Melody Pajaro

The meeting included the review and approval of the Program Year 2026 preliminary budget, which addresses reduced WIOA Formula funding through a strategic use of carryforward dollars and targeted investments in workforce system capacity. Board members discussed and approved the reappointment of several Workforce Development Council members to three-year terms. Additionally, the council reviewed the Program Year 2025 Quarter 3 performance report, highlighting successes in business and employer services, program enrollment targets, and military transition initiatives, while noting ongoing efforts to improve youth program outcomes and system visibility.

The board meeting focused on several fiscal and governance items. Key topics included the adoption of new administrative and specialty program policies, such as the Public Funds Investment policy and BFET Program Governance and Oversight policy. The board discussed preliminary budget transmittals for the upcoming program year, board member term renewals, and the selection of recipients for various Requests for Proposals (RFP), including the CTE-CTC Engagement and WIOA Title IB/EcSA RFPs. Additionally, the agenda covered One-Stop system updates, performance reporting for the current program year, and small business grant recipient information.

The committee discussed and recommended several policies for board adoption, including the Specialty Program Policy 4.5.1 for BFET program governance, WIOA Youth Program Policy 3.1.1-R2 regarding incentive payments, and the new Public Funds Investment Policy 1.4.10. Additionally, they reviewed a proposal to transfer funds from a certificate of deposit to the Washington State Local Government Investment Pool, recommended the selection of the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce / Capital STEM Alliance for the CTE-CTC Engagement RFP, and received updates on the WIOA/EcSA Integrated Workforce Services RFP, 2026 Small Business Investment Grant awards, and PY25 financial performance reports.

The meeting included a CEO report on the WIOA Title I-B/EcSA RFP process and updates on Lacey WorkSource. Informational items included a compliance review of EQUUS Workforce Solutions regarding disallowed costs and a summary of the annual financial audit and federal single audit. The board also reviewed the upcoming IRS Form 990 filing requirements for Program Year 2024 and discussed preliminary budget planning and investment strategies, including regional industry cluster studies, career pathways, and MISA fund utilization. Committee updates were provided for the One Stop Operations, Business and Sector Engagement, Youth Services, and Disability committees. Announcements included the State's Reentry 2030 initiative, a formal MOU with South Sound Construction, and Incumbent Worker Training contract work.

The meeting featured a CEO report highlighting the Small Business Grant Program, advocacy efforts for workforce programs, and upcoming procurements, specifically the CTE-CTC Engagement RFP. Discussions focused on strategies for connecting postsecondary graduates to living-wage employment and enhancing apprenticeship pathways. The board approved the establishment of two new standing advisory committees: Disability Services and Youth Services. Additionally, two new members were confirmed to the Board of Directors, and a quarterly financial report for Program Year 2025 was presented. The board also received updates regarding WorkSource center operations and regional business engagement initiatives, followed by a formal proclamation of appreciation for an outgoing board member.