TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution designating the City of Long Beach as the Administering Agency and Signatory Authority for the Workforce Investment Act Programs and designating the Greater Long Beach Workforce Development Board to provide policy guidance and oversight; authorize City Manager to execute all documents and any subsequent amendments that change the terms or increase grant amounts for the workforce programs; and authorize an increase in appropriations in the Community Development Grant Fund (SR 150) in the Department of Community Development (CD) in the amount of $5,251,314. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Each year the City receives a formula allocation of Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funds from the State Employment Development Department (EDD) to deliver workforce development services to residents and businesses in the local workforce area consisting of Long Beach and Signal Hill. The Workforce Development Bureau provides an extensive array of services to residents and businesses through the Career Transition Center, the Youth Opportunity Center, and selected subcontractor agencies for both youth and adults. Services are expanding this year to include the newly opening Center for Working Families at the Renaissance Square facility.
Services for economically disadvantaged adults and workers dislocated by business closure or mass layoffs are offered through self-service and group activities, or if more appropriate, through individualized intensive or training services. Services include group and one-onone job search assistance, skills remediation, vocational and on-the-job training, career preparation and transition workshops, personal and vocational counseling, case management, career advice, and supportive services to address barriers to employment.
Services for youth include numerous strategies focused on preparing youth for the workforce through education, experience and employment activities. Key strategies include education completion assistance, work experience and training opportunities in industries with future opportunities, tutoring, supportive services, and extensive personal development activities.
Services to businesses, in tandem with the above programs, include matching of job openings to trained and qualified individuals, recruitment and assessment of new employees, training for incumbent workers, assistance with downsizing activities, dissemination of local labor market information, and referral to other city and community programs that meet the unique requirements of each employer.
Initial WIA planning estimates of funding for the period of July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007 have been provided by the State to total $5,251,314. Allocation amounts may change once the U.S. Department of Labor certifies revised formulas for allocating the federal funds to states in early August. The attached Exhibit "A" outlines the number of services provided for adults and youth last year.
This letter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Charles Parkin on June 28, 2006 and by Budget Management Officer David Wodynski on June 28,2006.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on July 11, 2006 to facilitate processing of required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
An appropriations increase of $5,251,314 is requested in the Community Development Grant Fund (SR 150) in the Department of Community Development (CD). The increase is included in the recommended action. There is no impact in the General Fund.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
NAME |
APPROVED: |
TITLE |
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GERALD R. MILLER |
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CITY MANAGER |