WORKFORCE ADVOCACY

PROPOSED FEDERAL RULE CHANGES COULD DISRUPT LOCAL WORKFORCE SERVICES – HERE'S HOW TO HELP

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has proposed revisions to the rules that govern how federal grant dollars can be spent, specifically the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards at 2 CFR Part 200. These rules sit beneath programs funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the federal foundation of our local workforce system. While the Workforce Board shares OMB's goals of accountability and responsible stewardship of public funds, several of the proposed changes could unintentionally increase red tape, reduce local flexibility, and create confusion around activities that are essential to serving our community.

A few examples of what's at stake:

• Outreach and recruitment. Promoting hiring events, recruiting program participants, and spreading the word about apprenticeships are core parts of workforce programs, not general advertising. The proposed changes could create uncertainty about whether this outreach is still allowed.
• Training and technical assistance. Workforce rules change often. Staff rely on conferences and trainings to stay current and compliant. New approval requirements could make it harder to access that professional development.
• Memberships and data tools. Chambers of commerce, economic development groups, and labor market data help us understand employer needs and in-demand careers. The proposal could limit access to these resources.
• Stakeholder engagement. Vague new terms like "issue advocacy" and "public messaging" could create confusion around routine partner communication and public planning that has nothing to do with lobbying.
• Timely reimbursement and program stability. Added paperwork and expanded authority to change award conditions mid-stream could delay payments and disrupt services that participants, employers, and training providers depend on.

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA), which represents all 22 of the Commonwealth's Local Workforce Development Boards, has formally raised these concerns with Pennsylvania's congressional delegation, urging that the final rule preserve accountability while protecting the local flexibility that makes our system work.

How you can help: Now is the time to make your voice heard. Contact Pennsylvania's congressional delegation and ask them to engage with OMB on revisions that protect local workforce services. The more partners, employers, and community members who speak up, the stronger the case for a rule that strengthens accountability without disrupting the people we serve.

Not sure where to start? Contact the Workforce Board at info@lancastercountywib.com for materials you can use to advocate to your legislators.

KEEPING UP WITH LANCASTER WORKFORCE BOARD

WORKFORCE 2030: THE PLAN AND WHAT'S COMING NEXT

Workforce 2030, a collaborative initiative led by the Lancaster County Workforce Development Board (LCWDB), the Lancaster Chamber, and the Lancaster STEM Alliance, with support from Community Action Partnership and EDC Lancaster County, and facilitated by Allium Development Group, is entering the next phase of growth. Shaped by more than two years of community conversations and planning, the initiative is anchored in the vision: that every resident can access opportunity; that every employer can find the talent they need; and, that every organization works in sync to grow the local economy.

The Board has identified the systemic challenges that must be addressed — structural barriers like housing, childcare, and transportation; fragmented data systems; uneven employer engagement across key sectors; and, limited career guidance for youth. Five goal areas will drive measurable results — career exploration, skill building, finding jobs, barrier removal, and community alignment. To achieve these goals, the Board is developing employer workforce toolkits, a workforce data-sharing strategy, a peer network for career navigators, a dynamic Workforce Services Directory that uses AI to maintain program information, and a Target Activations Initiative to connect job seekers and students with high-demand careers.

What's Next: Dedicated Leadership for the Road Ahead

INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION: YOUTH WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ROUNDTABLE

Between 2004 and 2024, the share of jobs held by workers age 55+ grew by 8 percentage points, leaving roughly 26% of our workforce nearing retirement age. As a generation of experienced workers prepares to step back, the question of who steps forward has never been more urgent. The Youth Workforce Development Roundtable, presented by Lancaster County and Pennsylvania Workforce Development Boards (PWDB), coordinated a panel discussion, featuring Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El, Rebecca O'Shea, Thomas Neely, Heather Valudes, Maya Fenner, John R. Haughery, Andrew Hoffner, and facilitated by Anna Ramos.

Panelists highlighted the need for connection — linking young people to mentors, internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on experiences that help them discover careers they might never have considered. Panelists also underscored that workforce development never stands alone. State leaders pointed to affordable housing and access to healthcare as major factors shaping where young workers choose to put down roots. Every industry needs workers, and workforce challenges are tied directly to housing, childcare, and the other barriers that stand between a person and financial mobility.

