Midwest Urban Strategies

What Midwest Urban Strategies does

Midwest Urban Strategies (MUS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit workforce innovation laboratory headquartered in Elm Grove, Wisconsin that operates as a membership-based collaborative network connecting urban workforce development boards, community-based organizations, employers, and policymakers across the Midwest. The organization coordinates a portfolio of programs including the WorkforceWorks!! annual convening, a recurring Learning Labs webinar series, the monthly MUS Connector newsletter, quarterly policy briefings, and advocacy engagement with federal and state officials on workforce policy. MUS also co-founded the Early Childhood Workforce Connector, a national independent apprenticeship intermediary supporting Registered Apprenticeship programs for early educators.

MUS does not develop or sell proprietary technology products; its offerings are programmatic convening, education, and advocacy services rather than software. The organization's product portfolio consists of the MUS Membership Network, the Annual Convening (WorkforceWorks!!), Learning Labs (webinar series), and the MUS Connector newsletter. MUS has 37+ named member organizations spanning Workforce Development Boards in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, and Kentucky, with collective impact metrics cited as 500,000+ individuals served and $150M+ in funding leveraged across the partner network.

MUS generates revenue through four streams: recurring membership dues from WDBs and partner organizations, recurring corporate and association sponsorships (including Skilltrade, EDSI, Goodwill, NAWB, NAWDP, CAEL, TriMetrix, Ivy Tech), event registration fees for the annual convening and Learning Labs, and grant funding including participation in U.S. Department of Labor programs such as Growth Opportunities. Pricing for membership, sponsorships, and events is not publicly disclosed; prospective members apply via an online Microsoft Forms application. The organization reports direct operational metrics of 8,117 people served, $42M in grant dollars deployed, 450 professional development hours delivered, and a $26.53 average placement wage for program participants.

Name

Midwest Urban Strategies

Legal name

Midwest Urban Strategies

Website

https://midwesturbanstrategies.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Midwest Urban Strategies is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership collaborative that connects urban workforce development boards and partners across the Midwest through annual convenings, webinars, and policy advocacy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Collaborative Services

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Administration of Housing Programs, Urban Planning, and Community Development (925), Apprenticeship Training (611513)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Employer-Led Workforce Partnerships & Sector Strategies (EDAAAOAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Smart Cities & Urban Innovation Programs (Digital Planning, Civic Tech for Cities) (BPAIANAJ), State/Provincial Housing, Urban/Regional Planning & Community Development (BPAIABAM)

Keywords

• Workforce development services
• Nonprofit collaborative network
• Professional learning programs
• Policy advocacy support
• Membership convening services

Headquarters

HQ city

Elm Grove

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Midwest Urban Strategies generates revenue through membership fees paid by workforce development boards, community-based organizations, and other workforce development entities that join the collaborative network to access resources, best practices, funding opportunities, and partnerships.
2. Sponsorships: Corporate and organizational sponsors fund the organization's annual convenings and ongoing programs. Sponsors include workforce development vendors, training providers, associations, and employers (e.g., Skilltrade, EDSI, Goodwill, TriMetrix, NAWB, NAWDP).
3. Event Registration Fees: Revenue is generated through fees charged for attendance at the organization's annual convenings, Learning Labs, and other events and professional development programming.
4. Grant Funding: MUS and its partners collectively leverage over $150 million in funding to support workforce development initiatives. MUS has participated in U.S. Department of Labor grant programs including the Growth Opportunities program.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Midwest Urban Strategies operates as a workforce innovation laboratory and membership-based nonprofit that convenes urban workforce development boards and their partners across the Midwest. The organization sells access to a collaborative member network, an annual in-person convening (WorkforceWorks!!), a recurring Learning Labs webinar series, a monthly newsletter (MUS Connector), and quarterly policy briefings that enable peer learning, best practice exchange, and collective advocacy on workforce development issues.

Product overview

Midwest Urban Strategies is a workforce innovation laboratory that operates as a membership-based nonprofit organization rather than a software product company. The organization offers a coordinated suite of programs including the MUS Connector Newsletter (monthly communication), Learning Labs (webinar series), and the Annual Convening (WorkforceWorks!! event). These offerings are unified under a membership network model that connects workforce development boards and partner organizations across the Midwest to share best practices, access resources, and collaborate on workforce development initiatives. The organization does not offer a software platform, SaaS product, or technical product with integrations, APIs, or AI capabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• WorkforceWorks!!: Annual convening brand for Midwest Urban Strategies
• MUS Connector
• Learning Labs
• Early Childhood Workforce Connector

