Washington Workforce Association

The Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council is creating opportunities for career growth through partnerships that make a real impact. Meet Jay Felix, owner of Legacy Barbershop & Academy, who is dedicated to training the next generation of barbers. With support from the Community Reinvestment Program (CRP) Business Navigators, Jay is now an approved ITA training provider, helping aspiring barbers gain the skills they need. Through CRP and Economic Security for All (EcSA), a participant is receiving funded training and a paid internship at Legacy, building a strong foundation for their future career.

Washington State Local Workforce Boards will cohost three free webinars in March, April, and May for federal workers living and working in Washington state. The first webinar takes place on March 20 from 10 a.m. to noon. See registration details below. Partners: Employment Security Department, Washington State Worksource, Health Plan Finder Washington State, Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, and Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO.

WorkForce Central is Supporting Local Businesses! Meet Tacoma artist Dionne Bonner, owner of Dionne Bonner Art and Design, offering public art, murals, workshops, graphic design, and more. With a Small Business Grant from WorkForce Central, funded by the Washington State Department of Commerce Community Reinvestment Fund, she’s expanding her work and impact in the community. We are committed to building a stronger local workforce and supporting small businesses.

The SkillSource Regional Workforce Board team traveled to Olympia to advocate for Economic Security for All (EcSA)—a program that connects people with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed. These investments not only transform lives but also fuel economic growth in communities across Washington. We appreciate their dedication to championing policies that create lasting impact.

WWA’s Executive Director, John Traugott, had the opportunity to partner with Michigan Works! Association, PENNSYLVANIA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION, Ohio Workforce Association, and Tangipahoa Parish Government in Washington, D.C., to discuss strengthening WIOA and ensuring workforce policies effectively support job seekers, employers, and communities across our state. Our core message is for WA’s lawmakers is to: - Maintain current WIOA funding levels, as contained in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Senate Labor, HHS, Education Appropriations Bill to ensure Local Workforce Development Boards can continue helping job seekers with barriers move off of public assistance and into employment that is self-sustaining, contributes to a robust economy, and meets local employer needs for skilled workers. - Reauthorize WIOA with increased funding, expanded support for apprenticeships and innovative training programs, and preserved local control for Local Workforce Development Boards. We had productive meetings with staff from Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Congressman Michael Baumgartner’s offices and look forward to continuing these important conversations. We’re excited to keep learning, sharing, and advocating for policies that empower workers and support businesses! #WorkforceDevelopment #WIOA #EconomicSecurity #Collaboration #FutureOfWork #localworkforceworks

Community reinvestment in action! RAZE Early Learning and Development Center, a Business Investment Grantee through the Washington State Department of Commerce's Community Reinvestment Project, recently celebrated its groundbreaking ceremony! This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for early learning in the region. Thank you to Spokane Workforce Council and all the community leaders, partners, and supporters who made this possible!

South Central Workforce joined us in Olympia last month advocating for workforce investment! The team met with legislators to highlight the impact of public policy on our communities. They were joined by Latine business owner Magali Barajas of J. Barajas Trucking, LLC, who received support through the Community Reinvestment Project funded by the Washington State Department of Commerce —a great example of investment creating opportunity. Legislative decisions shape the workforce. Let’s continue to support individuals, entrepreneurs, and industries across Washington!

Re-entry programs like Mercy House are essential in helping individuals successfully transition back into the workforce. As part of Pierce County's re-entry coalition, they provide vital support for those rebuilding their lives. The Community Reinvestment Program (CRP) continues to drive systemic change to ensure individuals have access to the training, resources, and support needed for long-term economic stability. https://lnkd.in/g2JxCPNz

Great to see WorkForce Central advocating for Economic Security for All, a key part of workforce development in Washington! Thank you to Senators Chris Gildon, Yasmin Trudeau, Steve Conway, and T'wina Nobles for engaging in these important discussions, and to our partners at Workforce Central and the Association of Washington Business for their collaboration. Stronger workforce, stronger communities!

Local workforce boards in Washington are making an incredible impact through the?Community Reinvestment Program (CRP), expanding opportunities and fostering equity for Black, Latine, and Tribal communities. As we move into this next quarter of CRP’s journey, we’re excited to see continued growth and momentum in this vital work. In this latest quarterly report, we highlight even more partnerships with minority-owned businesses and significant strides in serving historically underrepresented communities.??This progress is paving the way for increased financial stability, self-sufficiency, and empowerment. ? Local boards are not just responding to needs—they’re shaping lasting, transformative change in our state. Stay tuned for more updates as the CRP continues to build a more inclusive and equitable Washington. Read more:?https://lnkd.in/g_e9UPZb #localworkforceworks #communityreinvestment #workforceequity #CRPsuccess