Council approves amendment to back UCC medical workforce programs, including lab construction

Roseburg City Council on Monday authorized the city manager to negotiate and execute an amendment to the intergovernmental agreement with Umpqua Community College to support a regional medical workforce initiative.

UCC representatives told the council the project pairs UCC with Idaho State University, OHSU and local providers to deliver new bachelor’s and master’s degree pathways in social work, medical lab science and other health fields. Rachel (speaker 6) told council the college has signed MOUs and plans to launch a BSW/MSW pathway in January 2025 and a medical lab science program the following month. "We are continuing to grow the opportunities for local students to access high-wage, high-demand careers through our training programs," she said.

The staff materials and presenters described a three-part funding request drawn from the city’s grant allocation: $277,800 for scholarships and tuition support, $75,000 for marketing and outreach, and $2,000,000 toward construction of simulation lab and medical lab spaces on the UCC campus. Presenters said the $2 million would help secure an $8 million state match and that $5.5 million in other commitments are already in place. Randy Hubbard (speaker 12), UCC’s recently hired dean for advanced medical partnerships, described a surgical apprenticeship launched with the state and partnerships that create direct job pathways from high school to advanced degrees.

During questions, councilors asked whether out-of-area students could enroll (yes), how the scholarship dollars would be used (half tuition, materials and wraparound supports), and whether the building plan is finalized (design phase; a design-build firm was hired this summer). Community leaders at the meeting described workforce shortages and urged support; Roseburg School District and local providers framed the project as a long-term investment in keeping health-care talent in the region.

Citing the staff presentation and the college’s requested breakdown, a council motion to authorize negotiation and execution of an IGA amendment to fund scholarships, marketing and capital related to the Southern Oregon Medical Workforce Center carried. The transcript materials discuss the total request in the neighborhood of $2,352,800 (the sum of the three line items presented).

The council vote closed with the motion carrying; staff will complete negotiations and return any final agreement as required by city contracting rules. Councilors and UCC representatives said they expect further fundraising for remaining capital needs and plan to report back to the council on expenditures.