Products and services

• MUS Membership Network Collaborative membership network connecting urban workforce development organizations across the Midwest, providing members with access to resources, expert insights, funding opportunities, professional development, and strategic partnerships through Learning Labs, convenings, advocacy meetings, and the broader peer network.
• Annual Convening (WorkforceWorks!!) Annual in-person convening bringing together Workforce Development Boards, community leaders, employers, elected officials, and community-based organizations for multi-day immersive learning experiences including site visits, sessions, and peer strategy development; the 2026 convening was held in Northwest Indiana focused on the Urban Rural Connection.
• Learning Labs Webinars Ongoing webinar series delivering accessible, practitioner-focused insights for workforce development professionals on topics including WIOA performance data, Youth Employment, Early Childhood Education, Women in Construction, and more; promoted via newsletter, LinkedIn, and the website with registration through Constant Contact.
• MUS Connector Newsletter Monthly newsletter publication providing workforce development updates, member spotlights, policy perspectives, and industry news to subscribers across the MUS network; distributed via Constant Contact.
• Early Childhood Workforce Connector National independent ECE apprenticeship intermediary co-founded by Midwest Urban Strategies that supports Registered Apprenticeship programs for early educators across the country, including partnerships with Willamette Workforce Partnership in Oregon and YWCA Metro St. Louis for ECE Registered Apprenticeship Accelerator programs.
• Quarterly Policy Briefings and Advocacy Meetings Quarterly policy briefings and weekly advocacy membership meetings that engage MUS members on federal workforce policy, WIOA developments, and funding issues to educate policymakers and raise awareness of workforce development challenges.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 500,000 individuals impacted through job training and employment programs
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDESC is a member organization of Midwest Urban Strategies. As the fiscal and administrative entity for Detroit's Mayor's Workforce Development Board, DESC participates in MUS grant initiatives including the U.S. Department of Labor Growth Opportunities program, and collaborates with peer organizations through MUS to share best practices and contribute to regional workforce strategies.
• ASPYR Workforce InnovationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerASPYR is a founding member of MUS. Led by CEO Lisa Patt-McDaniel, ASPYR has spent years helping build workforce strategies in Central Ohio and credits collaboration with MUS for exchanging ideas and best practices with peers across the country. ASPYR oversees OhioMeansJobs Columbus Franklin County Job Center and the Central Ohio WorkOhio Hub.
• Employ MilwaukeecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmploy Milwaukee is a member of MUS and hosts local convening events. The organization operates the Cream City YouthBuild Program and was a key local partner for MUS's Milwaukee Forward convening in 2025, connecting workforce leaders with Milwaukee employers and community organizations.
• Stark Tuscarawas Workforce Development BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTWDB is a founding member of MUS, engaging as an early member to learn from peers, share best practices, and participate in collaborative initiatives including national grant efforts. The organization operates OhioMeansJobs centers in Stark and Tuscarawas Counties, Ohio.
• Early Childhood Workforce ConnectorcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMUS co-founded the Early Childhood Workforce Connector, a national independent ECE apprenticeship intermediary. The organization supports Registered Apprenticeship programs for early educators across the country, including partnerships with Willamette Workforce Partnership in Oregon and YWCA Metro St. Louis for ECE Registered Apprenticeship Accelerator programs.
• Willamette Workforce Partnership (Oregon)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWillamette Workforce Partnership, Oregon's workforce development board for the Mid-Willamette Valley, is cited by MUS as an exemplary model of cross-sector collaboration in early childhood education. MUS highlighted WWP's work supporting the MWVCAA Child Care Resource & Referral early learning Registered Apprenticeship initiative, which enrolled 98 apprentices in its first year with a 93% retention rate.
• GoodwillminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGoodwill is a 2026 convening sponsor of Midwest Urban Strategies, supporting the organization's annual WorkforceWorks!! convening and contributing to the collaborative learning environment that brings together workforce development stakeholders.
• SkilltrademinorGTM or Marketing PartnerSkilltrade is a 2026 convening sponsor and has been a sponsor across 2024, 2025, and 2026. Skilltrade delivers flexible, employer-aligned healthcare training programs. The organization has been highlighted in MUS Learning Labs and newsletter content.
• EDSI (Educational Data Systems, Inc.)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerEDSI has been a sponsor for multiple years (2024, 2025, 2026). EDSI is a workforce development and consulting organization that partners with Workforce Development Boards, employers, educational institutions, and community organizations. EDSI representative Ken Mall serves on the MUS member network.
• NAWB (National Association of Workforce Boards)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerNAWB is a sponsor of MUS's 2025 and 2026 convenings. NAWB represents over 590 local workforce development boards and 12,000+ business partners across the U.S. MUS participates in NAWB programming and advocacy efforts.
• NAWDP (National Association for Workforce Development Professionals)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerNAWDP is a 2026 convening sponsor. NAWDP supports workforce development professionals through training, certification, advocacy, and networking. MUS members regularly participate in NAWDP conferences and events.
• CAEL (Council for Adult and Experiential Learning)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCAEL is a 2024 and 2025 sponsor. CAEL President Earl Buford is listed as a MUS member representative. CAEL and MUS collaborate on member webinars including sessions on Workforce Pell. CAEL's membership types, updates, and events are regularly shared through MUS channels.
• TriMetrix Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerTriMetrix is a 2026 convening sponsor and a 2024 sponsor (via WRMA Inc., A TriMetric Company). TriMetrix provides data analytics and workforce solutions to workforce systems and public sector partners.
• Ivy Tech Community CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIvy Tech Community College is Indiana's statewide community college system and a 2026 convening sponsor. As the nation's largest singly accredited community college, Ivy Tech partners with workforce boards and employers to provide accessible education and workforce training aligned with regional needs.
• Machinists InstituteminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Machinists Institute is a 2026 convening sponsor and its representative Ryan Davis serves on the MUS member network. The Institute is dedicated to strengthening the manufacturing workforce through hands-on training, technical education, and apprenticeship support.
• Opportunity Bridges Workforce DevelopmentminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOpportunity Bridges is a 2026 convening sponsor and its representative Karla Coleman serves as CEO on the MUS member network. The organization provides consulting on program development, partnership building, and workforce engagement to Workforce Development Boards, employers, and educational institutions.
• LightcastminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLightcast is a 2025 convening sponsor and provides workforce data analytics used by member organizations including Stark Tuscarawas Workforce Development Board for its Workforce Trends Dashboard. Connie Sharp from Lightcast has led Learning Lab sessions on talent gaps and data-driven job search.
• South Shore FAMEminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSouth Shore FAME is a 2026 convening sponsor. FAME (Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Educators) operates apprenticeship programs including the South Shore Chapter in Indiana, aligning with MUS's focus on workforce pathways in advanced manufacturing and skilled trades.
• QS Academy Powered by QuickStartminorGTM or Marketing PartnerQS Academy is a 2024 and 2025 convening sponsor providing workforce and skills training solutions to workforce boards and employers across the country.
• Michigan Works AssociationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMichigan Works Association is a 2024 convening sponsor representing Michigan's workforce development system and Michigan Works! offices across the state.
• 1199C Training FundminorGTM or Marketing Partner1199C Training Fund is an Early Childhood Education sponsor of MUS, supporting quality early childhood education workforce development and training aligned with MUS's focus on ECE workforce issues.
• TeachstoneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTeachstone is an Early Childhood Education sponsor of MUS, providing training and professional development resources for early childhood educators and programs.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• National Fund for Workforce Solutions: National Fund for Workforce Solutions is a national nonprofit that invests in regional workforce partnerships, sector initiatives, and employer-led workforce strategies. It is highly comparable to MUS in mission, structure, and member-network model, serving workforce collaboratives and WDBs.
• National Association for Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP): NAWDP is a national membership organization serving workforce development professionals through training, certification, advocacy, and networking. NAWDP is a 2026 MUS convening sponsor and serves overlapping audiences (WDB staff, workforce practitioners), making it a directly comparable peer in member-driven workforce professional development.
• Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL): CAEL is a national nonprofit focused on adult learner success, workforce partnerships, and linking education to employers. CAEL is a multi-year MUS sponsor and collaborator on webinars (e.g., Workforce Pell), with a similar mission of connecting workforce, education, and employer stakeholders through convenings and advocacy.
• Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC): DESC is the fiscal and administrative entity for Detroit's Mayor's Workforce Development Board (operating Detroit at Work) and a founding MUS member. Directly comparable as a member-driven WDB that participates in MUS's DOL Growth Opportunities program and convening activities.
• Corporation for a Skilled Workforce: Corporation for a Skilled Workforce is a national nonprofit focused on advancing skills-based talent development, sector partnerships, and equitable workforce outcomes. Comparable to MUS in mission, research/policy focus, and convening role for workforce practitioners.

