Workforce Partnership to Close Leavenworth Office, Move to Single Tri-County Location

Workforce Partnership representatives told the Leavenworth City Commission during a study session that the organization’s executive board has approved consolidating its three Tri‑County offices into a single location in Wyandotte County, and that the Leavenworth office will close in January.

The decision stems from ongoing reductions in WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funding, staff said. Workforce Partnership said it will continue providing services for employers and job seekers across Wyandotte, Leavenworth and Johnson counties from the consolidated office, while exploring satellite sites, virtual services and community partnerships to maintain access for Leavenworth residents.

The agency presented an impact report that listed activity and outcomes for the region. Staff said Workforce Partnership has served more than 16,000 job seekers and more than 1,000 employers across the tri‑county area, held 338 job fairs with about 2,700 attendees, and supports programs that include registered apprenticeships, youth work‑based learning and the Respect Works reentry program. Respect Works staff said they worked with people three to six months before release and recorded a roughly 75% employment rate for participants placed into jobs.

Commissioners and audience members asked about client access after the Leavenworth site closes, including foot traffic, internet access, and transportation. Workforce Partnership said the Johnson County and Wyandotte offices would remain open (the Johnson County office will close and consolidate as well), the consolidated office will be located in Wyandotte County, and the organization is exploring satellite days in community spaces such as downtown locations and the public library. Staff also said many clients lack computers or digital literacy and that virtual services will require locations and support for in‑person help with resumes and applications.

Workforce Partnership staff described other program metrics: 53 veteran enrollments in Leavenworth County (161 veterans across the tri‑county area), 142 justice‑involved participants in Leavenworth out of 308 served overall, and 25 youth (age 16–24) enrolled in Leavenworth. The presentation also noted registered apprenticeship development (previously reported as 12 programs, with two additional approvals noted the week of the meeting).

Officials in the audience offered immediate leads for potential free or low‑cost downtown workspace and offered to discuss downtown satellite possibilities after the presentation. Workforce Partnership said it hopes to identify a landing site within a few months and will pursue partnerships and volunteer assistance to preserve access for local job seekers.

The presentation did not announce a formal vote by the commission; the consolidation decision was described as having been made by Workforce Partnership’s executive board. Staff said they will continue to pursue outreach, satellite office days and virtual services while tracking local needs and barriers.

The commission thanked the presenters and members of the public who offered potential space and contacts before the meeting ended.