Welcome to the latest Fluence Forum, hosted by Fluence Advisory! In this episode, we dive deep into the economic realities and demographic shifts facing Minnesota today. Recorded live at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce's annual Workforce Summit on March 4, 2026, this episode features a data-driven presentation by Sean O'Neil, Senior Director of Economic Development and Research at the Minnesota Chamber.

Sean unpacks the critical numbers behind Minnesota's labor force, exploring why the state's economic growth is decelerating despite having strong foundational assets and high business survival rates. From the "Economic Imperative for Growth" initiative to the complex realities of domestic and international migration, this conversation is a must-listen for business leaders, policymakers, and anyone invested in the future of the North Star State.

Key Takeaways:

• The Growth Challenge: While Minnesota boasts a high quality of life and a diverse industry base, its economic and labor force growth has recently lagged behind the national average.
• Labor Force Dynamics: Overall labor force growth has remained essentially flat at 0.2% annually over the first half of the decade. However, labor force participation among populations of color has surged by 12 percentage points since 2011, and participation among adults with disabilities has also seen significant gains.
• The Migration Equation: The state is currently facing net negative domestic migration, particularly losing college-aged youth and recent high school graduates to neighboring states and the Sunbelt. Conversely, international migration remains a crucial net positive for the state's population and workforce.
• Strategies for the Future: Sean discusses actionable levers for growth, including boosting business productivity, investing in automation, and scaling up talent retention and attraction strategies at the state and local levels.

To dive deeper into these topics, visit fluence-advisory.com or search for Fluence Forum in your favorite podcast app!