Overview
Held on February 20th, 2025 at Burns & McDonnell in Chicago, fifty public and private industry leaders convened for the AEG Chicago 25Q1 Stakeholder Challenge: Critical Infrastructure + Workforce. The purpose of this challenge was to: 1.) Agree on a critical obstacle preventing achievement of Greater Chicago’'s critical infrastructure and workforce goals; 2.) Align on a 90-day sprint and 12-month objective to best address this obstacle; and 3.) Enable stakeholders to create a volunteer Task Force accountable for delivering the agreed solution.
Doug Scott, Chair, Illinois Commerce Commission, Laticia Holbert, ComEd, and Michael Rutkowski (1898 & Co.) provided opening remarks to frame the discussion surrounding critical infrastructure and workforce for Greater Chicago. During Doug Scott’s remarks via video, he highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration to meet Illinois’ climate, health, and equity goals under CEJA, emphasizing the need to create equitable workforce opportunities and ensure that clean energy benefits reach underserved communities.
Opening Remarks were followed by the Speaker Challenge, where each speaker provided an 8 minute and 5 slide presentation that concluded with this completed statement: “Regarding Critical Infrastructure + Workforce, to achieve Greater Chicago's Climate, Health and Equity goals under the CEJA, a critical obstacle to collectively overcome in 12 months is __________.”
Paul Douglas (The JPI Group) stressed closing workforce diversity gaps by aligning businesses, educational institutions, and government programs to create long-term career opportunities for underrepresented talent. Adam Rehfeld (Burns & McDonnell) advocated for building sustainable business partnerships beyond transactional diversity requirements, focusing on capacity-building and mentorship to help diverse businesses become industry leaders. Charles Murray (Switched Source) highlighted the need for Chicago’s industrial companies and utilities to support workforce development, ensuring the region maximizes job creation and benefits from clean energy growth. Hugo Castaneda (ComEd) outlined the importance of developing a talent pipeline that spans all aspects of the energy sector, from utility operations to customer-site technology integration.
Inspired by the statement provided by Paul Douglas (The JPI Group), participants agreed to prioritize the following obstacle:
Regarding Critical Infrastructure + Workforce, to achieve Greater Chicago's Climate, Health and Equity goals under the CEJA, a critical obstacle to collectively overcome in 12 months is the lack of a responsive workforce ecosystem centered around people, partnerships, education/training to deliver measurable impact via a growing job pipeline.
Participants designed, presented, and selected a 90-day sprint and 12-month objective to overcome the above critical obstacle. 20 leaders came together to form a Task Force to complete the above 90-day sprint and 12-month objective.
Task Force Volunteers (some not pictured): Adam Rehfeld, Burns & McDonnell - Co-Lead, Jada Jamison, Hitachi Energy USA - Co-Lead, Dominique Carney, TheTradeDesk - Co-Lead, Victoria Nelson, W. Capra - Co-Lead, Michael Rutkowski, 1898 Co., Deven Heiderscheidt, Baker Tilly, Angus Ferguson, Burns & McDonnell, Laticia Holbert, ComEd, Paul Douglas, The JPI Group, Keely Hughes, The JPI Group, Michelle Jester, The JPI Group, Aaron McEvoy, Office of Energy and Utility, State of Illinois, Sarah Bortt, Clean Energy Leadership Institute, Genisses Vazquez, Elcora Engineering Solutions, Sherelle Withers, Innovation Metropolis SMART Tech District, Christine Flynn, Northern Illinois University, Center for Govt. Studies, Tamika Cole, Walker-Miller Energy Services, Emma-Rose Newmeyer, The Carbon League, Jakob Reinke, The Carbon League, Michael Thuis, The Carbon League
5 KEY THEMES
Collaboration and Ecosystem Building
1. Achieving Illinois' clean energy goals requires collective action from government agencies, businesses, educators, and community organizations. By aligning stakeholders and fostering cross-sector partnerships, the state can create an inclusive energy transition that benefits all communities.
"This isn't something that we in government just are able to pronounce and then have it magically happen. It really takes the involvement and the hard work and dedication of everyone." – Doug Scott, Illinois Commerce Commission
2. Workforce Development and Skills Training
Building a pipeline of skilled talent is essential to support the growing clean energy sector, from utility operations to customer-site installations. Expanding training programs, enhancing mentorship opportunities, and aligning curricula with industry needs will help create a resilient and adaptable workforce.
"Establishing a solid pipeline of talent for all aspects of the industry, from the utility’s side to customers’ sites, is critical to supporting clean energy adoption." – Hugo Castaneda, ComEd
3. Equity and Inclusion
Ensuring that traditionally underserved communities benefit from the clean energy transition is essential for achieving CEJA’s climate, health, and equity goals. By providing access to job opportunities, training programs, and business support, Illinois can create pathways to long-term success for diverse populations.
"We need to make sure that as the energy transition is happening, people who have been in traditionally underserved communities are not only not harmed but are also able to take advantage of the new jobs and opportunities that come with this transition." – Doug Scott, Illinois Commerce Commission
4. Employer and Industry Engagement
Large industrial companies and utilities play a pivotal role in workforce development by offering training opportunities, partnering with small businesses, and aligning hiring practices with regional goals. Their active involvement is essential to maximizing job creation and supporting long-term economic growth.
"To maximize job creation and equitable workforce development, Chicago’s large industrial companies and utilities must play an active role in supporting clean energy growth and collaborating with workforce organizations." – Charles Murray, Switched Source
5. Data-Driven Success and Accountability
Using real-time data and analytics is crucial for tracking workforce progress, measuring program effectiveness, and demonstrating accountability. Transparent data collection and performance metrics ensure that stakeholders remain aligned and that workforce development efforts yield measurable, long-term results.
"Leveraging real-time data and analytics is essential to ensure program success, demonstrate accountability, and align all stakeholders toward shared workforce development goals." – Paul Douglas, The JPI Group
Conclusion
The AEG Chicago 25Q1 Stakeholder Challenge on Critical Infrastructure + Workforce brought together key industry leaders to address barriers to achieving Chicagoland’s climate, health, and equity goals under CEJA. The challenge focused on aligning businesses, educators, and workforce organizations to build a skilled talent pipeline, empowering diverse businesses to thrive as industry leaders, and leveraging data to ensure accountability and success. Key themes included fostering collaboration across stakeholders, expanding workforce training and mentorship programs, and ensuring that both large companies and small businesses contribute to equitable workforce development. As volunteer leaders embark on a 90-day sprint and a 12-month objective, their collective efforts will play a crucial role in shaping a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future for Chicago and Illinois, helping deliver the energy future essential for both the city and the state.
For the list of participating stakeholders who aligned on this critical obstacle and developed this 12 month goal and 90 day sprint, please visit here.
Other proposed 90-Day Sprints and 12-Month Objectives included:
