I recently met with local workforce leaders from WorkSource Oregon and Northwest Oregon Works — including Katrina Sturgeon, Niki Price, Corey Habiger, and Jason Bradford — to stay connected to the systems that support both our workforce and our local businesses.
These organizations play a critical role in our community:
– WorkSource Oregon helps individuals find jobs, build skills, and access training opportunities
– Northwest Oregon Works invests federal, state, and local resources to strengthen our regional economy and align workforce programs with real community needs
Together, they bridge the gap between employers and job seekers — helping people get back to work faster and helping businesses grow with a skilled workforce.
As a county commissioner, it’s important that I understand and advocate for both sides of this system — the individuals seeking opportunity and the businesses working to thrive.
Strong workforce partnerships mean stronger communities.
WorkSource Oregon – Helping people find jobs and businesses find talent. Jobe seekers – Find the right opportunity. Businesses – find the right candidate:
https://worksourceoregon.org
NW Oregon Works – Collaborates closely with local educational institutions, businesses, and government partners at the local, state, and federal levels.
https://nworegonworks.org
Katrina Sturgeon, Workforce & Community Development Manager at NW Oregon Works.
Great to spend time with Katrina Sturgeon, Workforce & Community Development Manager at NW Oregon Works. Workforce development boards like NWOW collaborate closely with local educational institutions, businesses, and government partners at the local, state, and federal levels. These partnerships help align our regional workforce strategies with real opportunities for residents and employers.
I appreciate Katrina taking the time to deepen my understanding so I can be an effective commissioner representative for Northwest Oregon Works. We discussed educational pathways, talent pipelines, and how our region can continue supporting key sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, maritime, transportation, and hospitality. NWOW invests in people: youth exploring first careers, adults retooling for new opportunities, and workers seeking long-term stability.
In addition to rapid response services, NW Oregon Works and WorkSource Oregon deliver comprehensive workforce development across Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, Lincoln, and Benton counties. Together, they connect job seekers (especially youth ages 16–24) and employers with training, career coaching, job placement, and supportive services through the Oregon Employment Department to build a skilled workforce and strengthen local economies.
Katrina’s recent work with the WorkSource Oregon Rapid Response Team ensured that workers affected by the sudden closure of Rogue Brewery were informed and connected with critical services. And while workforce partners mobilized quickly, it’s important to recognize that Rogue did not close because it lacked qualified workers. The shutdown was the result of financial collapse, debt obligations, declining markets, and other structural conditions far beyond the reach of any training or talent initiative.
Workforce Boards exist to ensure that workers remain resilient during economic shifts. Rogue’s story is a powerful reminder that while no workforce system can guarantee market stability or prevent business closures, we can strengthen community resilience. We prepare people for new opportunities, help employers access talent, and support workers when industries evolve or businesses fail.
Northwest Oregon Workforce Plan: Building Opportunity and Economic Resilience (2024–2028)
Review the Plan – Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Local Plan – Northwest Workforce Area
As a county commissioner and representative on Northwest Oregon Works, this local board plan is important because it provides the strategic framework for how workforce investments are aligned with real economic conditions, industry needs, and community priorities across our region. It shows how decisions about funding, training programs, and partnerships are guided by data, labor market trends, and measurable outcomes—ensuring accountability for how public resources are used.
At the same time, it reinforces my role in helping connect education, employers, and workforce systems so that residents have access to meaningful career pathways and employers can find the talent they need.
For the community, this plan communicates that there is a coordinated, regional effort focused on building economic opportunity, supporting key industries, and expanding access to jobs—especially for individuals facing barriers to employment. It emphasizes that workforce development is not a single program, but a collaborative system designed to strengthen both people and the broader economy, while advancing equitable access and long-term economic self-sufficiency across Northwest Oregon. (Review the Plan)
I am proud to continue this work with NW Oregon Works and all our regional partners. A few examples of your dollars at work!
For example: MARITIME SECTOR – Total Maritime Funding: $248,822.00
Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC) –$103,747.00
Funded new instructors in Aquarium Science and Welding. Expanded programming to include Aquaculture Technician training focused on land-based systems. Welding instruction increased capacity by 68students, each earning a Shipbuilding & Repair Level II certificate.
Oo-Nee Sea Urchin –$60,150.00
Trained 4 divers, 6 part-time processors, and 2 aquaculture interns to support kelp restoration and urchin processing. Funding advanced efforts to build sustainable coastal supply chains and long-term employment.
Newport Fishermen’s Wives –$44,925.00
Purchased safety gear and permits to support ~300 fishermen during the Winter crab season, retaining skilled workers and supporting new entrants into the fishing industry.
Local Ocean Seafoods –$40,000.00
Developed a zero-waste fish processing model. Hired a business development manager and staff to expand operations, aiming to create 8 full-time jobs.
