J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking, said, “At JPMorganChase, we’re proud to help power Long Island’s workforce through true partnership. By supporting workers in gaining the skills for well-paying jobs right here at home, and connecting businesses with top local talent, we’re investing in the region’s collective strength. Together, we’re building an ecosystem where opportunity and success are shared—and where Long Island’s vision for growth becomes a sustained, consistent reality.”
David M. Okorn of The New York Community Trust-Long Island said, “Through our work with local nonprofits, employers, and community leaders…our region needs a more coordinated, skills-focused approach to workforce development. Launching this Roundtable was a natural response. By centering transferable skills and aligning training with community needs, we can open meaningful career pathways for residents while strengthening Long Island’s economic foundation.”
Stacey Sikes of the Long Island Association said that communication is key: “The LIA is proud to be a part of this data-informed initiative to cultivate a robust workforce talent pipeline for our region’s business community…the cross-sector input during the Workforce Development Roundtable process will advance an action plan that is focused on results.”
Phil Rugile of the Institute for Workforce Advancement added: “I am very hopeful that the approach this roundtable has taken to focus on transferable skills…will be a game changer for employability for individuals, and provide expanded hiring options for employers.”
Cara Longworth from Empire State Development highlighted collaboration: “The Long Island Workforce Development Roundtable brings together leaders across industry, education, and government…By working collaboratively, we can help open doors for individuals entering or re-entering the workforce while supporting continued growth of Long Island’s key industries.”
Moses Gates from RPA emphasized providing access: “By identifying and providing the skills needed to access good jobs in multiple industries…we can make sure that Long Island residents have pathways to steady careers.” James F. Lima of JLP+D concluded: “This effort will leverage the collective wisdom of those who know Long Island best…By combining these localized insights with innovative practices, we can deliver an Action Plan that creates clear sustainable pathways to high-growth careers for all Long Islanders.”
According to project organizers’ timeline released in their announcement: initial meetings began in fall 2025; public kickoff occurred in March 2026; further planning sessions are scheduled through spring; pilot program launches are expected by summer 2026.
For more information about this initiative or its participants visit www.longislandassociation.org/foundation.
