Maricopa County and the City of Goodyear have approved an extension to their collaborative workforce development agreement, ensuring continued career services for West Valley residents through June 2027.
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and Goodyear City Council authorized an amendment to the existing agreement that integrates the county’s workforce development system into Goodyear's social and community services network.
The City of Goodyear will provide funding to the county in an amount not to exceed $58,005 for Fiscal Year 2027. This is an increase from the $53,562 allocated for the current fiscal year.
The partnership provides a Maricopa County Workforce Development Division coordinator to deliver services at the Maricopa County Resource Building, located at 14140 W. McDowell Road in Goodyear.
The program is designed to enable local employers to attract and retain top talent while assisting them with filling vacancies. Residents in the Goodyear area gain access to job-seeking services and specialized adult workforce training.
According to program documents, the purpose of the agreement is to support workforce development and training efforts.
These services are specifically designed to help career seekers, particularly those with significant barriers to employment, obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for self-supporting employment.
Specific initiatives connected to the partnership include:
Workforce 2 You: An accelerated job training program for veterans, low-income, and dislocated workers. Participants can earn industry-recognized credentials in fields like healthcare and skilled trades through 10- to 16-week training modules.
Professional Skills Microcredential: A no-cost, self-paced online course offered through Maricopa Community Colleges. Students can earn a "Workforce Professional Skills Badge" by demonstrating proficiency in communication, critical thinking, and professionalism.
Industry-Driven Skills Grants: Funding opportunities for advanced manufacturing employers to upskill their workforce and address critical skill gaps unique to their industry.
The demand for these services remains high. In 2025, county workforce career centers saw more than 16,788 visits, with over 1,600 residents enrolling in individualized support services. For the upcoming year, the program aims to achieve a 75% completion rate for trainees and place at least 50% of participants into gainful employment within 45 days of finishing their courses.
Maricopa County states that the services provided are intended to facilitate social and economic mobility for residents.
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chair Kate Brophy McGee and Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo signed the amendment, which also incorporates new administrative requirements.
Residents interested in job-seeking services or training opportunities can visit arizonaatwork.com for more information.
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
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