South Wasco Alliance Launches Jobs Creation and Workforce Planning Initiative to Address Local Service Gaps

Jul 11

Written By Columbia Community Connection

From South Wasco Alliance:

By Kathleen Willis

Maupin, Ore., July 11, 2025 — The South Wasco Alliance has launched a new jobs creation and workforce planning project aimed at identifying and supporting critical service roles across South Wasco County. The initiative is funded through a Community Economic Development Planning (CEDP) grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The effort responds to longstanding concerns from residents and local organizations about the need for better access to healthcare, childcare, behavioral health services, transportation, and other resources that support livability in rural communities.

As part of the project, South Wasco Alliance will coordinate with local and regional partners to gather community input, identify key service gaps, and outline job roles that could improve access to basic services. The initiative also includes a strategy to connect those roles to sustainable funding sources and prepare for implementation through a future round of federal support.

Partners in the project include Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD), Papalaxsimisha, Columbia Gorge Health Council, and the South Wasco Health Collaborative, among others. Community engagement activities are underway and will continue throughout the summer and fall.

Key focus areas for the job creation and workforce plan include:

Behavioral health and peer support services
Childcare and early learning roles
Community health and outreach positions
Transportation coordination
Local jobs that enhance access to critical resources

The planning phase runs through September 2026 and will result in a detailed workforce development plan for the region. The goal is to use that plan to pursue a second round of funding to begin hiring and implementing recommended service positions.

For more information, visit https://www.southwascoalliance.org/ced-p or to participate in upcoming community sessions, contact South Wasco Alliance at kate.willis@southwascoalliance.org.

About South Wasco Alliance

South Wasco Alliance is a community-based nonprofit working to improve the quality of life in South Wasco County through collaborative planning, advocacy, and support for local solutions.