The primary role of the Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB) is to serve as a strategic convener fostering effective collaboration between the Chief Lead Elected Official, other elected officials, and key economic, education, and workforce partners in the Local Workforce Development Area (LWDA). The LWDB is responsible for developing strategies that continuously improve and strengthen the workforce system through innovation, alignment, and improvement of employment, training, and education programs to drive economic growth.
Under the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Chief Elected Officials have the responsibility and opportunity to shape the local workforce system and use it as a tool to drive community prosperity. CEOs can create a nimble and responsive talent pipeline development system that provides training, supportive services, and other resources to meet the needs of growing businesses and individuals in their communities.
CIWDB is one of six regional boards under the Iowa State WDB with funding from WIOA.
Our Mission
Foster collaborative partnerships among businesses, job seekers, and service providers to build a local workforce where every individual can secure a meaningful, quality job.
Our Vision
All Central Iowans are engaged and thriving in our workforce.
Our Values
- Informed
- Innovative
- Accountable
- Flexible
- Responsive
CIWD strives for all residents of our area, particularly those with barriers to employment, to have access to innovative workforce services, integrated training and educational programs, and supportive services to gain employment in a sustainable career. Coordinated collaboration between partners and programs will provide the required knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary for securing sustainable employment that strengthens the local economy and meets the needs of our local business community.
CIWD aims to foster a dynamic, integrated, and ever-improving workforce development system in which employers and individuals have ready access to a network of information and services responsive to their unique employment needs. To provide local area residents with access to the literacy, education, vocational rehabilitation programs, and workplace skills necessary for self-sufficient employment and advancement. Further, CIWDB aims to empower Central low Workforce Development Area youth with the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary for employment and economic independence.
CIWDB Leadership
Our 19 board members, appointed by elected officials from the eight counties in the region, bring expertise from business, organized labor, education, community organizations, and the public sector. Together, they work to understand the region’s workforce challenges and prioritize programs and funding to address them.
Local workforce board members
Representing business, workforce, employment, and government.
Service Providers
We don’t do it alone. Meet the two Title I service providers that were awarded service delivery contracts through a competitive procurement process in 2024. Both began their period of performance in July 2024.
National Able Network
Selected as the local WIOA Title I Adult and Dislocated Worker service provider and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1977 that specializes in providing innovative workforce development programming to job seekers and businesses.
YSS
Selected as the local WIOA Title I Youth and Young Adult service provider and is one of Iowa’s oldest and a trusted local nonprofit organization dedicated to serving youth. With a mission to create hope and opportunity by putting kids first, YSS provides a continuum of care that addresses the comprehensive needs of youth across the state.
