SIGNIFICANCE: The purpose of this needs assessment was to determine the level of competence of the public health workforce in a Western state. Additionally, participants were asked about reasons they might participate in future training opportunities. DESIGN: State public agency personnel and university faculty partnered to develop and implement a needs assessment survey designed around the new public health core competencies. The 91-item survey instrument was mailed to 596 public health employees throughout the state. Public health employees were notified about the up and coming survey through a state-wide email network notification as well as by supervisors who were briefed about the survey. Upper-level administrators were encouraged to strongly advocate for participation in this effort by the state health officer. RESULTS: The response rate was 64.4 percent (384 of 596). Survey respondents showed the greatest competency in basic public health science and cultural competency skills. Participants demonstrated the greatest need for additional training in the areas of financial planning and management, policy development, program planning, implementation and evaluation, and communication skills. When asked about reasons for desiring additional training in public health, participants cited becoming more efficient in their current job, broadening current skill base, and staying current in the field as the primary motivators. Based upon the survey findings, the state public health agency and the university will continue to partner in order to develop pertinent training opportunities for public health employees. Training opportunities will likely focus primarily in the areas of greatest identified need – financial planning/management, policy development, and program planning. Discussion will emphasize the importance of health education competencies (communication, program planning, implementation, and evaluation) in achieving a competent public health workforce and how institutions of higher education could potentially impact health education skill shortfalls in the public health workforce.Keyword(s): community-based programs, interdisciplinary, measurement/evaluation