TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all documents and any needed subsequent amendments with the State of California to accept Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds totaling $5,573,509; 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 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 Investment Network (Pacific Gateway) for the Program Year beginning July 1, 2016. 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 Career Transition Center. Youth services will be facilitated through the Youth Opportunity Center and through several community-based service providers. Business services are integrated into each career center.
Allocation Breakdown for Program Year 2016-2017 Services
§ Adults/Business Services $1,846,355
§ Dislocated Workers/Business Services $1,283,986
§ Business Downsizing and Layoff Aversion $ 425,000 (Estimate)
§ Youth/Business Services $2,018,168
TOTAL GRANTS $5,573,509
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 $8,500 for vocational and skills development completion. Prior approvals from City Council authorized the City Manager, or designee, 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 for these actions is requested.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on May 25, 2016 and by Revenue Management Officer Julissa Jose-Murray on May 20, 2016.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on June 21, 2016, in order to facilitate processing of required documents to accept funding for the program year that begins July 1, 2016.
FISCAL IMPACT
Pacific Gateway will receive approximately $5,573,509 from the State of California. Sufficient grant funding is currently appropriated in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Economic and Property Development Department (EP). The grant does not require matching funds or in-kind services. Approval of this recommendation will result in employment preparation, placement, and retention services to several thousand residents.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
MICHAEL CONWAY
DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC &
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER