PORT ANGELES — A year into Clallam County’s five-year federal Recompete grant, local leaders say participation is strong, but actual job placements are still lagging.
From October 2024 through September of this year, 208 residents enrolled in Recompete programs — nearly three times the original goal. But only 21 participants have landed jobs so far, and 77 have moved into workforce training.
Wraparound services reached 131 people, though fewer than half have been able to fully access the childcare, transportation or financial support offered.
One hundred five employers have taken part in Recompete activities, and 75 small companies have received advising — slightly above target. But hiring and training results from those efforts weren’t included in this week’s report.
Several major projects are still in the pipeline. The Port of Port Angeles is renegotiating barge purchases after steel prices climbed. The Composite Recycling Technology Center’s thermal modification unit has been pushed to late 2026 because of delays tied to last year’s federal shutdown. And Peninsula College expects its mobile training trailer to arrive in spring 2026.
County officials say much of year one was spent building the foundation for the program and coordinating between multiple agencies. A full year-end report will be released once a required federal survey is completed.
The Recompete initiative, funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, is designed to boost regions with long-term low employment by expanding workforce training, helping small businesses, and connecting people with services like childcare and transportation.
The Recompete program plans to serve about 900 participants by 2029.