On August 25^th, the State Workforce Development Board approved the merger of the South Central Workforce Development Board and the Mississippi Valley Workforce Development Board to create a more unified and resilient workforce system to serve businesses, job seekers, and communities across 22 counties in Iowa.
 
This merger comes in response to significant federal workforce funding reductions and the need to strengthen administrative efficiency, accountability, and service delivery. By combining fiscal and staff operations, the boards will reduce overhead, maximize resources, and ensure that more dollars go directly into training, employment, and support services.
 
“Federal workforce funding has been declining for years, and we have reached a point where collaboration is essential,” said Jason Roudabush, Chief Lead Elected Official for South Central. “By joining forces, we are building a stronger, more efficient system that ensures communities across the region continue to receive high-quality services.”
 
The combined new workforce area will include the Mississippi Valley Counties of Clinton, Des Moines, Henry, Jackson, Lee, Louisa, Muscatine, and Scott, and South Central Counties of Appanoose, Davis, Hardin, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lucas, Mahaska, Marshall, Monroe, Tama, Poweshiek, Van Buren, Wapello, and Wayne
 
“Our focus is on the people and employers we serve,” said Jim Irwin, Chief Lead Elected  Official of the Mississippi Valley. “This merger ensures we can continue to support economic growth, connect job seekers to training and careers, and help businesses find the skilled workforce they need.”
 
While both South Central and Mississippi Valley names will remain in use during the transition, the merged workforce region will launch under a new name and brand identity on July 1, 2026. The boards are committed to transparency throughout the process and will engage community partners, employers, and job seekers in shaping this new identity.
 
If you have any questions about the merger, please contact Miranda Swafford at director@mississippivalleyworkforc.org