Lane County Sector Strategy Team (LCSST)

The LCSST uses the Next Generation Sector Partnerships model to foster collaboration among private businesses and key stakeholders, including local government, education, organized labor, economic development, and community-based organizations.

Key Points:

  • Sector Strategies: Business-led partnerships funded by WIOA to invest in talent development, job creation, and business competitiveness.
  • Data-Driven Approach: Comprehensive analysis of local labor market data identifies vital industries for regional economy.
  • Key Sectors in Lane County:
    • BioScience 
    • Childcare 
    • Construction-Aggregate
    • Creatives 
    • Food and Beverage Manufacturing 
    • Healthcare 
    • Leisure & Hospitality 
    • Technology
    • Transportation
    • Wood Products

Goals:

  • Elevate Business Voice
  • Articulate Workforce Needs
  • Inform Investments
  • Regional Collaboration
  • Youth Support

Resources:

Why focus on the Technology Sector?  Here’s why…

Key Facts:

  • Since 2015, we have focused on the tech sector in Lane County which includes firms in industries like software publishing, data processing services, and electronic manufacturing.
  • In 2023, the sector included 749 firms and employed 3,714 workers with a total payroll over $368 million. 
  • In 2023, the average annual wage was $99,273 compared to $56,320 for all industries in Lane County. 
  • Forecasts show the tech sector will grow by 24% in Lane County between 2022 and 2032, for a total of 4,008 new and replacement openings by 2032. 

Initiatives:

  • Talent Retention: Experience Oregon Tech
  • Tech Community Building
  • Advocacy
  • Events including the Big Mix, Hack for a Cause, and TAD Talks.

Learn More:

Technology Industry Profile (2 pages): To view the second page, hover over ‘Our Mission’ at the bottom of the page and click on the arrow. Click here to download and print the Technology Industry Profile.

Technology Industry Profile

Why focus on the Food and Beverage Sector?  Here’s why…

Key Facts:

  • Since 2016, we have focused on the food and beverage sector in Lane County which encompasses both manufactures and wholesalers.
  • In 2023, the sector included 188 establishments and employed 4,291 workers with a total payroll over $238 million. 
  • In 2023, the average annual wage was $55,621 compared to $56,320 for all industries in Lane County. 
  • Forecasts show the food and beverage sector will grow by 10% in Lane County between 2022 and 2032, for a total of 5,624 new and replacement openings by 2032. 

Initiatives:

  • Product and Value Promotion
  • Knowledge and Resource Share
  • Collaborative Development Projects
  • Events: Quarterly Food Business Unpacked, Eugene Food Startup Weekend, and Hiring/Job Fairs

Learn More:

Food and Beverage Industry Profile (2 pages): To view the second page, hover over ‘Our Mission’ at the bottom of the page and click on the arrow. Click here to download and print the Food and Beverage Industry Profile. 

Food & Beverage Industry Profile

Why focus on the Construction-Aggregate Sector?  Here’s why…

Key Facts:

  • Since 2016, we have focused on Lane County’s Construction-Aggregate sector. 
  • In 2023, the sector included 1,331 companies and employed 8,188 workers with a total payroll over $544 million. 
  • In 2023, the average annual wage was $66,485 compared to $56,320 for all industries in Lane County. 
  • Forecasts show the construction-aggregate will grow by 15% in Lane County between 2022 and 2032, for a total of 8,803 new and replacement openings by 2032. 
  • Most occupations in construction-aggregate require only a high school diploma or less for the typical entry level position, providing good paying jobs at lower educational levels.

Initiatives:

  • Industry Engagement and Collaboration
  • Youth Connection in partnership with Connected Lane County and Elevate Lane County
  • Youth Awareness: CTE Support and Expansion
  • Promoting Trade Opportunities
  • Events: Manufacturing Day, Construction Utility Career Day, Sand and Gravel Tours, High School Presentations, Hiring/Job Fairs

Learn More:

Construction-Aggregate Industry Profile (2 pages): To view the second page, hover over ‘Our Mission’ at the bottom of the page and click on the arrow. Click here to download and print the Construction-Aggregate Industry Profile.

Construction-Aggregate Industry Profile

Why focus on the Wood Products Sector?  Here’s why…

Key Facts:

  • Since 2018, we have focused on the Wood Products sector, including logging, forestry, and wood-based product manufacturing.
  • In 2023, the sector included 223 companies, employing 5,818 workers with a total payroll over $386 million. 
  • In 2023, the average annual wage was $66,466 compared to $56,320 for all industries in Lane County. 
  • Forecasts show the wood products sector will grow by 2% in Lane County between 2022 and 2032, for a total of 6,384 new and replacement openings by 2032. 

