City of Wellston
Wellston Workforce Development Board Initiative
Building the Future Workforce through Local Control, Local Investment, and Local Opportunity in partnership with DDP
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Executive Summary
The City of Wellston, in partnership with Deconstruction Development Partners (DDP) and Intelligent Partnerships (IP), is establishing an independent, state-recognized Workforce Development Board as part of a comprehensive strategy to transform the community.
This initiative represents a next-generation model for municipal revitalization—integrating sustainable development, workforce activation, and community reinvestment.
By establishing a locally governed, federally compliant workforce system, Wellston will gain direct access to federal and state workforce funding streams.
6-12
Months to Launch
500+
Jobs Created
$50M
Economic Impact
Why Establish a Local Workforce Board?
Direct Funding Access
Enable Wellston to access federal and state workforce funds directly.
Local Control
Align job training with local employer demand.
Transparent System
Create a community-driven workforce system.
Regional Partnerships
Strengthen partnerships among all sectors.
6-12 Month Implementation Roadmap
1
Diagnostic & Alignment
Conduct workforce landscape study. Months 1-2
2
Governance Design
Draft governance framework and bylaws. Months 2-4
3
State Designation
Submit application to Missouri OWD. Months 4-6
4
Operational Launch
Recruit staff and establish fiscal agent. Months 6-9
5
Implementation
Launch programs and track metrics. Months 9-12
Governance Model Options
Option A: City-Hosted Division
Advantages
- City retains administrative control
- Simplifies launch
- Uses existing systems
- Faster to implement
Considerations
- Limited autonomy
- Subject to City rules
- Dependent on appropriations
Option B: Independent Nonprofit
Advantages
- Independent community-led
- Greater flexibility
- Can diversify funding
- More sustainable
Considerations
- Requires compliance systems
- More complex startup
- Needs infrastructure
Decision Point: Must determine governance model by Month 3-4.
Strategic Advantages
Direct Federal & State Funding
Gain direct access to workforce funding streams.
Greater Local Control
Exercise control over workforce priorities.
Improved Coordination
Better coordination between stakeholders.
Clear Accountability
Transparent performance tracking.
Public-Private Partnerships
Enhanced ability to leverage partnerships.
Regional Model
Position Wellston as a regional leader.
Key Stakeholders & Partners
City Leadership
Mayor, City Council, Legal, Finance, and Economic Development
State & Regional Partners
Missouri Office of Workforce Development, St. Louis County
Educational Institutions
Community colleges, vocational schools, training providers
Private Sector & Labor
Employers, chambers, unions, industry associations
Development Partners
DDP, Intelligent Partnerships, and strategic partners
Community Organizations
Nonprofits, workforce intermediaries, philanthropic partners
Integration with DDP Development
The Workforce Development Board initiative is a critical component of DDP's comprehensive revitalization strategy:
- ✓Deconstruction projects create immediate employment opportunities
- ✓Real estate development aligns with workforce training programs
- ✓Entertainment industry projects (C3 Studios) provide career pathways
- ✓Economic development connects residents to quality careers
- ✓Community benefit metrics track local hiring and training
Risk Mitigation & Success Factors
Risk Area
Potential Issue
Mitigation Strategy
State Designation
Delays or denial
Early consultation
Governance
Prolonged debate
Decide by Month 4
Fiscal Capacity
Cash flow issues
Bridge funding
Compliance
WIOA inexperience
Use fiscal agent
Political Support
Shifting priorities
Transparent reporting
Regional & National Impact
The Wellston Initiative represents more than local innovation—it's a blueprint for municipalities nationwide.
🎯 Replicable Blueprint
Demonstrate a scalable model for integrating redevelopment and workforce systems
🏛️ Federal Alignment
Support federal priorities on circular economy innovation
🤝 Modern P3 Design
Position Wellston as a model city for partnership design
Support Integration & Partnerships
Technical Assistance
State and federal program guidance
Data Systems
Platform integration and tracking
Public-Private Investment
Philanthropic partnerships
Training Alignment
Community college partnerships
Legal & Governance
Compliance expertise
Economic Development
Chamber collaboration
Partnership Roundtable: The City may convene a formal roundtable to coordinate support resources.
Our Vision
Building a self-sustaining workforce system that grows Wellston's economy, strengthens employers, and connects residents to quality careers through local control, local investment, and local opportunity.
Immediate Next Steps for City Leadership
1
Approve Resolution
City Council approves resolution to begin initiative
2
Assign Project Manager
Designate City lead and create coordination team
3
State Consultation
Schedule consultation with Missouri OWD
4
Begin Recruitment
Start recruitment of board members
5
Develop Budget
Create preliminary budget and identify funding
6
Monthly Check-ins
Set up regular progress meetings
Development Vision Gallery
Get Involved - Contact Us
Join Wellston's Workforce Transformation
Contact Deconstruction Development Partners (DDP) to learn more about the Wellston Workforce Development Board Initiative.
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Ready to Transform Wellston's Future?
Join us in building a workforce system that creates opportunity, drives economic growth, and transforms our community.
Wellston Workforce Development Board Initiative
Building the Future Workforce of Wellston through Local Control, Local Investment, and Local Opportunity in partnership with Deconstruction Development Partners (DDP)
Executive Summary
The City of Wellston, in partnership with Deconstruction Development Partners (DDP) and Intelligent Partnerships (IP), is establishing an independent, state-recognized Workforce Development Board (WDB) as part of a comprehensive strategy to transform the community through sustainable development and economic growth.
