A recent opinion piece by Angela Wilhelms of Oregon Business & Industry highlights the importance of addressing key priorities for Governor Tina Kotek’s administration, including economic development, housing, education, and behavioral health. While we wholeheartedly agree with Wilhelms’ assessment, we would like to underscore the crucial role that workforce development plays in driving economic growth.
The Critical Connection between Workforce Development and Economic Growth
As private-sector chairs of three of Oregon’s nine Local Workforce Development Boards, we have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of workforce development on our state’s economic landscape. By collaborating with partners in education, labor, government, and community organizations, we ensure that Oregon’s public workforce system is aligned, responsive, and a key driver of regional prosperity.
- Aligning the workforce system with the needs of employers and job seekers
- Providing quality, career-track jobs for those who need them most
- Supporting businesses with the skilled talent they need to grow and thrive
A Public Workforce System Worth Investing In
Last year, Oregon’s public workforce system served over 87,000 people with job training, career navigation, and supports. This infrastructure provides stability by rapidly connecting laid-off workers to services and helping employers adapt to changing market conditions.
| Service | Description | Number of People Served |
| Job Training | Provides training and education to help job seekers acquire new skills | 87,000 |
| Career Navigation | Helps job seekers explore and find job opportunities | 87,000 | Social Services | Provides support services, such as food and housing assistance | 87,000 |
Challenges and Opportunities
However, uncertain federal funding and shrinking local budgets pose a significant threat to this critical infrastructure. Oregon must take proactive steps to safeguard and strengthen its public workforce system.
“We need to invest in the people, not just the policies. The public workforce system is a vital part of our economic ecosystem, and we need to make sure it’s strong and resilient.” – James Paulson, Chair of Worksystems
A Smart Investment in Oregon’s Economic Future
House Bill 3669 proposes to invest $35 million to expand on Prosperity 10,000 and establish prosperity programs. These initiatives offer scholarships, career coaching, and paid work-based learning that connects participants directly to in-demand careers.
- Project return: $23.1 million in new tax revenue and $195.4 million in reduced social service costs
- Invests in workforce development programs that provide critical skills training and placement
- Supports businesses in their search for skilled talent
A Call to Action
Fully funding HB 3669 is a smart, strategic investment in Oregon’s economic future. By doing so, we will directly impact people and communities, creating a brighter economic future for all Oregonians.
- Let us work together to safeguard and strengthen Oregon’s public workforce system
- Let us invest in the people and programs that will drive economic growth and prosperity
- Let us build a stronger, more resilient economy for Oregon’s future
A Message from the Chairs
As the chairs of three Local Workforce Development Boards, we are committed to ensuring that Oregon’s public workforce system is aligned, responsive, and a key driver of regional prosperity. We urge all Oregonians to join us in advocating for a strong, sustainable workforce system that will drive economic growth and prosperity for generations to come.
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