Gov. Josh Shapiro has made an extraordinary commitment to upgrade and improve upon Pennsylvania's infrastructure and invest in projects that promote equity, connectivity, and comprehensive transportation opportunities for communities across the state, both in partnership with the federal government and through nation-leading capital investments. The panel will address and share updates on the most important public projects, including investments in the transportation system (road improvements, airport enhancements and more), overhauling water systems, inclusion of more clean energy projects and broadband expansion.

In 2023, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced the formation of the Commonwealth Workforce Transformation Program (CWTP), a job-training initiative aimed at enhancing the state’s workforce and supporting infrastructure projects. The program supports critical infrastructure work while also prioritizing workplace equity and standards, and creating economic opportunities for marginalized communities. In addition, in February, Philadelphia won a $1.47 million grant to fund a workforce development program that will train Philadelphians for careers in the electric vehicles industry, a program that will expand economic opportunity for all.  This panel will discuss the track record of these programs and what needs to be done to make them better, their participants and their employers more successful and productive.