About

Our History

The Workforce Development Board of San Luis Obispo County is an economic advisory, planning, and policy board that was created under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014. Workforce Development Boards were formed nationwide to plan and oversee the use of federal, state, and city funding in local economies.

The principle behind the Workforce Development Board of San Luis Obispo County is simple: The more we can do for local businesses and workers, the more we can benefit San Luis Obispo County.

Our Mission

The Workforce Development Board of San Luis Obispo County is a demand driven organization appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. Our mission is to implement the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act by leveraging community resources and being a catalyst for workforce development while contributing to a healthy economy in San Luis Obispo County.

We accomplish our mission through the following activities:

Strategic Planning for the Workforce System
Convening of stakeholders to promote innovative and collaborative solutions to workforce system issues
Creation of performance expectations and monitoring for Title 1 funds and One-Stops
Local advocacy and leadership for workforce policy development and planning
Promoting workforce system economic development initiatives as a means to ensure our local system is responsive, as well as anticipatory, in meeting the needs of job seekers and employers

Our Vision

Our vision is to meet the needs of employers and job seekers in San Luis Obispo County. As a private-public organization we strive to look ahead to issues of workforce demand and supply, to see a system that takes a leading and influencing role within a network of systems. We envision a workforce that is adequate in numbers and equipped with a work ethic, foundational academic skills, and specific occupational skills that fit the needs of local employers. We see a diverse workforce and prospective workforce with equal access to educational resources and a diverse job market where there is equal opportunity for all workers and prospective workers.

In addition, we see an environment where individuals find success and satisfaction in their careers and in the financial rewards that flow from them. We envision a system that is responsive to workforce needs as they emerge with the power and influence to make change happen. Ultimately, this overall process keeps the San Luis Obispo County economy strong by encouraging established businesses to grow and prospective businesses to consider San Luis Obispo County as a venue for their enterprises.

MEET OUR BOARD LEADERS

The Workforce Development Board of San Luis Obispo County is a federally mandated board comprised of public and private sector representatives to provide leadership and develop local workforce policy. The Workforce Development Board of San Luis Obispo County has 20 seats, the majority of which must be filled with representatives from the business community. Members are appointed by the County Board of Supervisors.