TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to enter into a contract, including any necessary subsequent amendments to extend the grant period or increase the grant amounts, with Ascend at the Aspen Institute, to accept and expend grant funds in an amount up to $150,000, to support low-income single mothers that are in school or training, for the period of March 15, 2021, through September 15, 2022; and
Increase appropriations in the Community Development Grants Fund Group in the Economic Development Department by $150,000, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into contract with Ascend at the Aspen Institute, a philanthropic nonprofit, as a strategic partner and field innovator through the Aspen Policy Acceleration Grant. This program aims to accomplish visionary and ambitious goals such as establishing a fund and/or individual escrow accounts that provide guaranteed income to single mothers who are in school or training; expanding subsidized in-home childcare options; and, addressing social service, workforce, and education policy and program barriers, such as educational and vocational training opportunities. This grant will assist Pacific Gateway Workforce Innovation Network (Pacific Gateway) to expand on existing policies that are in place to support parents in postsecondary education and training.
This shared partnership with the Economic Development Department, Health and Human Services Department, and Long Beach Early Childhood Education Committee will promote post-secondary completion for parents by increasing access to supportive resources and public benefits. This innovative program helps the City to address a number of goals and priorities established in the City’s Framework for Racial Equity and Reconciliation adopted by the City Council. The goal of this program is to assist single mothers to credentials and careers that provide living wages, access and opportunities for advancement, and continued learning in sectors with high growth and demand potential.
Pacific Gateway administers the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and other training funds received annually by the City. These funds support job training programs and business services delivered by the WorkPlace, Youth Opportunity Center, Harbor Gateway WorkSource Center, and selected community-based organizations, to assist residents in acquiring skills leading to employment in high-demand occupations with local employers.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on April 22, 2021 and by Budget Management Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on April 29, 2021.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on May 18, 2021, to facilitate the processing of required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
Pacific Gateway will receive grant reimbursement revenue in an amount not to exceed $150,000 for the period of March 15, 2021 through September 15, 2022. An appropriation increase is requested in the amount of $150,000 in the Community Development Fund Group in the Economic Development Department, offset by grant revenue. These funds will supplement programs currently operated by Pacific Gateway with local, state, and federal workforce grants, and no City match or in-kind service is required. 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 expand childcare access and provide job training and employment opportunities for residents.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
JOHN KEISLER
DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER