Our Work
Through strategic partnerships and forward-thinking initiatives, Midwest Urban Strategies tackles the distinct challenges facing urban communities—expanding access to opportunity and driving long-term, meaningful impact.
Building Stronger Communities Together
At Midwest Urban Strategies, we believe in the power of collaboration, innovation, and leadership to create lasting change. By working together, we strengthen communities, foster partnerships, and drive meaningful impact—building a better, more inclusive future for all.
Convenings, Learning Labs, and Events
At Midwest Urban Strategies (MUS), we host a dynamic range of convenings, learning labs, and events designed to advance innovation in workforce development.
These gatherings offer a collaborative platform for:
✅ Workforce development professionals
✅ Community partners
✅ Regional and national stakeholders
Together, we share best practices, explore innovative solutions, and work to address the most pressing challenges in workforce systems.
Featured Work
Investing in Early Childhood Education for Stronger Communities
Midwest Urban Strategies (MUS) recognizes high-quality childcare as essential to economic growth. Without it, workers struggle to stay employed, businesses face productivity challenges, and communities miss out on opportunities.
To help solve this, MUS partners with the Early Childhood Workforce Connector (ECWC) to strengthen and sustain a skilled, well-compensated early childhood education (ECE) workforce. A key part of this effort includes advancing registered apprenticeships providing structured, earn-and-learn pathways for early educators.
Together, we’re working to ensure families can access reliable childcare, parents can pursue meaningful careers, and communities benefit from a stable workforce and stronger economy.
Future: Work
Buckeye Medicaid and Martketplace Demonstration Project
Midwest Urban Strategies (MUS), in partnership with the Cuyahoga, Stark Tuscarawas, Franklin, and Hamilton Counties’ Workforce Boards, is collaborating with Buckeye Health Plan to support Medicaid and Marketplace members across Ohio in achieving sustainable employment. Through a series of regional demonstration projects, MUS will connect Buckeye members to workforce services designed to promote self-sufficiency, economic advancement, and long-term stability.
The primary objective of this initiative is to assist Buckeye Health Plan members in securing gainful employment. Workforce training, education, and supportive services such as childcare assistance, transportation support, rental relief, and technology access will be provided as complementary strategies to strengthen employment outcomes and remove barriers to success.
Advocacy
Advancing Workforce Development in the Midwest
Midwest Urban Strategies (MUS) is committed to strengthening workforce development across urban centers in the Midwest. We advocate for innovative solutions, address systemic employment barriers, and create opportunities for underserved populations.
Through collaborative partnerships with regional and national stakeholders, MUS works to drive economic growth and sustainability, ensuring both workers and employers thrive. By fostering workforce innovation, we help shape a more inclusive and prosperous future for the Midwest.
Technical Assistance and Regulatory Compliance
Midwest Urban Strategies (MUS) offers unparalleled expertise in workforce development, specializing in WIOA compliance, public funding, regulatory guidance, and performance metrics.
Our team ensures seamless alignment with federal and state workforce goals while fostering effective partnerships across regions.
MUS Works with: Training Providers, DOL Intermediaries, Workforce Development Boards, Non-Profits, and community-based organizations that would like to work within the public workforce system.
CLICK HERE to email Melanie Martin, Regional Workforce Connector