TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all documents with the State of California for the Workforce Investment Network to receive $935,797 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to operate a local Green Jobs Corps that will assist at-risk youth ages 17-24; to execute all documents with various initiative partners in an amount totaling $275,000; and to execute any needed subsequent amendments. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network (Network) submitted a grant proposal totaling $997,768 to the State's Labor and Workforce Development Agency to implement a program that will assist at-risk young people in developing job skills for the emerging green economy. In June 2009, the Network received notice that it is to receive $935,797 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to operate the Pacific Gateway Green Job Corps that will recruit youth ages 17-18, who are low-income, possess educational and life barriers, and are in-school; and, youth ages 19-24 who are out-of-school, unemployed, and/or underemployed. The Network and its partners will create a bridge for participating youth to access necessary education, training, incentives, and support services to qualify for green collar jobs upon completion of the 20-month program. With new green-focused work-readiness and occupational skills certifications, Green Job Corps participants will be well positioned to compete for related green industry, entry-level and mid-level jobs created by the job training, work experience, and work readiness skills gained.
The Network's Green Job Corps program is a partnership, linking all program activities and resources with educational institutions, community-based/nonprofit agencies, and numerous employers in the region. The local partners will create a seamless system of service delivery for the 125 youth participating in the program through EI Camino College, Long Beach City College, Long Beach Unified School District, Conservation Corps of Long Beach, the Long Beach Job Corps Center, the Long Beach Community Action Partnership, Yard Farmers, California Western Arborists, and the County Community Development Commission/Growing Experience. Each will complement the services available at the Network's Youth Opportunity Center. Those partners who will receive a sub-contract for services through this project are outlined in Exhibit A.
This letter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on July 16, 2009 and by Budget and Performance Management Bureau Manager, David Wodynski on July 14, 2009.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on August 4, 2009 in order to facilitate processing of required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds are currently appropriated in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Department of Community Development (CD). This appropriation will support the estimated initial outlays in FY 09. Funding for next fiscal year's activities will be requested in FY 10. There is no impact to the General Fund.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DENNIS J. THYS
DIRECTOR
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
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APPROVED: |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |