BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota is consolidating workforce-related programs under a single leadership structure as Gov. Kelly Armstrong prepares to ask lawmakers to formally create a new Department of Workforce Development next year.
Katie Ralston Howe, who has been serving as deputy commissioner and director of the Department of Commerce’s Workforce Development Division, was named the state’s first workforce commissioner, effective immediately.
The restructuring brings together programs currently spread across several agencies, including Commerce’s Workforce Development Division, Job Service North Dakota, Adult Education, Vocational Rehabilitation and the Office of Refugee Resettlement.
The combined structure will encompass about 300 employees. State officials said there are no immediate plans to add or eliminate positions as part of the reorganization.
Armstrong said the current workforce system has become too fragmented, making it harder for workers and businesses to navigate programs and for state agencies to coordinate services.
“By aligning programs and appointing a cabinet-level workforce commissioner to coordinate their efforts, we can better meet the needs of the state’s workers and businesses while also achieving long-term cost savings and operational efficiencies,” Armstrong said.
Ralston Howe said the goal is to create a single entry point for workforce services and better coordinate employers, schools and government programs around labor shortages, training and talent development.
The state recently launched NDWIN.gov as a centralized website intended to help residents and businesses find workforce-related programs and services.
The new structure will also include the State Apprenticeship Office, with state officials seeking to expand registered apprenticeship programs across additional industries.
Armstrong plans to ask the Legislature to formally establish the Department of Workforce Development when lawmakers convene for the 2027 regular session.
If approved, the new department would take effect July 1, 2027. Until then, employees will continue reporting through their existing agencies while the state develops the final organizational structure.