Title
Economic Development Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive an update on recent economic development projects with specific emphasis on the culmination of the Journey2Jobs and Olympia Career Hub efforts.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive an update on recent economic development projects with specific emphasis on the culmination of the Journey2Jobs and Olympia Career Hub efforts. Additional information about the Olympia Downtown Alliance Discussion on the draft parking strategy scope of work will be shared.
Staff Contact:
Mike Reid, Economic Development Director, Office of Community Vitality, 360.753.8591
Presenter(s):
Mike Reid, Economic Development Director
Shannon Glenn, Director of Social Enterprise, Valeo Vocation
Micah Pong, Project Manager - Olympia Career Hub, Thurston Chamber of Commerce
Background and Analysis:
In 2022 the City of Olympia initiated two workforce development projects, Journey2Jobs and the Olympia Career Hub. This work stemmed from a recognition that the pandemic had created a significant employment disruption event for our community members with many residents having been displaced from their jobs or looking for new career pathways.
The Journey2Jobs project was an 18-month effort focused on working with unhoused residents and individuals living in various tiny home villages to offer real opportunities for work experience and skill gain, engender community support by demonstrating a desire and commitment from our unhoused neighbors to participate economically in the community. Journey2Jobs is a program of PacMtn Workforce Development and was executed by Valeo Vocation. Valeo Vocation is now the contracted partner for the operation of Plum Street Village.
The Olympia Career Hub was a workforce development project that was funded by the City of Olympia and sponsored by the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce to connect businesses with talented ca...
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