TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all necessary agreements with the State of California to receive $140,113 in Assembly Bill 118 funds to implement the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program under the Regional Industry Clusters of Opportunity (RICO); execute an agreement with Economic Development Corporation of Los Angeles County (LAEDC) in the amount of $60,000; increase appropriations in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Department of Human Resources (HR) by $140,113; and execute any needed subsequent amendments. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Pacific Gateway was one of ten Statewide recipients in 2010 of an industry cluster analysis grant to develop and launch a coordinated, three-county workforce and economic development effort aimed at identifying and maximizing growth opportunities in the water, green building/energy efficiency, solar, and transportation segments of the regional green economy.
In October 2011, Pacific Gateway submitted a follow-up grant proposal on behalf of the eleven WIBs in the three participating Counties (Partnership) to the State's Labor and Workforce Development Agency to advance certain portions of its resulting action plan focused on the transportation cluster - namely alternative and renewable fuel vehicle technology. The Partnership was selected to receive one of two continuation grants, totaling $140,113, to support strategies and activities under the initiative. These activities include a comprehensive regional workforce trends and skills gap study on the Goods Movement/Transportation cluster, and a collaborative effort with the countywide E-Mobility Taskforce to develop workforce programs around electric vehicle infrastructure.
The LAEDC and other stakeholders formed that Taskforce to spur adoption of electric vehicles among consumers and galvanize movement toward the installation of vehicle charging stations across the County. The Partnership's strategy is to develop projects that are germane to the Taskforce's efforts; e.g. identifying workforce opportunities around the installation of the stations, or training programs for auto dealership sales staffs to help explain the technology and countywide infrastructure.
Pacific Gateway will contract with LAEDC in the amount of $60,000 in support of the Taskforce activity. The remaining $80,113 will be budgeted for program-related activities tied to the regional needs study, and to grant oversight and management.
This letter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on December 30, 2011 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on December 28, 2011.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on January 24, 2012, in order to facilitate processing of required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
The receipt of grant funds is not currently budgeted. Therefore, an appropriation increase of $140,113 in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Human Resources Department (HR) is requested as part of the recommended action. There is no impact to the General Fund.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DEBORAH MILLS
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER