TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents and any needed subsequent amendments with the State of California, to accept and expend Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds totaling $4,289,549; and, authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute agreements and amendments with necessary WIOA training provider vendors. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
In alignment with federal appropriation of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds to the State, the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency has notified the City of its local share of funds to administer the Pacific Gateway Workforce Innovation Network (Pacific Gateway) for the program year beginning July 1, 2019. The WIOA grants are provided to implement development strategies in the local workforce area and will enable Pacific Gateway to provide an extensive array of services to residents and businesses.
Employment services for residents will continue to be facilitated through the WorkPlace. Youth services will be facilitated through the Youth Opportunity Center and through various community-based service providers. Business services are integrated into each career center.
Allocation Breakdown for Program Year 2019-2020 Services
§ Adults/Business Services $1,447,050
§ Dislocated Workers/Business Services $1,004,593
§ Business Downsizing and Layoff Aversion $ 263,458
§ Youth/Business Services $1,574,448
TOTAL GRANTS $4,289,549
One key strategy will be Pacific Gateway’s use of the resources to provide vocational and skills development training to residents who are unemployed or underemployed. That training comes in the form of customized and on-the-job training developed and negotiated between the local business and Pacific Gateway or can occur through more traditional classroom-based training. For the latter, the State maintains a master database of approved training institutions and programs through the California Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). To ensure that local skill training investments lead to employment, clients accessing training services choose from the State-approved vendors on the ETPL, utilizing Pacific Gateway’s labor market information, its industry partnerships, and one-on-one staff assistance in interpreting employment trends.
Based on actual client usage of the hundreds of local ETPL vendors, Pacific Gateway reimburses training providers for services at predetermined rates ranging from $300 to $7,500 for vocational and skills development completion. Prior approvals from City Council authorized the City Manager to execute required nonfinancial master Education Agreements with each training provider, as well as the required purchasing documents to reimburse the ETPL training providers, which is consistent with federal WIOA regulations, and with the State’s ETPL Policy and Guidance. Continued approval by the City Council for these actions is requested.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on June 24, 2019 and by Budget Analysis Officer Julissa José-Murray on July 1, 2019.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on July 23, 2019, to facilitate processing of required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
Pacific Gateway will receive approximately $4,289,549 from the State of California. This funding is currently budgeted in the Community Development Grants Fund Group in the Economic Development Department. The grant does not require matching funds or in-kind services. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. Approval of this recommendation will result in employment preparation, placement, and retention services to several residents.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
JOHN KEISLER
DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER