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Kent Patton

Kent.Patton@snoco.org

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Snohomish County Future Workforce Alliance Unveils Innovative Workforce Strategy

Pursuing bold next step to become the Gold Standard in the Nation

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash., December 15, 2021 – Today, the Snohomish County Future Workforce Alliance (FWA) unveiled an innovative Workforce Strategy, a culmination of months of work with experts, businesses, and community leaders to anchor its efforts to become the gold standard in workforce development in the nation. Snohomish County received federal financial support from the United States Economic Development Administration to capture in real-time: the status of workforce development during the pandemic; opportunities to leverage; alignment of goals and vision; and a concrete implementation plan.

“The Future Workforce Alliance is the cornerstone for our future economic success, and we are steps ahead of others in our work to be the most innovative workforce development system in the country,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “This bold plan ensures Snohomish County is the gold-standard of workforce development and a place where opportunity is open to all. I thank the federal government for supporting us in our vision and giving us the ability to translate our ideas into reality.”

The FWA was founded in Spring 2020 as the local workforce development board. It is comprised of leaders from local businesses, government, and community organizations. The FWA convenes to make decisions on workforce development, develop a long-term workforce plan, and oversee the implementation of a strategic plan.

FWA Chair Amy Drewel said, “Our work today ensures the County is globally recognized as a hub for talent that supports our regional economy and creates economic opportunity for all. I thank my fellow Board members and community leaders for their partnership in developing this first of its kind strategic plan.”

Joy Emory, the CEO of Workforce Snohomish, said, “This is an exciting time for our community. This critical work is necessary for our future success. We must ensure that we have an equitable and inclusive economic and workforce development environment for our workers and businesses. I’m proud that Workforce Snohomish will continue to be a strong partner in this effort alongside of the Future Workforce Alliance.”

More information can be found on the Future Workforce Alliance website: https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/5610/Future-Workforce-Alliance.