Broad incumbents

• National Skills Coalition: National Skills Coalition is a broad workforce advocacy organization focused on skills policy, sector partnerships, and equitable workforce development. It operates at national scale with policy and coalition-building functions that overlap with MUS's advocacy and convening role for WDBs.
• National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB): NAWB is the national membership association representing 590+ local workforce development boards across the U.S. NAWB is already a sponsor of MUS convenings and a collaborator, but operates at a much larger national scale; both organizations serve WDBs with advocacy, convening, and professional development, making NAWB the most relevant peer for MUS.

Regional players

• Willamette Workforce Partnership: Willamette Workforce Partnership is Oregon's workforce development board for the Mid-Willamette Valley and a cited MUS partner for ECE Registered Apprenticeship. Comparable as a state-level WDB running sector-based apprenticeship and training initiatives similar to MUS member boards.
• Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership: Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership is the WDB for Chicago/Cook County and an MUS member organization. It is one of the largest urban WDBs in the Midwest and serves as a comparable regional peer in delivering workforce programs, employer engagement, and youth services.
• Heartland Workforce Solutions: Heartland Workforce Solutions operates as a regional workforce intermediary in the Midwest (Omaha area), serving WDB and employer coordination needs. Comparable to MUS member organizations in scope and mid-size regional workforce intermediary model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@midwesturbanstrategiesinc.6662
• Facebookfacebook.com/midwesturbanstrategies
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/midwest-urban-strategies
• Instagraminstagram.com/midwesturbanstrategies
• Xx.com/midwestworkers

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Midwest Urban Strategies