Mission
The Workforce Development Committee was officially recognized by the Chapter Board in January 2026 in response to a noticeable gap in staffing happening now, which is projected to grow as we move into the future. There are more people in our industry closer to retirement than can be backfilled with people coming into the industry, and APWA Oregon has identified an opportunity to help! Our mission is to support the chapter’s strategic goal of providing outreach to improve connections to and between members, agencies, service providers, and local communities in the context of promoting workforce development needs.
About The Committee
Our committee will primarily support student outreach, committee collaboration, and development of promotional materials to facilitate communication about careers in public works. We will explore ways in which we can support workforce retention through highlighting and advertising our chapter’s well-established educational programs and opportunities.
This committee meets approximately every 2 months to discuss goals and sub-tasks for developing outreach materials, gathering workforce data, and compiling information about career paths within Public Works, among other things. It also tracks student outreach events, and organizes attendees to stand at our booth to engage with and educate students who may still be considering what they want to do when they grow up! Community engagement is key.
Resources For Members
Home | American Public Works Association
Career resources | American Public Works Association
ShapingWorldPW_brochure_ChartLR.pdf
Resources For Members
If you are interested in getting involved with Workforce Development, please contact committee co-chairs Ashley Cantlon (Ashley.cantlon@greshamoregon.gov) or Jody Yates (jody.yates@portlandoregon.gov) for more information about committee work, and/or Jane Vail jane.vail@walliseng.net if you are interested in volunteering to attend a student event. With more people willing and able to attend these events, we can cover more territory and represent APWA to the fullest throughout the stat