This initiative represents a next-generation model for municipal revitalization—integrating sustainable development, workforce activation, and community reinvestment under a single public-private partnership framework. The Wellston pilot will serve as a regional model that demonstrates how cities can create self-sustaining workforce systems that strengthen employers, grow the local economy, and connect residents to quality careers.
By establishing a locally governed, federally compliant workforce system, Wellston will gain direct access to federal and state workforce funding streams, align training investments with local employer needs, and expand career pathways for residents—all while maintaining transparent, accountable, and community-driven governance.
6-12
Months to Launch
500+
Jobs Created
$50M
Economic Impact
Why Establish a Local Workforce Board?
Direct Funding Access
Enable Wellston to access federal and state workforce funds directly, without dependency on county administration or regional intermediaries.
Local Control & Alignment
Align job training and education programs with local employer demand, ensuring workforce development meets community-specific needs.
Transparent System
Create a transparent, community-driven workforce system with clear accountability and measurable performance metrics.
Regional Partnerships
Strengthen partnerships among government, business, labor, education sectors, and regional economic development agencies.
6-12 Month Implementation Roadmap
1
Diagnostic & Alignment
Months 1-2Conduct workforce landscape study, engage state workforce agency, secure City Council resolution endorsing board formation, and assess current service gaps and funding flows.
2
Governance Design
Months 2-4Draft governance framework, bylaws, and membership structure. Determine whether board will be City-hosted or independent nonprofit. Identify board members from business, labor, and education sectors.
3
State Designation Process
Months 4-6Submit formal application to Missouri Office of Workforce Development for local area designation and board certification. Align local plan with state plan and negotiate performance structure.
4
Operational Launch
Months 6-9Recruit Executive Director and staff, establish fiscal agent, develop startup budget, initiate partnerships with colleges and training providers, secure bridge funding.
5
Implementation & Sustainability
Months 9-12Launch initial programs, begin tracking performance metrics, prepare for board recertification, develop sustainability plan with additional grants and private sector support.
Governance Model Options
Option A: City-Hosted Division
Advantages
- City retains administrative control
- Simplifies launch under existing City authority
- Uses existing audit and procurement systems
- Easier integration with City departments
- Faster to initiate and implement
Considerations
- Limited autonomy in decision-making
- Subject to City hiring rules and pay scales
- May be perceived as City-controlled
- Dependent on annual City appropriations
Option B: Independent Nonprofit Board
Advantages
- Independent community-led organization
- Greater flexibility in operations and funding
- Can diversify funding sources (grants, philanthropy)
- Higher stakeholder buy-in and credibility
- More sustainable long-term structure
Considerations
- Requires standalone compliance systems
- More complex startup process
- Needs independent audit and HR infrastructure
- Requires incorporation and IRS status
Decision Point: The City must determine the preferred governance model by Month 3-4 to align with state designation and funding application cycles.
Strategic Advantages
Direct Federal & State Funding
Gain direct access to federal and state workforce funding streams without intermediary administration or county dependency.
Greater Local Control
Exercise local control over workforce priorities, investments, and strategic alignment with DDP development initiatives.
Improved Coordination
Better coordination between employers, educators, training providers, and economic development agencies.
Clear Accountability
Transparent performance tracking with clear accountability metrics and regular stakeholder reporting.
Public-Private Partnerships
Enhanced ability to leverage public-private partnerships and attract additional investment from multiple sources.
Regional Model
Position Wellston as a regional leader and replicable model for workforce system innovation and community transformation.
Key Stakeholders & Partners
City Leadership
Mayor, City Council, Legal, Finance, and Economic Development departments
State & Regional Partners
Missouri Office of Workforce Development, St. Louis County, neighboring municipalities
Educational Institutions
Community colleges, vocational schools, training providers, and apprenticeship programs
Private Sector & Labor
Employers, chambers of commerce, unions, industry associations, and labor organizations
Development Partners
DDP, Intelligent Partnerships, and affiliated strategic partners
Community Organizations
Nonprofits, workforce intermediaries, philanthropic partners, and community advocates
Integration with DDP Development
The Workforce Development Board initiative is a critical component of DDP's comprehensive Wellston revitalization strategy. By establishing an independent workforce system, Wellston ensures that:
- ✓Deconstruction projects create immediate employment and training opportunities in construction, materials recovery, and green-sector trades
- ✓Real estate development activities align with workforce training programs to ensure local hiring and skills development
- ✓Entertainment industry projects (C3 Studios) provide career pathways in film, TV, music production, and related media sectors
- ✓Economic development initiatives connect residents to quality careers and small-business opportunities
- ✓Community benefit metrics track local hiring, training participation, and economic inclusion outcomes
This integrated approach ensures that every DDP development activity translates into tangible workforce, business, and community outcomes—creating a self-sustaining economic engine that grows Wellston's economy, strengthens employers, and connects residents to meaningful opportunities.
Development Vision Gallery
Immediate Next Steps for City Leadership
Get Involved in Wellston's Workforce Transformation
Contact Deconstruction Development Partners (DDP) to learn more about the Wellston Workforce Development Board Initiative and how you can participate in building the future workforce of our community.
