Not only is the early rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic in labor market demand leaving workers of color behind, but automation is accelerating in the wake of the pandemic and it disproportionately places people of color and immigrants at risk of being dislocated from their jobs. This session will highlight the inequitable workforce impacts of COVID-19, and the racial equity implications of automation. Panelists will provide an overview of long-standing racial gaps in our labor market and will provide solutions for county leaders to ensure equitable workforce recovery from the pandemic and upskilling opportunities for workers displaced by technology.