Nonprofit Convenes States and Companies to Address AI Job Displacement

Why it matters locally: North Dakota, with its diverse industries including energy, agriculture, and technology, could see significant shifts in its labor market as AI adoption continues. State agencies would need to partner with organizations like RAISE US to proactively prepare its workforce for these changes.

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A bipartisan nonprofit called RAISE US has launched to address concerns about job displacement as companies increasingly deploy artificial intelligence systems. Republican Eric Holcomb and Democrat Gina Raimondo co-founded the organization. The group plans to connect state governments, major employers and artificial intelligence firms to develop strategies for preparing workers and local economies for labor market changes. Raimondo, who serves as U.S. commerce secretary, outlined the effort in a discussion with journalist Amna Nawaz. RAISE US operates with a stated goal of coordinating across the public and private sectors as automation technologies reshape employment patterns. The organization seeks to identify which workers face the greatest displacement risk and develop training programs or other interventions before job losses occur. The initiative reflects growing concern among policymakers about the speed at which AI adoption could eliminate positions across industries. Rather than respond to mass layoffs after they happen, the founders argue that preparation now could cushion economic disruption. Holcomb, governor of Indiana, and Raimondo represent the organization's cross-party backing. Both officials have signaled that managing AI's economic effects requires coordinated action from government and business leaders. The nonprofit has begun conversations with states and companies about AI implementation timelines and workforce needs. Early discussions focus on identifying sectors where displacement appears most likely and where retraining could help workers transition to other roles. Raimondo indicated that RAISE US would work to ensure communities and workers gain advance notice of changes, rather than discovering them through unexpected closures or layoffs. The organization also aims to help businesses anticipate labor shortages in areas where AI cannot fully replace human workers.