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TOWN OF WICKENBURG Workforce Development Program Overview & Discussion Tarah Mayerhofer, HR Director November 3, 2025 2 Program Background 2015 Town entered IGA with Maricopa County Human Services Department (Arizona@Work) Goal: provide local job placement, resume support, and employer connections Services offered in-person at Town facilities with strong community engagement 2015–2020 Walk-in, short-term job assistance and resume help Local job fairs and direct employer partnerships 200–300+ clients served annually 2021–2023 County began realigning programs under Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) compliance New focus on training outcomes (credentials, education hours) Decline in local flexibility and client access 2023–2024 Stricter grant terms: staff must track upskill and credential attainment Eliminated most walk-in and short-term placement services Performance metrics tied to training completions, not immediate employment 2024–2025 Coordinator limited to case management for enrolled participants Training only offered in Phoenix-area host cities County workforce focus shifted to large municipalities (Goodyear, Surprise, Phoenix, etc.) now Impact: Local participation has dropped by more than 95%, and Wickenburg’s coordinator role is now limited to case management for enrolled participants. 3 Current Snapshot | Quarter 1, FY26 Active Caseload: 8 participants (none from Wickenburg) Workforce 2 You Program: 2 participants from El Mirage & Surprise No longer offered. Job Fair: Aug 2025 – 52 job seekers, 12 employers, 3 hires (#’s reflect students) Requirements: 2-hour intake + upskill training (Phoenix area) No Walk-Ins / Immediate Job Placement Coordinator Role: Focus on case management only, Employer engagement handled regionally • Reduced Accessibility: No local training or in- person services • Local Need Mismatch: Economic Development Transportation Advisory Committee (EDTAC) identified needs in o Service worker training o Restaurant and hospitality skills o Customer service development • Not covered under WIOA-funded upskill programs • Engagement has shifted toward transformational programs, not transactional services (e.g., resume help, job search) 4 Local Impact This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA • Key Takeaways: o Program costs exceed the budget and diminishing value o Participation and outcomes have declined significantly o Current WIOA structure does not appear to fit Wickenburg’s workforce model (County agreement) o County supports an amicable sunset at calendar year-start • Staff Recommendation o Authorize the Town Manager to provide termination notice on 11/4/25. Summary for Council Discussion 5