Initiatives:

  • Industry Education: Advanced technology, safe work environments, and job diversification
  • Community Pride and Awareness
  • Youth Education in Partnership with Forest Today and Forever
  • Advocacy for Policy and Licensing Alignment
  • Events: Manufacturing Day, Oregon Logging Conference, Hiring/Job Fairs

Learn More:

Wood Products Industry Profile (2 pages): To view the second page, hover over ‘Our Mission’ at the bottom of the page and click on the arrow. Click here to download and print the Wood Products Industry Profile. 

Wood Products Industry Profile

Why focus on the Creatives Sector?  Here’s why…

Key Facts:

  • Since 2019, we have collaborated with Lane Arts Council and ArtCity to support the Creative Sector.
  • This sector includes apparel production, art, publishing, performing arts, museums, and historical site.
  • In 2023, the sector included 565 companies, employing 3,477 workers with a total payroll over $171 million.  
  • In 2023, the average annual wage was $55,525 compared to $56,320 for all industries in Lane County. 

Importance of the Creative Sector:

  • Creativity drives innovation and high-wage industries like design, media, city planning, manufacturing, and architecture.
  • Employers seek creative thinkers to provide innovative solutions.
  • The World Economic Forum in 2020 highlighted creativity as a top skill sought by employers.

Initiatives:

  • Build a community and network of artists across disciplines
  • Raise the perception and value of local arts
  • Improve income and opportunities for local artists
  • Promote professional development for artists and arts businesses
  • Collect data on the arts sector
  • Events: Artist Feedback Sessions, Arts Media Campaign

Learn More:

Creatives Industry Profile (2 pages): To view the second page, hover over ‘Our Mission’ at the bottom of the page and click on the arrow. Click here to download and print the Creatives Industry Profile. 

Creatives Industry Profile

Why focus on the Transportation Sector?  Here’s why…

Key Facts:

  • Established in 2021, the Transportation Industry Sector Partnership includes truck transportation, transit, group passenger transportation, warehousing, and storage.
  • In 2023, the sector included 211 firms, employing 2,548 workers with a total payroll of $143 million.  
  • In 2023, the average annual wage was $56,505 compared to $56,320 for all industries in Lane County. 
  • Forecasts show the transportation sector will grow by 10% in Lane County between 2022 and 2032, for a total of 3,007 new and replacement openings by 2032. 

Initiatives:

  • Regional CDL training through an Economic Development Association grant.
  • Future Ready Oregon Prosperity 10K Grant for CDL training in four Lane County transportation/aggregate companies.
  • Promotion of a new CDL training facility in Lane County.
  • Researching CDL training opportunities for rural Lane County businesses.
  • Ongoing driver recruitment sessions at WorkSource Oregon Lane.

Learn More:

  • Visit our partner: Oregon Trucking Associations (OTA)
  • Driving Prosperity, led by SOWIB in collaboration with a strategic alliance of transportation sector partners, Lane Workforce Partnership, Rogue Workforce Partnership, and transportation employers, helped 325+ Oregonians secure CDLs, boosting workforce and community strength. Special thanks to Delta Sand & Gravel Co., Lane Transit District, Aisling Truck Academy, Tyree Oil, and Jennifer Richardson for making this achievement shine! 
  • The strategic partnership was honored as one of 32 recipients nationwide to receive funding from the EDA’s Good Jobs challenge, a transformative opportunity aimed at bolstering local economies and placing an additional 50,000 workers in quality jobs through innovative training programs. 
  • Recognized by the EDA’s Good Jobs Challenge for innovative training programs.

Watch:

Transportation Industry Profile (2 pages): To view the second page, hover over ‘Our Mission’ at the bottom of the page and click on the arrow. Click here to download and print the Transportation Industry Profile. 

Transportation Industry Profile 11.14.24

Why focus on the Child Care Sector?  Here’s why…

Key Facts:

  • Established in 2020, the Childcare Sector Partnership addresses the critical need for quality childcare services in Lane County.
  • In 2023, the sector included 146 licensed childcare providers, employing 1,030 workers with a total payroll over $31 million.  
  • In 2023, the average annual wage was $30,392 compared to $56,320 for all industries in Lane County. 
  • Forecasts show the childcare sector will grow by 18% in Lane County between 2022 and 2032, for a total of 1,341 new and replacement openings by 2032. 

Growth and Challenges:

  • The childcare sector faces significant demand with limited supply, leading to long waiting lists and high costs for families.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges, causing many providers to close or reduce capacity.
  • Investment in childcare is crucial for economic recovery and workforce participation, especially for women and low-income families.

Initiatives:

  • Support existing child care providers by addressing workforce recruitment and retention challenges.
  • Increase awareness of the importance of quality early childhood care and education, the role of Child Care Resource and Referral agencies (CCR&Rs), and career opportunities in the child care sector.
  • Build child care capacity by supporting quality local child care providers in scaling existing programs and helping those interested in starting a child care to build sustainable businesses.
  • Increase the cultural responsivity of child care by focusing on BIPOC providers, culturally specific organizations, and linguistically specific/diverse providers & organizations.
  • Strengthen employers’ understanding of child care benefits and support employer-based child care strategies.
  • Advocate for public policy and investments that support child care providers and families.

