Iowa Workforce Development will phase out 39 offices

Iowa Workforce Development's network of 55 field offices will shrink to 16 "regional integrated one-stop offices" under agency reforms announced Thursday.

The changes would phase out 39 offices, including the agency's full-time office in Iowa City and part-time office in Washington. It would also phase out field offices in Manchester, Maquoketa and Muscatine, among others.

The agency said its "new, enhanced system will provide 16 regional integrated one-stop offices," in addition to "access points" at other public buildings such as libraries and Iowa State University Extension offices.

The changes are possible in large part because of Internet technology. The agency plans to maintain 500 "locally enhanced access points" at which Iowans could use the Internet for services including registration for unemployment benefits and job searches. They will be located at government facilities such as public libraries and Iowa State University Extension offices, some of which already have the services available.

The transition to the new structure will begin in late 2011 and continue into early 2012.

Iowa Workforce Development Director Teresa Wahlert announced the new system.

"Iowa workers and businesses deserve a system concentrated on delivering services in the most customer-oriented, efficient and cost effective manner," Wahlert said.

Iowa Workforce Development  spokeswoman Kerry Koonce said the changes would eliminate 107 positions, of which 30 are currently vacant. Savings are estimated at $2 million to $3 million initially.

Koonce said the one-stop offices in Eastern Iowa going forward will include facilities in Decorah, Dubuque, Davenport, Cedar Rapids, and Burlington.

The one-stop offices have expanded services such as classes in interviewing skills and resume wrting, GED classes, and National Career Readiness Certificate testing.

Iowa Workforce Development last eliminated 15 offices in 2006.

The following one-stop centers would remain in operation: Decorah, Dubuque, Mason City, Spencer, Fort Dodge, Marshalltown, Waterloo, Carroll, Davenport, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Sioux City, Council Bluffs, Creston, Ottumwa and Burlington.