ALASKA WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD (AWIB)
ALASKA WORKFORCE FUTURE (AWF) WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT (WIOA) STATE PLAN MODIFICATION (PY 2026–2027)

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Alaska Workforce Investment Board (AWIB), in partnership with the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD), announces the release of the draft Alaska Workforce Future (AWF) Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) State Plan Modification for Program Years 2026–2027 for public review and comment.

Purpose of the State Plan

The AWF WIOA State Plan serves as Alaska’s four-year strategic framework for workforce development and outlines how the State will:

• Align workforce, education, and economic development systems;
• Deliver employment and training services through the Alaska Job Center Network;
• Support job seekers, including individuals with barriers to employment;
• Meet employer workforce needs across key industries;
• Strengthen career pathways, apprenticeships, and work-based learning opportunities;
• Ensure accountability, performance outcomes, and continuous improvement.

This modification updates Alaska’s existing State Plan to reflect current priorities, federal guidance, and program strategies for Program Years 2026–2027.

Public Comment Period

The draft State Plan will be available for public review for a 30-day comment period:

• Comment period opens: March 27, 2026
• Comment period closes: April 27, 2026

All interested parties are encouraged to review the draft and provide comments.

How to Submit Comments

Comments must be submitted in writing and may be provided through the following methods:

• Email: awfwioapubliccomment@alaska.gov

   

  To ensure consideration, all comments must be received no later than 11:59 PM Alaska Time on April 27, 2026.

   

  Availability of the Draft Plan

  The draft AWF Alaska WIOA State Plan Modification is available at:

  AWF WIOA State Plan

   

  Printed copies or alternative formats may be made available upon request.

   

  Public Comment Process

  To ensure a fair and transparent process:

• All comments will be reviewed and considered before final submission.
• Comments may be summarized and included in the final State Plan submission.
• The State will prepare a summary of comments received and responses, as appropriate.
• The draft State Plan will remain unchanged during the public comment period to ensure all stakeholders are reviewing the same version.

Stakeholder Engagement

AWIB encourages feedback from a broad range of stakeholders, including:

• Employers and industry representatives;
• Workforce development partners and service providers;
• Education and training institutions;
• Labor organizations;
• Community-based and nonprofit organizations;
• Tribal organizations;
• Job seekers and program participants;
• Individuals with barriers to employment;
• The general public.

Statutory and Regulatory Authority

This public notice and the development of the Alaska WIOA State Plan Modification are conducted in accordance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and applicable federal regulations.

Key authorities include:

• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Public Law 113-128;
• WIOA Section 102 and Section 103 (Unified and Combined State Plans);
• 20 CFR Part 676 (State Plan requirements);
• 20 CFR Part 679 (State and local workforce development boards);
• 20 CFR Part 680 (Adult and Dislocated Worker programs);
• 20 CFR Part 681 (Youth program);
• 20 CFR Part 682 (Statewide workforce development activities);
• 20 CFR Part 678 (One-Stop delivery system);
• 20 CFR Parts 653 and 658 (Wagner-Peyser Employment Service and MSFW requirements).

The State Plan modification is also informed by applicable federal guidance, including U.S. Department of Labor Training and Employment Guidance Letters (TEGLs), and aligns with federal performance accountability requirements under WIOA Section 116.

Equal Opportunity and Accessibility

The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development is an equal opportunity employer/program.

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Individuals with limited English proficiency may request language assistance at no cost.

To request accommodations or alternative formats, please contact:

Jeff Steeprow
Alaska Workforce Investment Board
jeffrey.steeprow@alaska.gov

Requests should be made as early as possible to allow adequate time for coordination.

Final Submission

Following the close of the public comment period, AWIB and DOLWD will review and, as appropriate, incorporate comments before submitting the final State Plan Modification to the U.S. Department of Labor.

The final submission deadline is April 30, 2026.