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October 2026 Edition

Introducing Our New Board Members 

The Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County is excited to welcome our new Board Members!

Carlo M. Beckman 
Business Seat
#6

Carlo M. Beckman Consulting

Professional Services

District #4

Len McCallister

Education & Training (Wagner Peyser) Seat #4


CA Employment Development Department

Government

District #4

Jualonni A. Lloyd 
Business Seat #2

Chevron Richmond Refinery

Advanced Manufacturing

District #1

Tina Wig 
Business Seat #9

Superhuman

Software & AI

District #2

Roberto Solorzano

Education & Training (Vocational Rehab) Seat #5

Dept. of Rehabilitation

Government

District #4

Public Input Sessions for Early Childhood Education (ECE) Providers

October 5-8, 2026 | In-Person and Online | Download Flyer for Details

WDBCCC is hosting a series of Early Childhood Education (ECE) Community Input Sessions to hear directly from childcare providers and early educators about their experiences, challenges, and priorities.


Please take a moment to:

  • Register for the session that works best for you
  • Save the calendar invitation
  • Share the flyer with childcare providers, ECE professionals, and community partners in your network



Your help spreading the word will ensure we hear from a strong and diverse group of providers across Contra Costa County. We hope to see you there!

2nd Annual Fair Chance Career Expo

October 22, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Concord, CA

The WDBCCC, in partnership with Rubicon Programs and Mt. Diablo Adult Education/Loma Vista Adult Center, is co-hosting the 2nd Annual Contra Costa Fair Chance Career Expo on Tuesday, October 22, 2026, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.


This inspiring event is designed to support justice-involved individuals, but open to ALL job seekers and community members ready to take the next step in their journey.


The event will be held at the Mt. Diablo Adult Education/Loma Vista Adult Center, 1266 San Carlos Ave., Concord, CA 94518.

Youth Services - Fall Programs

Youth Services (Measure X) programs are available for for youth ages 12–18 in Contra Costa County, with most services available at no cost, regardless of family income.*


*Financial aid and scholarships available for services with a cost.


Help us spread the word! Please distribute the attached flyers with partners, youth, families, educators, schools, community organizations, and others who may benefit from these services.

1) Mental Health Counseling for Youth Ages 12-18

Northern California Family Center (NCFC) provides free, confidential counseling services.

2) Fall Workshop Series - Youth Arts Connection

Free workshops on music, poetry, and spoken word (with free food, art supplies, and more).  

Have Questions?

For inquiries about a specific service, please contact the provider directly using the information on the flyer.


For general inquiries about the Measure X Youth Centers & Services Project, email MXReports@ehsd.cccounty.us.

October Blogs

Creating Opportunities for Contra Costa Youth

Meet Morriah Crose, a high school senior from Pittsburg whose experience with the YMCA Youth & Government program sparked a passion for law and led to her appointment to the California Youth & Government Supreme Court.


Her story is one example of how Measure X-funded programs are creating meaningful pathways for local youth.

Strengthening the Bay Area’s Construction Workforce Pipeline

Building a strong workforce pipeline requires more than training—it takes partnerships between employers, labor, educators, workforce organizations, and community partners.


At the 2026 Bay Area Construction Workforce Conference, WDBCCC joined regional leaders to explore how stronger pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship, and career pathways can create more opportunities for job seekers while meeting the needs of employers.

Building the Future of Workforce Development at CWA's Meeting of the Minds & Executive Bootcamp

What happens when workforce leaders from across California come together to explore new ideas, emerging technology, and the future of work?


At the 2026 Meeting of the Minds conference, WDBCCC’s Serena Moore joined workforce leaders from across the state to explore employer services, AI readiness, incumbent worker training, and new tools designed to support job seekers and employers.


From AI-powered workforce tools to the importance of keeping people at the center of innovation, Serena brought back valuable insights for the future of workforce development.

Helping Local Businesses Take Their Business to the Next Level

The West County Business Roundtable brought together 100 local business owners and 14 regional organizations to connect entrepreneurs with valuable, no-cost resources to support business growth.


Participants explored opportunities ranging from funding and tax incentives to workforce training, HR support, marketing, and government contracting, while connecting directly with organizations that can help them take their next steps.
The event highlighted the strong collaboration across West County and the many resources available to help local businesses grow, strengthen their operations, and thrive.


Learn more about the event and discover resources available to support your business.

 

Upcoming Board Meetings

*Youth Committee: Wednesday, October 21, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.


*Business & Economic Development Committee: Wednesday, November 18, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.


*Full Board: Wednesday, December 18, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

 

Jobseeker Events in October

Looking to change careers this year? Check out EASTBAYWorks' events, where you can gain certifications and other job-training skills. This month's events include:


*Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) In-Person Information Session: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.


*Tri-Valley Career Center Job Club: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.


*Virtual "Hero Grant" Information Session: Thursday, Oct. 22, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Labor Market Update

Contra Costa County's unemployment rate was 5% in August 2026. That's up from 4.8% in July 2026. Read the most recent State Labor Report for the Oakland-Hayward-Berkeley Metropolitan Division.

Stay In the Know

Want to stay updated on WDBCCC news and upcoming events in Contra Costa County? Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

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