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Regional workforce staff brief commissioners on WIOA services; Clear Creek asks for clearer local access and outreach
Summary
Workforce-region staff reviewed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs that serve Jefferson, Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties, including SNAP-linked navigation services and employer upskilling grants. Commissioners asked for clearer local entry points, online visibility, and options to increase local referral and on-the-ground services in Clear Creek.
Representatives of the regional workforce system briefed the Clear Creek County commissioners on Jan. 6 about the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs that cover Jefferson, Clear Creek and Gilpin counties and sought the board's approval of a routine memorandum of understanding (MOU).
Michelle Foley and Rosa Buffalo of the regional workforce center explained program components: adult, dislocated-worker and youth funding streams, Wagner-Peyser career services, employer talent-development grants and training partnerships with Red Rocks Community College. The presenters said the region tracks outcomes and reported that, historically, every federal dollar invested through the region yields multiple dollars in increased wages for participants. They also noted a statewide branding change to "Workforce Colorado."
Commissioners focused on service delivery in Clear Creek. Staff explained that an outreach navigator funded under a SNAP-reimbursable grant (not WIOA core funding) is already colocated in the county health department to reduce the barrier of visiting a government employment office. That SNAP-linked position can be reimbursed and could be expanded if referrals and engagement increase. Commissioners asked for specific next steps to improve local visibility — adding county web pages and flyers and listing local contact points — and staff agreed to work with county communications on a localized information page and to return with options for hosting more in-county services if the board wants a locally stationed workforce employee supported by reimbursable funding.
The board did not adopt the MOU at the work session but planned to place it on the next consent agenda after the follow-up coordination on local outreach and any requested language changes.
Ending: Workforce staff will help craft local web and outreach materials, track referrals and report back to the board at the next meeting about options to increase local service capacity.
