The Here for Portland workforce recovery program is concluding its initial phase, having successfully assisted over 100 small businesses and 241 workers during the pandemic. Funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act, the initiative aimed to place low-income jobseekers in local businesses, resulting in $830,000 in wages paid to affected Portland residents. As the program transitions to support the Preschool for All initiative in Multnomah County, it will focus on addressing the severe workforce shortages in early childhood education, where one in five workers left the industry during the pandemic. The new phase will recruit 60 additional workers over the next year, with early results indicating that more than half are being hired permanently in their placements. The Preschool for All measure, approved by voters, seeks to provide early childhood education for all 3- and 4-year-olds, underscoring the urgent need for qualified early educators.

Multnomah County officials emphasize the importance of this program in connecting jobseekers to long-term careers while supporting preschool providers in hiring necessary staff. This collaboration highlights the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between different levels of government in tackling pressing community challenges. Commissioner Rubio praised the program as a model of success in responding to the workforce crisis.