To meet the moment, PWDA is advocating for a $25 million state investment to expand youth career pathway programs across Pennsylvania. The return on that kind of investment is significant not only for young people, but for employers, communities, and Pennsylvania's future economy.

Want to learn more? Watch FOX43's coverage of the roundtable here

SUMMER EARN & LEARN - CAREER EXPLORATION & EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTH

Youth ages 14–15 are taking part in a six-week career exploration program, held Monday through Friday at PA CareerLink® Lancaster County. Each week undertakes a different theme related to career exploration, professional skills, and workplace readiness. Participants earn $10 per hour.

Youth ages 16–24 began with a one-week "Design Your Future" course at HACC's Lancaster Campus, covering career readiness, career exploration, résumé and interview preparation, and payroll basics. From there, participants move into a five-week paid work experience at a pre-approved Lancaster County business, putting their new skills into practice in a real workplace. Participants earn $15 per hour.

A Look at the Journey So Far

The program was off to a strong start, and participants have already packed a lot into their first weeks. They've gotten hands-on making pizzas at Tec Centro Lancaster and heard from a lineup of local leaders along the way — Sheila Jones on leadership and team building, Nate Miele of Members 1st Federal Credit Union on financial literacy, and Tia Carter of Sodexo on HR do's and don'ts. They've also picked up résumé tips from PA CareerLink® instructor, Shanna Badders, and gained real-world insight from an entrepreneurship panel featuring John Bridgen of Precision Cobotics, Jessie Tuno of ASSETS Lancaster, Julian Collazo of iUNGO World and La Academia Partnership Charter School, and KJ Myers of Next Generation of Lancaster.

Alex E., a youth participant, shared: "My time in Earn & Learn was so worth it. You can learn so much within six weeks. You make new friends and build better work ethics. It's a good starter experience to build up to a better job — or even your own business. It teaches you how to be professional."

DOING BUSINESS IN LANCASTER: A COMMUNITY BUILT ON SUPPORT

On June 4, 2026, PA CareerLink® Lancaster County Business Services Team hosted Doing Business in Lancaster, an evening of networking and candid conversation about getting your start in Lancaster County. The Business Services Team welcomed a panel featuring Heather Valudes, President & CEO of the Lancaster Chamber, and Maian McCauley, CEO of ASSETS Lancaster - two leaders whose organizations help local businesses launch and grow.



The Lancaster Chamber connects people, businesses, and organizations through networking, advocacy, and workforce initiatives, with a vision of making Lancaster County the best place to live in Pennsylvania by 2035. ASSETS Lancaster, a nonprofit focused on transforming communities through business, offers training and financing that have helped countless local entrepreneurs find their footing and grow.

As attendees networked and engaged with the panel, one message surfaced again and again: take a chance. The Lancaster community is rooting for your success — and with passion, dedication, and the right support, you can get there. Both leaders reminded the room that their organizations are here to help, not just by filling jobs but by creating opportunities through entrepreneurship.



That's what makes Lancaster County special: a genuine sense of connection among the people and organizations who call it home, and a shared commitment to making it the best place it can be to build a business and thrive.

LCWDB OUT & ABOUT

Being a part of our workforce community AND the local community helps us lead the conversation in workforce for Lancaster County!

Over the past few months our staff:

• Attended PWDA 42^nd Annual Conference
• Attended the Lancaster Chamber Annual Dinner
• Attended the Manufacturers’ Association 120^th Annual Event
• Attended the EDC Insights: Exploring the Local Economy event (sponsored by the Board)
• Attended Lancaster Chamber’s Wake Up to the Issues: PA State Budget
• Presented at the Northern Lancaster Chamber’s Chamber Chat: The Future of Work
• Attended Lancaster Chamber’s Excellence Exchange
• Attended PR&LA Women in Hospitality Forum 

• And so much more!

Auxiliary aids and services upon request to individuals with disabilities. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Equal Opportunity is the Law. Language services available free of cost. TTY: (717) 391-3570. Program funded with federal dollars. For detailed information on filing a complaint, and other equal opportunity information, please see: https://www.lancastercountywib.com/equal-opportunity/