Ozark Region

The Workforce Development Board was first established as the Workforce Investment Board (WIB) through the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) to be the voice of business in the areas of education and training. In 2014, under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the board became the Workforce Development Board (WDB). The board strives to identify workforce, education, and training needs in the Ozark Region, which is comprised of the counties of Christian, Dallas, Greene, Polk, Stone, Taney, and Webster. Working through the Missouri Job Centers (Springfield and Branson), the board coordinates delivery of services to assist businesses and job seekers. It is a volunteer regional organization, one of 14 in Missouri.

The Workforce Development division of the Department of Workforce & Economic Vitality functions as the operator of the Missouri Job Center under the guidance of the Workforce Development Board and the Council of Local Elected Officials (CLEO). Operation of the Missouri Job Centers and WIOA programs are mandated by WIOA and funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Labor. No City of Springfield General Funds are utilized for this department. The City of Springfield’s Department of Finance serves as the fiscal agent, appointed by the CLEO, to manage grant funds.