A Message from CEO Mark Mattke
Good news this week! We are seeing positive trends as the rates of new COVID-19 case decrease throughout the state and our region. Our labor market is also experiencing trends in the right direction as the transition to Phase 2 in the reopening plan has contributed to increased economic activity and less people seeking unemployment benefits for the first time. We learned this week that Spokane has experienced the 5th highest level of inbound growth in the U.S. over the January-November 2020 period, eclipsing cities that included Austin, TX, Charlotte, NC, and Charleston, SC. As the recovery picks up steam, we will continue to attract people from all over the country and that will help fuel our continued economic growth.
I am also happy to report that our WorkSource Center and Next Generation Zone have seen an uptick in the number of people seeking reemployment and career guidance services in the last month. Our workforce professionals are connecting more people to educational programs, including in person and online courses as well as on-the-job training and apprenticeship, to prepare them for a new job.
If you are looking to refresh your skills or begin a new career, please reach out to us (509) 532-3120 or visit www.worksourcespokane.com to get started on your next steps.
We are stronger, together!
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Community Investment Dashboard
Resource tracking of the SWC’s investments in our community’s recovery.

Labor Market Update
Unemployment | Initial Claims
Initial claims totals are moving in a promising direction as COVID-19 infections locally are declining and the economy is beginning to open up.
Regular initial claims by industry for the week ending February 20
- Construction (195 initial claims)
- Accommodation and Food Services (89)
- Retail Trade (76)
- Healthcare and Social Assistance (73)
- Administrative and Waste Services (71)

Unemployment | Continued Claims
Continued claims by type for the week ending February 20
- Regular Continued Claims: 8,313 (-3.8% from prior week)
- PUA Continued Claims: 6,088 (-0.5% from prior week)
- PEUC Continued Claims: 6,113 (+5.1% from prior week)
- Extended Benefits Continued Claims: 1,280 (-7.6% from prior week)

Food Insecurity

WorkSource Campus Updates
Signature Event to Make Its Virtual Debut
"I thought the [Let’s Talk forum] was great. Since I’m relatively new in HR, I am still trying to build a network of other HR folks. This feels like a good step in that direction. The content was good, too, and I’m looking forward to other topics."
Local Business Representative
Rental Assistance Updates
Spokane County CARES Act CDBG
ERAP for Young Adults
"The employee that helped me with my application to pay rent was really nice. It was fun to work with her, and I'm glad we were able to video chat to complete everything."
SRC Rental Assistance Customer
Racial Equity
"We would like to thank the staff and board of Greater Spokane Progress and Kurtis Robinson for being an invaluable resource and for answering our questions throughout our Why Race Matters training."
SWC Staff
Stories of Impact from Our Customers
Let's Collaborate!
If you know a job seeker that just re-entered the workforce or you represent a business that has utilized our recruitment and retention services, please contact Victor Rapez-Betty, our Communications Manager, to begin storyboarding the success video, article, or social media post.