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2026 WIOA Combined State Plan Modification

Plan submitted to the federal government 

Washington submitted its 2026 WIOA Combined State Plan Modification to the U.S. Department of Labor on April 15, 2026. The plan is now in federal review. 

About this update 

Every two years, states update their WIOA Combined State Plans. Washington’s 2026 modification reflects: 

    • Changes in the economy and labor market 
    • New federal requirements 
    • Work completed with partners over the past two years 

This update refines the state’s direction through 2028 and focuses on four statewide objectives: 

    • Implement Workforce Pell 
    • Implement No Wrong Door and prepare for HR1 work requirements 
    • Connect service integration to performance 
    • Deliver cross-industry, demand-driven recommendations 

Plan documents 

These Google Docs are the final versions that Washington Submitted to the federal government. A change log tracks the updates made during the public comment period. 

Sections I – V: Plan for the workforce development system

Section VI: Plans for core programs

Section VII: Plans for additional programs  

If you need this plan translated into another language, please email us at tap.plan@wtb.wa.gov and we’ll provide a translated version.

Other plans with separate public comment periods 

These programs completed their own public comment processes: 

WIOA Title IV: Vocational Rehabilitation (General) 

  • Public comment: Jan. 5 – Feb. 3, 2026 
  • View Department of Social and Health Services’ Title IV plan 

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) 

Perkins V: Career and Technical Education 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment & Training 

Ongoing engagement 

Beginning in February 2025, staff met one on one with state, regional, and local partners to: 

  • Understand system needs 
  • Identify emerging issues 
  • Gather input before drafting 

As the work continued, staff met regularly with partners between Board meetings to: 

  • Validate direction 
  • Incorporate feedback 
  • Align work across programs 

Because partners were involved throughout the process—not only at the end—many had already shaped the modification before the formal comment period opened. 

Washington will continue this approach as we develop the next long-term plan. 

Public comment period  

Washington held a 30-day public comment period from March 3 – April 3, 2026. 

People could share feedback through: 

  • An online form 
  • Email 
  • Formal letters (optional) 

The Workforce Board promoted the comment period through: 

  • A mass email to about 4,500 subscribers 
  • Direct outreach to partners and stakeholders 
  • Partner networks across the state 

What we heard

We received one formal comment, submitted on behalf of an organization. They encouraged the state to: 

  • Treat AI literacy as a foundational workforce skill 
  • Partner with community-based organizations to deliver AI training 

We shared this feedback with program partners. It will help inform future work as Washington develops and uses AI strategies. 

Board approval 

The Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board unanimously approved the 2026 plan modification on April 3, 2026. 

What happens next 

The U.S. Department of Labor will review the plan through June 2026. Federal agencies may request clarification or additional information during this period. 

Questions 

Email tap.plan@wtb.wa.gov with any questions about the plan or the public comment process. 

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