Recommendations / Economic Development / Big Idea #2: Walton Works Center

Big Idea #2: Walton Works Center

Part of the "MEET ME IN MONROE" initiative

Economic DevelopmentMonroe-Walton Under $250,000

Overview

Create a one-stop workforce and career development center in downtown Monroe to connect residents with jobs, training, adult education, soft-skill support, staffing services, business resources, and local career opportunities. The center would be housed in the former police department building and serve as a physical hub for partners, employers, students, adults, and underemployed residents.

Action plan

Short-term
Identify and recruit strategic partnerships in the community. Set goals and objectives for the broad activities of the center. Begin assessing needs in the career community and identify partner resources without duplicating services. Initiate outreach to build client lists and identify service gaps. Engage elected and appointed community leaders to create buy-in for the center.
Medium-term
Renovate the center as financially feasible. Create a website and app to promote center services. Establish staffing schedules for partners. Launch a PR campaign with partners and key stakeholders. Continue community programming to meet people where they are. Track monthly usage metrics by program. Begin mobile outreach at community events with partner support.
Long-term
Use a mobile unit to extend Walton Works Center services into the community. Develop regional partnerships with neighboring counties, including Barrow, Newton, and Rockdale County, that could lease, rent, or help fund the mobile unit. Examine annual usage data to identify service gaps, peak demand times, and requested information. Adjust services based on workforce needs. Establish a 501(c)(3)-style capital improvement fund for facility maintenance.

Expected impact

Projected Workforce Training CompletionEducational

Tracks completion of training, education, or credential programs connected to the center.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Projected Technology SystemsInfrastructure

Tracks completion of the website/app and digital access tools connected to the center.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Projected Facility UtilizationInfrastructure

Tracks how many people use the Walton Works Center and its programs.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Projected Partner OrganizationsInstitutional

Tracks the number of partner organizations actively providing services through the center.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Projected Certifications AwardedEducational

Tracks how many individuals receive certifications or credentials through center-connected programs.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Projected Job PlacementEconomic

Tracks how many individuals are placed into jobs after using center services.

Timeframe: Long-term
Long Term Operational ViabilitySustainability

Tracks whether the center can sustain operations through fees, grants, partners, and a capital improvement fund.

Timeframe: Long-term

Key stakeholders

City of MonroeDevelopment Authority of Walton CountyWalton County SchoolsWalton County Chamber of CommerceAthens Technical CollegeCommunities In SchoolsBoys and Girls ClubGeorgia Department of LaborGoodwill of North GeorgiaLocal Employers / Manufacturing Companies

Estimated budget

Center Coordinator: $45,000 annually including benefits. Renovations to Center: $100,000 one-time. Utilities: $15,000 annually shared among partners. Part-Time Staff: $12/hour per staff, monthly/scalable. Workforce Materials: $3,000 one-time, print more as needed. Advertising: $5,000 annually. Website/App Development: $1,500 one-time, updates as needed. Computers/Software: $3,000 bi-annually.