Regional Workforce Plans
There are 12 regional workforce areas in Washington overseen by Workforce Development Boards (see list below). Each must create a four-year workforce plan that offers a vision for their local workforce development system.
Current plans were created in the spring of 2020. The plans are intended to boost the skill levels of the local workforce, increase employment and earnings, raise customer satisfaction for both jobseekers and businesses that rely on a skilled workforce, and offer a good return on investment for both taxpayers and workforce program participants.
State and federal plans are part of the process
In addition to local considerations, each plan aligns with the state’s recently adopted strategic plan for workforce development, Talent and Prosperity for All and reflect the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Public Comment now open for In-School Youth expenditure change
Local workforce development areas have been required to cap WIOA In-School Youth (ISY) expenditures at 25%. This cap has posed challenges for many areas, especially rural ones, making it difficult to adequately support high-need youth.
Washington’s request is to increase the ISY expenditure allowance to 50%. Learn more.
Send comments to Workforce Policy Associate Liz Gallagher by Nov. 7, 2024.
LOCAL PLAN UPDATE: Plan guidance available
Local workforce plan guidance and timelines for submission may be downloaded here.
Contact Your Regional Workforce Development Council
Olympic Consortium Workforce Development Council
Counties: Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap
Olympic Workforce Development Council Plan (PDF)
William Dowling, Executive Director
Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council
Counties: Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston
Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council Plan (PDF)
William Westmoreland, CEO
Northwest Workforce Council
Counties: Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom
Northwest Workforce Council Plan (PDF)
Marissa Cahill, Executive Director/CEO, (360) 676-3209
Workforce Snohomish
WorkForce Central
Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County
Counties: King
Seattle-King County Workforce Development Council Plan (PDF)
Marie Kurose, CEO, (206) 448-0474
North Central Workforce Development Council
Counties: Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan
North Central Workforce Development Council Plan (PDF)
Lisa Romine, CEO
South Central Workforce
Counties: Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima
South Central Workforce Plan (PDF)
Amy Martinez, Executive Director/CEO, (509) 574-1950
Workforce Southwest Washington
Counties: Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum
Southwest Washington Workforce Plan (PDF)
Miriam Halliday, CEO, (360) 567-3183
Eastern Washington Partnership
Counties: Ferry, Pend Oreille, Garfield, Stevens, Columbia, Lincoln, Whitman, Asotin, and Walla Walla
Eastern Washington Partnership Plan (PDF)
Rod Van Alyne, Director, (509) 685-6127
Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council
Counties: Benton and Franklin
Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council Plan (PDF)
Cynthia Garcia, Executive Director, (509) 734-5980