Hanson, Paul M.2017-06-222017-06-222017http://hdl.handle.net/1773/39179In 2015, the US Department of Labor (DOL) set funding aside to align workforce development initiatives with employer needs within key local economic sectors.1 In this study I explores how the Workforce Development Council (WDC) for Snohomish County used DOL funds to produce and identify employer concerns within regional economic sectors. In accordance with the WDC funder DOL, WDC held roundtables for Snohomish County employers. Employers from the major sectors of the local economy identified their current and predicted concerns within their sector’s workforce pipelines, development, and retention. I will identify the concerns from each sector and across the multiple sectors. I will lay out policy suggestions about what will most benefit Snohomish County’s workforce development. Finally, within this study I will identify the strengths and weaknesses of WDC’s approach as a tool in prioritization and assessment of workforce development programs.en