The Greater Des Moines Partnership is working with the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Workforce Development on a study to determine where the region’s workforce comes from. The Laborshed Employment Study geographically defines which communities contribute to a city’s workforce. Laborshed areas are based on commuting patterns, and the study will measure the availability and characteristics of area workers. According to a news release, Laborshed studies are used by economic development teams and existing and prospective employers to better understand a local labor market and make decisions on expansion and site selection. They also can be used to help maintain and recruit workforce. Iowa Workforce Development will be sending letters to randomly selected households asking people to take a confidential online survey.