MAGMA Advisory Council: Industry Regulatory Opportunities & Challenges Recap

On March 14, 2025, the Michigan Alliance for Greater Mobility Advancement (MAGMA) Advisory Council, convened by the Workforce Intelligence Network (WIN), hosted an impactful session focused on ton Industry Regulatory Opportunities & Challenges. The event addressed the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA), regulatory and investment trends in the automotive industry, and their impact on the manufacturing supply chain and workforce development.

Opening Remarks

Michele Economou Ureste welcomed attendees, emphasizing the importance of the topics to be covered, including workforce innovation, regulatory trends, and industry regulations affecting the Michigan workforce system. She then introduced Dr. Patricia Chapman as the moderator, detailing her extensive experience in workforce and professional development, and her role as Dean of the School of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development at Henry Ford College.


WIOA Updates and Workforce Development Insights from Michigan Works!

Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association, provided an update on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), emphasizing the need for reauthorization to sustain workforce development at all levels. Originally enacted in 2014, WIOA remains the primary federal workforce legislation, though it expired in 2020 and continues to receive funding without formal reauthorization. Efforts are underway in the 119th Congress to push for its renewal.

Michigan Works! Network Overview

Hundt outlined the structure and impact of the Michigan Works! Network, which comprises 16 local agencies and 99 service centers statewide. The network plays a crucial role in connecting job seekers and employers through a demand-driven approach, advocating for a skilled workforce and fostering key partnerships.

WIOA Reauthorization Efforts

Hundt discussed the Stronger Workforce for America Act, introduced in December 2023 and passed in the House in April 2024. Despite bipartisan agreement in November 2024, the bill was not included in the government’s funding resolution, necessitating reintroduction in the new Congress.

Key Elements of WIOA Reauthorization

Positive Aspects:

  • Operational Flexibility – Allows local workforce boards to serve as their own one-stop operators, reducing administrative burdens.

  • Dedicated Training Funds – Provides designated funding for individual training accounts to address infrastructure funding challenges.

  • Expanded Virtual Services – Increases accessibility, particularly in rural areas, ensuring equitable workforce support.

Challenges and Concerns:

  • 50% Training Mandate – Limits flexibility for local boards to address individual needs beyond training, such as basic skill-building.

  • Lack of Supportive Services Funding – Omits dedicated funds for essential services like childcare and transportation.

  • Workforce Area Consolidation – Potentially reduces local control, impacting responsiveness to community-specific needs.

Click here to view Hundt's slide deck. 

Next Steps for Reauthorization

The bill requires reintroduction in the 119th Congress, with continued advocacy efforts led by Congressman Tim Walberg and Congressman Bobby Scott. If passed, implementation could take 12-18 months.

Industry Insights from Experts

The panel also included key information from Tyler Harp, an Industry Analyst with the Center for Automotive Research - CAR. Harp shared updates on the automotive industry, click here to view Harp's slide deck, including:

  • Growth of electrified vehicles and shifting investment trends.

  • Geographic shifts in automotive investment, particularly in the U.S. South.

  • Forecasts for 2025, covering tariff impacts and EV adoption trends.

Bill Gouse, Director of International Government, Industry Technical and Regulatory Affairs with SAE International discussed global automotive standards, regulatory shifts, and federal policies affecting emissions and energy. Click here to view Gouse's slide deck. 

Looking Forward

The MAGMA Advisory Council meeting emphasized the importance of employer advocacy in workforce development and how Michigan Works! continues to champion workforce innovation and adaptability, ensuring Michigan remains at the forefront of workforce development and industry evolution.



Click here to view all the presenter slide decks on the MiAutomobility website. 

MAGMA Advisory Council Meetings are held quarterly. Topics rotate per meeting and are initiated by the MAGMA Governing Board. Most meetings are recorded, and all presentations are posted on the MiAutomobility.org website. For additional information about MAGMA, please email info@winintelligence.org.