In many western states, rapid growth in important sectors like renewable energy, semiconductor development, construction, tourism, and others have led to a need for expanded workforce development strategies to keep up with growth. 

At WGA’s 2024 Winter Meeting in Las Vegas, Western Governors formally approved a bipartisan policy resolution to address workforce development in western states. In the policy resolution, Governors call for expanding work-based learning, supporting high-quality career and technical education, and facilitating lifelong learning through workforce development policies.  

In line with the approaches laid out in the resolution, Western Governors are tackling workforce development challenges in their own states.  

In New Mexico, WGA’s Chair, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, has taken steps such as a recent executive order to expand and invest in the state’s infrastructure and climate-ready workforce. The Governor’s executive order enables the state to leverage billions in federal and state money to make sure the workforce is prepared to modernize transportation, telecommunications, water, and energy systems in the state. 

Workforce development efforts in Utah include a bill proposed this week to fund “catalyst centers” with $65 million, which would expand opportunities for Utah students to get real-world career and technical training and experience in high-demand industries.  

In Nevada, the state’s Office of Workforce Innovation works to strengthen the workforce by promoting registered apprenticeships and work-based learning, leveraging labor market and workforce data, and developing career pathways alongside the Governor's Workforce Development Board.  

Idaho’s LAUNCH program is successfully investing in its skilled workforce to the tune of $75 million per year. The program helps students access education and training after high school to help bolster essential skills that will help Idaho keep up with its rapid growth.  

Other recent workforce development programs signed or initiated by Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon and Colorado Governor Jared Polis address apprenticeship programs, accessible education, technical skill-building programs, and other important aspects of workforce development.  

Across the West, semiconductor development has emerged as a major industry with prospects for rapid growth. Many states have harnessed the opportunity that the semiconductor industry provides to grow their workforce and their economies.  

Arizona has been at the forefront of the modern semiconductor industry, and just last month, Arizona State University was selected to house one of three new advanced manufacturing and packaging research and development facilities.  

Oregon has also been a leader in semiconductor development, and the state has accelerated its workforce development and training programs to help its workforce keep pace with semiconductor expansion.  

Shelter for seniors: last week, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs visited one of the country’s only emergency homeless shelters for seniors, which opened last month in Phoenix. The shelter, known as the Haven, is specifically for unhoused people age 55 or older.  

Governor Hobbs has made affordable housing a priority in her budget this year, and it was an important topic in her 2025 State of the State address.  

CA wildfire cleanup: California Governor Gavin Newsom announced this week that the fastest large-scale debris cleanup effort in state history is underway in Altadena and Pacific Palisades. Crews are working tirelessly to clear debris and prepare recent burn scars for incoming heavy rains in the area.   

Governor Newsom also announced that his office has helped secure $2.5 billion in immediate relief to expedite recovery and rebuilding efforts in the Los Angeles area.  

Read more about all of the actions taken by Governor Newsom to respond to last month's devastating wildfires here.  

Utah youth lobbyists: dozens of Utah high school and college students made their voices heard at the Utah Capitol on Youth Lobby Day for the Great Salt Lake.  

Students met with lawmakers to address their concerns about the health and future of the Great Salt Lake. In addition to airing their concerns about the lake, students had the opportunity to see lawmaking up close and learn about their state’s legislative process.  

NM Office of Housing: New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is seeking to create a new Office of Housing for the state, which would help ease restrictions and spur more new housing development.  

Governor Lujan Grisham announced her plans for the new Office in her 2025 State of the State address, saying, “we need a state Office of Housing to make sure the best laid housing plans are not stranded, but supported with funding and expertise until we see scores of families unloading U-Haul boxes into new homes and apartments across the state.” 

The Governor is seeking a starting staff of six, and an emergency clause in the bill would open the Office of Housing by May.  

Learn more about Governor Lujan Grisham’s additional work on housing via her current WGA Chair initiative, BRAND West, which focuses on solutions to the West’s housing crisis.  

Montana tax relief: in Montana, Governor Greg Gianforte called for income tax and property tax relief measures for the state.  

Governor Gianforte identified meaningful tax relief as one of his top priorities for this session, and he called for property tax cuts of 15% and 18% for homeowners and small businesses, respectively. His proposal would directly reduce property taxes for more than 215,000 primary residences, 32,000 small businesses, and provide indirect relief for more than 130,000 renters. The Governor also proposed lowering the income tax rate for Montanans at every income level.