EASTERN WASHINGTON PARTNERSHIP REGIONAL/LOCAL WORKFORCE PLAN PROGRAM YEARS 2016-2020 For the implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Adopted May 31, 2016 By the Workforce Development Council Workforce Development Area 10 1 Contents PROLOGUE / INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 4 Board Structure ........................................................................................................................... 5 PLAN GUIDELINES SECTION I ............................................................................................. 6 REGIONAL DESIGNATION .................................................................................................... 6 PLAN GUIDELINES SECTION II .............................................................................................. 7 VISION AND GOALS ............................................................................................................... 7 REGIONAL ANALYSIS ......................................................................................................... 12 Economy ............................................................................................................................... 13 Demographics and the Workforce ........................................................................................ 16 Employment and Unemployment ......................................................................................... 24 Education of the Workforce .................................................................................................. 27 Knowledge and skills needed to meet employment needs .................................................... 31 Workforce Development Activities ...................................................................................... 31 Services, Service Providers and Partnerships ....................................................................... 33 Primary WIOA Service Providers ........................................................................................ 36 Coordination of Transportation and/or Other Support Services, as Appropriate. ................ 37 Cross-Regional Cost Arrangements, as Appropriate. ........................................................... 37 Regional performance negotiation and evaluation ............................................................... 38 CROSS REGIONAL PARTNERS ........................................................................................... 38 Performance .......................................................................................................................... 40 Cross-Regional Strategies ..................................................................................................... 40 Cross-Regional Goals, Achievements and Course Corrections ............................................ 40 Funding ................................................................................................................................. 41 Evaluation of Partnership ...................................................................................................... 41 PLAN GUIDELINES SECTION III ......................................................................................... 42 LWDB COMPONENT OF PLAN ........................................................................................... 42 Board Performance ............................................................................................................... 42 Board Resource Strategy....................................................................................................... 42 Core Programs ...................................................................................................................... 44 Program Outreach ................................................................................................................. 44 Coordination of Workforce Investment and Education ........................................................ 45 Career Pathways.................................................................................................................... 46 Employer Services ................................................................................................................ 46 Quality Improvement ............................................................................................................ 46 2 Technology ........................................................................................................................... 47 Equal Opportunity and ADA ................................................................................................ 47 Type and availability of adult and dislocated worker employment and training activities .. 47 Rapid Response ..................................................................................................................... 47 Transportation ....................................................................................................................... 48 Coordination of Services....................................................................................................... 48 Individuals with Disabilities ................................................................................................. 49 Sub-grants and Contracts ...................................................................................................... 50 Technology-enabled intake and Case Management ............................................................. 51 PLAN GUIDELINES SECTION IV ......................................................................................... 53 Performance Accountability ..................................................................................................... 53 Attachments .................................................................................................................................. 55 County Profiles ............................................................................................................................. 70 Asotin County ........................................................................................................................... 71 Columbia County ...................................................................................................................... 73 Ferry County ............................................................................................................................. 74 Garfield County ........................................................................................................................ 76 Lincoln County ......................................................................................................................... 77 Pend Oreille County .................................................................................................................. 79 Stevens County ......................................................................................................................... 81 Walla Walla County .................................................................................................................. 83 Whitman County ....................................................................................................................... 85 County and WDC Summary ......................................................................................................... 87 Planning Process ........................................................................................................................... 91 3 PROLOGUE / INTRODUCTION The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 amends and reauthorizes the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, supporting the nation’s and local employment services, workforce development, adult education, and vocational rehabilitation activities. The bill also reauthorizes and enhances the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act and amends the Wagner-Peyser Act of 1933. Activities within the workforce development system will be guided by and responsive to local economic and employment needs. The Workforce Development Council is given authority and responsibility to provide direction to service providers and partners that assist customers in obtaining training and employment. This plan will provide a roadmap for the Eastern Washington Partnership Workforce Development Council to craft policies and inform funding decisions affecting workforce development activities. Workforce Development Area 10 is comprised of nine counties in Washington, including Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla and Whitman. These counties are located on the extreme eastern border of the state, reaching from Canada to Oregon along the Idaho border. The northern counties are mountainous and timbered. The central and southern counties are primarily agricultural. The area is over 14,000 square miles in size, approximately 21% of the state, yet only 3% of the state’s population resides there. The WDA’s diversity, in terms of its geography, resources and demographics make it unique among other workforce areas in the country. Within the area there are sub-regions with distinctly individual identities, different natural resources and singular economies. Each sub- region has some of its own key industries with discrete workforce training needs. Labor markets vary within the area and are determined by resources