Centralia College, and Centralia School District. This initiative provides housing and college courses to selected high school juniors and students experiencing homelessness. “We want to remove barriers to education,” said a city official.“Whether it’s housing insecurity or financial limitations, we are building a support system so students can thrive.” CENTRALIA COLLEGE: WORKFORCE PIPELINE FOR THE REGION Centralia College plays a pivotal role in preparing residents for careers in critical sectors. In recent years, the college has developed and expanded programs that directly connect students to high-demand local employment opportunities—including nursing, CDL (commercial driver’s license) certification, and industrial trades. As the local economy evolves away from its historical reliance on the TransAlta coal-fired power plant, the college has stepped up as a regional hub for workforce development. Retraining programs, vocational certifications, and hands-on technical training are equipping the next generation of skilled workers. The ripple effect is clear: graduates of Centralia College’s nursing program are finding employment locally, many at Centralia’s expanding hospital. Meanwhile, students in technical programs are securing positions in transportation, construction, and infrastructure—helping meet the city’s demand for talent. REIMAGINING THE ECONOMY Centralia is no longer defined solely by its industrial past. While the timber and coal industries once dominated the landscape, today’s Centralia is characterized by a diversified economy powered by retail, tourism, small business, healthcare, and higher education. The Centralia Downtown Association has played a key role in revitalizing the city’s core, bringing new energy and entrepreneurship into the historic downtown district. At the same time, the city is capitalizing on its central location and growing 66 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
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