In WDCSC's new Strategic Plan, the Board of Directors outlines four strategic goals, each with a number of supporting objectives.  Goal One states: "A Snohomish County workforce development system that is 100% globally competitive."  Under this goal, the second objective states that the WDCSC Board will take an advocacy role in public policy issues affecting Snohomish County's workforce. Below you will find an update on WDCSC's role in two important public policy issues.

Workforce Investment Act funding

As the 2008 Fiscal Year Appropriations bill moves through the legislative process, the organizations reliant on Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funding are left ill at ease. Originally proposed by the Administration, The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bill proposes to eliminate $335 million from the current WIA funding formula.

If enacted, this could have a devastating effect on the nation’s workforce. It has been estimated that as many as 134,000 workers will not have access to One Stop Career Centers, such as WorkSource, if the rescission to the WIA funding is approved. Currently, almost one in ten workers nationally seek assistance from One Stop Career Centers to gain employment. The workforce will suffer without these valuable resources.

There is significant opposition to the proposed WIA rescission. WDCSC is pleased to have the support of Senators Murray and Cantwell and Congressmen Larsen and Inslee as they stand firmly against the $335 million rescission. Sue Ambler, WDCSC CEO, sent letters of appreciation to Washington legislators for including their signatures on bipartisan letters opposing the funding rescission.

University of Washington North Campus

On October 10, WDCSC staff attended a sold-out panel discussion hosted by the Everett Chamber of Commerce in support of University of Washington North. The event showcased a well-moderated panel of speakers and presented the next steps to bringing UW North to Everett.

Panelists provided a range of perspectives arguing for the campus to be located in Everett, including educational, financial, and student opportunities. The panel of speakers included Dick Thompson, higher education consultant to the City of Everett, Dr. Lee Huntsman, president emeritus of the UW, Deb Merle, the higher education advisor for the Governor's office, and Ray Stephanson, Mayor of Everett.

Each prospective location, including those outside of Everett, was represented in poster form at the event. No matter the final location, WDCSC is eager to have the University of Washington branch established in Snohomish County.