Workforce Coordination Project

In February 2023, the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership (MEDP) was selected as the consultant to develop Sustainable, Localized Workforce Programs as one of the four key elements of the McMinnville Business Recovery and Resiliency Plan. The project goals are 1) implementation of data-informed and equitable action plan; 2) development of programs that increase access to trained workforce; 3) market programs to employers and community-at-large; and 4) document outreach to 1800+ McMinnville businesses and community-at-large including underserved and underrepresented businesses and residents most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

MEDP has convened the Workforce Intregrated Network, a coalition of local business and regional workforce leaders to help establish and develop robust and collaborative workforce solutions.

Executive Summary from the Action Plan Report published April 2024

"The (Workforce Coordination Project) 8212 Grant Action Plan Framework Report focuses on addressing the workforce development needs of McMinnville, Oregon, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funded by the State American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and facilitated through a collaborative effort between the City of McMinnville and the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership (MEDP), the plan aims to enhance local economic prosperity and resilience. The comprehensive strategy involves investing in data-informed workforce development coordination to establish and promote sustainable localized workforce programs, aligned with goals and strategies associated with the MAC-Town 2032 Strategic Plan.

A robust outreach strategy for soliciting stakeholder feedback via surveys and mailers reached more than 1800 businesses, with particular emphasis placed on extending support to marginalized and underrepresented sectors. Additionally, industry and Latinx-focused listening forums further contributed to gather valuable insights from local businesses, workers, and job seekers.

The findings of the workforce survey highlighted a gap between businesses and local resources, including agencies aimed at connecting them with qualified candidates, and educational institutions capable of linking students with relevant credentials. Additionally, listening sessions underscored concerns regarding employee motivation, dwindling applicant pools, housing shortages impacting recruitment and retention, reliance on strategies adopted during the pandemic, and wage competition.

Significant milestones achieved through this initiative are the establishment of an equitably inclusive action plan, the creation of tailored programs aimed at enhancing workforce accessibility, and strategic promotion of these programs to both employers and the wider community.

The plan is operationalized through a series of immediate deliverables, including:

Providing support for vacant or understaffed positions at McMinnville based Healthcare Providers.
Assisting with the development of a Hospitality & Tourism seasonal hiring event.
Supporting the development of work-based learning opportunities, including the development of a Skills-Trades Mentorship Program at McMinnville High School.
Development and maintenance of a one-stop online resource directory to better connect employers and job seekers.
Continued development and management of a comprehension business database to ensure equitable outreach.
Formalizing the role of the Workforce Integration Network (WIN) to actively support local businesses, workers, and job seekers by implementing data-driven, action-oriented workforce development initiatives.

In summary, the following report proposes a multifaceted approach to support the post COVID-19 revitalization of McMinnville's workforce and leveraging state funding and collaborative efforts to address the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on local businesses and employment sectors. The emphasis on data-driven strategies, equity, and sustainability of programs underpins the initiative's potential to contribute significantly to the region's economic prosperity and resilience."