TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any necessary documents and subsequent amendments, with the South Bay Workforce Investment Board, Inc., to accept grant funding in an amount not to exceed $373,697, to operate the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) Prison to Employment (P2E) program, which serves formerly incarcerated and other justice involved individuals, for the period of November 26, 2019 to March 31, 2022; and
Increase appropriations in the Community Development Grants Fund Group in the Economic Development Department by $373,697, offset by grant reimbursement revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Pacific Gateway Workforce Innovation Network (Pacific Gateway) administers various employment and educational training programs through The WorkPlace, Harbor Gateway WorkSource Center, Harbor YouthSource Center, FutureLB, and partnerships with selected community organizations. These programs assist job seekers in acquiring skills leading to employment in high-demand occupations by local employers.
In 2019, Pacific Gateway met with other local workforce development boards (City of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles, City of Glendale, Foothill Employment and Training Connection, South Bay, and Southeast Los Angeles County to collaborate in developing regional partnerships and planning for successful implementation of the Los Angeles Basin Regional Planning Unit’s (LARPU) Prison to Employment (P2E) program.
LARPU was awarded a grant under the P2E initiative from the CWDB. As a result, Pacific Gateway was awarded up to $373,697 to administer the project and 35 participants. Through the project, Pacific Gateway will provide workforce development services to justice-involved individuals based on the P2E model and federal, state, and local workforce development guidelines to include: CalJOBS registration, assessment, career development planning, workforce employment and training services. Additionally, participants will be given access to other Pacific Gateway services, including supportive services and pre-vocational skills training.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on January 30, 2020, and by Grants and Projects Officer Arlen Crabtree on February 3, 2020.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on February 18, 2020 to facilitate processing of required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
Pacific Gateway will receive grant reimbursement revenue in an amount not to exceed $373,697 for the period of November 26, 2019 through March 31, 2022, to administer the P2E program. An appropriation increase is requested in the amount of $373,697 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, and no City match or in-kind service is required. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. Approval of this recommendation will result in job training, skills enhancement, and employment opportunities for 35 participants.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
JOHN KEISLER
DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
ACTING CITY MANAGER