The programs are often tested in a handful of locations to see how well they work in different settings. Lessons learned during the demonstration are then used to revise the program in the local area as well the other test areas. Program successes can then be used to shape similar programs outside of the test areas. In a sense, demonstration programs are the means through which policymakers conduct research and development. The labor market in the St. Louis area is not confined to a single municipality, county or even state.
Employees frequently live in one jurisdiction and work in another.
As such, the Council is in a unique position to facilitate the implementation of demonstration programs concerning the labor market. Accordingly, the Council has become involved in three such programs in recent years. This project is also being implemented in Baltimore, Chicago, Denver and Milwaukee. St. Louis Regional Jobs Initiative. Jobs projects are being launched on a sector basis in fields such as construction, healthcare, and business services.