Economic development board outlines workforce, childcare and business retention goals tied to state grant eligibility

Alicia Summers, executive director of the Washington County Economic Development Council (WCEDC), and Lexi Vance, economic development coordinator, presented the WCEDCs 20252027 strategic plan and explained how it aligns with site-selector priorities and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development three-star program requirements.

Summers said the plan centers on three goals: workforce development, child care capacity expansion and business retention and expansion. She told commissioners that workforce efforts will focus on stronger alignment between employers and training programs and on increasing employer engagement in work-based learning. "Workforce development needs to better align with education, training, and real world experience with local industry needs," Summers said.

Child care was framed as a workforce barrier: the plan aims to expand slots, reduce licensing and funding barriers, and pursue partnerships to create measurable new capacity. Business retention efforts include structured visits with employers, better follow-up to avert closures or relocations, and a database to track needs.

Participation in TNECD's three-star program requires a locally approved strategic plan; once approved and submitted the county could apply for grants of up to $250,000 for projects aligned to the plan's goals. Commissioner Malone said he joined a retention visit and was impressed with the council's business services; Commissioner Davenport asked for clarification on labor-force participation versus job availability, and Summers said low participation rates remain an issue.

The presentation closed with commissioners thanking the WCEDC staff and asking for continued updates as projects move toward implementation. The plan will be used as the basis for grant applications and coordinated economic development activities in Washington County.