How should Austin’s supply of job skills match demand?

A series of public gatherings addressing workforce development kicks off this week as part of the Conversation Corps program, a collaboration among the city of Austin, Capital Metro, the Austin Independent School District and Leadership Austin. Focusing on a new topic each month and taking place at a variety of venues around town, the program aims to make community engagement as accessible as possible. According to an announcement from the city of Austin, Conversation Corps “envisions an Austin in which all have the opportunity to participate in hosted conversations about Austin where they live, work and play.” Feedback is collected and given to the relevant decision-makers on each topic. This month, the conversations will focus on “what skills are needed within the local workforce and what can schools, businesses and residents do to ensure those skills are attained.” There are 14 meetings remaining this month, with two taking place today: Howson Library, 2500 Exposition Boulevard, at noon and The Original Pancake House, 1700 W. Parmer Lane, at 6 p.m.