Dallas Sets Pace With First-of-Its-Kind American Job Center in International District

Dallas has launched a “first-of-its-kind” American Job Center in the heart of the Dallas International District. Spearheaded by Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas, the initiative is a milestone in the ongoing transformation of the former Valley-View Galleria area.

The new job center puts Dallas ahead of other cities in providing a dedicated job support facility within an international district, according to Carter Holston, Chair, WFSDallas. “Although cities like Seattle now have International Districts, Dallas is the first to have a dedicated American Job Center led by Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas,” Holsten said.

[Photo: James Edward/WFS]

The move helps cement Dallas as a global city of innovation, inviting both domestic and foreign-born residents to participate in its thriving economy.

Nicholas Lalpuis, Region 4 administrator for the U.S. Department of Labor, praised the new workforce center as an “innovation in the American job center arena.”

“We at the Department of Labor are not aware of any American Job Center in an international district,” Lalpuis said in a statement. The concept to bring together as many services in the workforce system under one roof is one that the Department of Labor has had for years, the DOL admininstrator said.

A global city powered by diverse residents

The Dallas International District is the city’s ambitious project to transform an underdeveloped area into a global hub.

Combining residences, hotels, a planned 20-acre park, a PreK-12 International STEAM Academy, offices, and vibrant retail, the district aims to create an all-encompassing live, work, and play environment.

“The Dallas International District Workforce Center is first-of-its-kind and is another significant moment in the formation of the Dallas International District (formerly Valley-View Galleria area),” Holston said.

The American Job Center’s strategic location aims to serve the burgeoning international community and aligns with the city’s vision of creating a global city, powered by its diverse residents.

Emphasizing the importance of workforce development, the new center is set to augment Dallas’ position as a leading destination for talents from around the world. With significant state and federal support, the center promises to make impactful strides in preparing and training workers and bridging the gap between businesses and talent.

[Photo: James Edward/WFS]

Dallas is ‘a workforce destination’

A ribbon-cutting event was held Thursday, August 3, at the center with a roster of North Texas notables and dignitaries in attendance, including Texas Workforce Commission’s Commissioner Aaron Demerson and Executive Director Ed Serna, WFS Dallas board directors, and members of the North Texas international community.

We are a workforce destination—for domestic and foreign-born residents,” said Dallas County Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins, at the ribbons cutting.

“Our thanks to the City of Dallas for the vision to establish the International District, and the many businesses and citizens who brought this about. We are experiencing a healthy economy in Dallas County,” he said.

Jaynie Shultz and Clay Jenkins, center [Photo: James Edward/WFS]

Impact Beyond Bricks and Mortar

Councilmember Gay Donnell Willis says the center can be a “lifeline for those in need of extra support.” Willis outlined the direct benefits, highlighting the center’s role to “work cooperatively with our schools and local nonprofits to ensure that Dallas businesses have the talent they need. It will also help upskill residents who need access to a job coach, GED support, and additional job training.”

Gay Donnell Willis, right [Photo: James Edward/WFS]

Councilmember Cara Mendelsohn noted that the American Job Center is part of Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson’s vision to ensure that Dallas is a “city of dreams.”

Mayor Johnson was not able to attend the event but sent this message: “Workforce development has for years been one of my top priorities because of its potential to unlock opportunities for Dallas residents to enhance the quality of their lives.

“Through our city’s renewed commitment to workforce development, we will create opportunities for Dallas residents to dream bigger; we will attract and grow businesses; we will sustain our city’s remarkable economic growth; and we will win the future,” the mayor said.

The mayor said the new Workforce Development Center will complement efforts underway by the city’s first-ever Workforce Czar, Lynn McBee. He says its strategic location in the heart of the Dallas International District will support Dallas’ growing population of foreign-born residents.

A glimpse of Dallas’ global ambitions

Councilmember Jaynie Schultz also emphasized the strategic location of the new center, saying, “It’s an invitation to all to help Dallas grow into a global city.”

Schultz further highlighted the heart of the city: “Dallas is powered by our residents.”

She elaborated on the sentiment, adding, “They’re the reason we’re witnessing unprecedented growth,” and noted the significant rise in the city’s foreign-born population, aligning with observations made by the mayor.

Liz Brailford, far right [Photo: James Edward/WFS]

According to Liz Brailford, the CEO of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, the new center will bring a strong focus to the Dallas International District.

“We believe this is just the beginning of the important role the Dallas International District will play not only in the economy of our city, but in real life improvements for its citizens and their careers in the global marketplace,” Brailford said.

For more information on the new center and services provided locally and at the state level, go here. Or connect with Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas directly by dialing 214-290-1000.