As reported previously on KNIA/KRLS News, plans to consolidate Iowa Workforce Development offices will have a local economic affect. Under the proposal, that department’s 55 field offices would be integrated into 16 regional offices. That would mean the closure of the Pella office, and the subsequent loss of a job. Brian Peterson, Associate Economics Professor at Central College says if those offices are closed, it poses important questions like where those services would be provided and if the new model would be able to provide those services as well as the current system. Peterson says that understanding the local job market is a key to helping people find work, and questions if regional offices will have that local insight.

Tags: , , , ,