South Wasco Alliance Launches Jobs Creation and Workforce Planning Initiative to Address Local Service Gaps
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 jobs 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this project about?
This project is about identifying and planning for the jobs South Wasco County communities need most — including in healthcare, behavioral health, childcare, transportation, and more — so we can build a more livable, resilient community.
Who is leading this work?
The South Wasco Alliance is leading the project, supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. They are working closely with local and regional partners, including the South Wasco Health Collaborative, MCEDD, Papalaxsimisha, and Columbia Gorge Health Council.
What is the goal?
To create a plan that defines:
What roles and services are most needed
How to fund and support those jobs
Which partners can help make it happen
The plan will guide a second round of funding to actually launch those jobs and services.
Why is this important for South Wasco County?
Many essential services — like behavioral healthcare, childcare, and job support — are either unavailable or hard to access locally. Distance, transportation, and lack of staffing all play a role. This project helps solve those challenges by building local solutions with community input.
How are you gathering input?
Reaserch and data analysis from surveys and community health assessments by residents
Workgroups with local organizations and providers
Targeted outreach to underserved and rural voices, including tribal and Hispanic communities
What kinds of jobs are being considered?
Jobs that meet local needs and improve community wellbeing — such as:
Behavioral health and peer support workers
Community health workers
Childcare providers
Transportation or outreach coordinators
Tourism and local service jobs that support livability
What’s happening right now?
Right now, we’re in the planning and listening phase. We’re connecting with organizations, forming workgroups, and reviewing data to make sure the final plan reflects real needs and opportunities.
What happens next?
The finalized plan will be used to apply for an implementation grant in late 2025. If awarded, that funding will be used to support organizations in hiring for new roles and then support those positions with housing, childcare, transportation, as well as training support.
Who can I contact?
Project Lead: Andrew Danies, MCEDD andrew@mcedd.org
Project Lead: Ronda Zakocs, rzakocs@gmail.com
SWA Board Chair: Kate Willis kate.willis@southwascoalliance.org
OHA Regional Outreach Coordinator: Victor Mondragon, Victor.R.Mondragon@oha.oregon.gov