

Key Takeaway
In this op-ed for Governing, Matt Latimer argues that innovative wage subsidy programs and supportive public‑private partnerships are essential to realizing the promise of skills‑based hiring and helping workers without degrees demonstrate their abilities to employers.
In this op-ed, Matt Latimer explains why skills-based hiring has fallen short and highlights how public-sector innovation can help it achieve its promise. He points to San Antonio’s Ready to Work “working interviews” and Los Angeles County’s Transitional Subsidized Employment Program as examples of wage subsidies and wraparound supports that help trained workers demonstrate their abilities and secure good jobs.
Related Insight

Social Finance Impact First Fund 2025 Annual Report
This report includes an overview of the Fund's impact objectives and strategy, profiles of our portfolio investments and their 2025 impact highlights, and an update on Social Finance's field-building activities.