Learn More:

Child Care Industry Profile (2 pages): To view the second page, hover over ‘Our Mission’ at the bottom of the page and click on the arrow. Click here to download and print the Child Care Industry Profile. 

Child Care Industry Profile

Why focus on the Bioscience Sector? Here’s why…

Key Facts:

  • Lane County is home to 190 bioscience establishments that employed 1,473 workers with a total payroll of $131 million in 2023.
  • Between 2010 and 2023, the bioscience sector grew by 132 establishments, showing strong resilience and expansion even during the COVID-19 restrictions.
  • The average annual wage in bioscience is $89,068, compared to the county’s all-industry average of $56,320.
  • Significant growth is projected with the addition of the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, expanding research and development capacity and advancing biomedical technology innovation.

Initiatives:

  • Talent Development: Oregon Bio Women Mentorship Program – supporting career growth and mentorship for women in bioscience.
  • Community and Innovation Support: Launch Oregon – seed fund investing in University of Oregon bioscience innovators, including ventures like Penderia Technologies, InVivo Biosystems, and Cascade Prodrug.
  • Visibility and Advocacy: International and national showcases, including the BIO International Convention and Oregon Bio Innovation Showcase, increasing Lane County’s bioscience visibility on a global scale.

Learn More:

Bioscience Industry Profile (2 pages): To view the second page, hover over ‘Our Mission’ at the bottom of the page and click on the arrow. Click here to download and print the Bioscience Industry Profile. 

Bioscience Industry Profile

Why focus on the Health Care Sector? Here’s why…

Key Facts:

  • Health Care is Lane County’s largest industry sector by total employment and payroll, with 21,782 workers across 1,167 establishments in 2023.
  • The average annual wage in health care is $72,389, bringing the total payroll to nearly $1.6 billion.
  • Some of the largest employers in the sector include PeaceHealth, McKenzie-Willamette, and Northwest Medical Homes.
  • In 2023, the health care industry had 19,153 job openings, the highest of any sector in Lane County, with roles across hospitals, nursing and residential care, outpatient centers, home health, and family services.
  • Forecasts show the healthcare sector will grow by 15% in Lane County between 2022 and 2032, for a total of 24,875 new and replacement openings by 2032.

Initiatives:

  • Workforce Development: Collaborating on educational and workforce programs to expand capacity and address future demand.
  • Community Support and Partnerships: Lane Community Health Council leads local efforts to align healthcare workforce needs with training and job readiness programs.
  • Industry Growth: Forecasted to add 3,106 positions over the next 10 years, contingent on expanded training and workforce capacity.

Learn More:

Health Care Industry Profile (2 pages): To view the second page, hover over ‘Our Mission’ at the bottom of the page and click on the arrow. Click here to download and print the Health Care Industry Profile. 

Health Care Industry Profile

 

Behavioral and Community Health Services Industry Profile (1 page): Click here to download and print the Behavioral and Community Health Services Industry Profile.

Behavioral and Community Health Services

Why focus on the Hospitality Sector? Here’s why…

Key Facts:

  • The Leisure and Hospitality industry makes up just over 10% of all employment in Oregon, ranking as the second-largest business sector statewide behind healthcare.
  • In 2023, the sector included 1,293 establishments and employed 18,410 workers with a total payroll over $466 million. 
  • In 2023, the average annual wage was $25,329 compared to $56,320 for all industries in Lane County. 
  • Forecasts show the hospitality sector will grow by 16% in Lane County between 2022 and 2032, for a total of 34,373 new and replacement openings by 2032. 

Initiatives:

  • Sector Profile Development: The first sector profile for Hospitality has been completed, to be included in the State of the Workforce Report, highlighting trends, challenges, and workforce dynamics.
  • Federal Grant Engagement: Through the DOL Critical Jobs Sector Grant for Oregon Coast Hospitality and Leisure, recent surveys with 50 employee responses and 51 employer responses provide valuable insights to shape workforce strategies.

Learn More:

  • Visit our partner: Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association (ORLA) to explore initiatives supporting foodservice and lodging industry growth in Oregon.
  • Oregon Coast Hospitality Industry Sector Partnership Video: Dive into the exciting news of the $446,786 Critical Sectors Job Quality Grant through the Department of Labor, the first of its kind awarded to the Oregon Coast hospitality sector! Over the next 18 months, this grant will support efforts to build a stronger, more resilient hospitality industry, projected to create nearly 40,000 jobs by 2031.

Hospitality Industry Profile (2 pages): To view the second page, hover over ‘Our Mission’ at the bottom of the page and click on the arrow. Click here to download and print the Hospitality Industry Profile. 

Hospitality Industry Profile