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WorkSource Montgomery lays out priorities and warns of federal funding cuts
Summary
WorkSource Montgomery told the committee it has placed over 2,100 residents in jobs and serves thousands through career education programs, but officials warned of federal WIOA funding declines and described efforts to diversify funding and streamline operations.
WorkSource Montgomery presented its FY25 progress and priorities to the Montgomery County Economic Development Committee on Jan. 27 and urged continued county support as federal funding becomes less predictable.
Anthony Featherstone, the executive director, said the agency tracks six priorities — workforce system building, community engagement, business engagement, talent pipelines, youth career education and measurable impact — and cited labor statistics showing 536,000 Montgomery County residents employed as of November 2024, about 27,000 fewer than January 2020.
Featherstone said WorkSource placed 2,186 residents through December 2024, has worked with 636 businesses year‑to‑date, and runs youth career programs that have engaged about 25,000 students since the program launched. He highlighted apprenticeship training for career coaches and a virtual training platform (SkillUp Montgomery) with hundreds of users and thousands of course launches.
Council members pressed the agency on two budget risks: the recent 22% reduction in WIOA‑related funding for FY25 and tentative state allocations that could cut funding further (the director cited a projected 7% state reduction). Featherstone said WorkSource Montgomery is pursuing county grants, private foundation funding and other federal sources to diversify revenue and is using ARPA funds to pilot concepts that attracted additional funders.
On youth programming, deputy director John Hattery described survey methods and outcomes: high survey returns and student self‑reports showing improved clarity about next steps. The agency is planning a spring 'World of Work' event to pilot hands‑on occupational exploration for middle schools.
Operationally, Featherstone said WorkSource is deploying AI tools to improve referral triage across its community workforce network and acknowledged long waitlists for sector connectors caused by demand outstripping capacity. He told the committee the organization is negotiating performance expectations with federal and state partners so service commitments are realistic amid funding constraints.
What’s next: Committee members asked WorkSource Montgomery to continue reporting on federal funding outlooks, program outcomes for MoCoCAP and progress on waitlist reduction as the county prepares its FY26 budget.
Sources: Presentation and Q&A at the Montgomery County Economic Development Committee work session, Jan. 27 (Anthony Featherstone; John Hattery).
