TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents, and any needed subsequent amendments, with the State of California to accept Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds totaling $500,000 for a Veterans Employment Assistance Program; execute an agreement, and any needed subsequent amendments, with the County of Orange/Orange County Workforce Investment Board in the amount of $240,000, for the period of July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018; and
Increase appropriations in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Economic and Property Development Department (EP) by $500,000, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Pacific Gateway submitted a grant proposal to the State’s Labor and Workforce Development Agency to implement a regional approach to the delivery of services to veterans returning from deployment. Pacific Gateway received notice in June that the project application was funded for $500,000.
This regional project will serve 50 veterans through a comprehensive approach to addressing employment transition and re-entry into the local workforce in high-demand occupations. Services including employment assistance, training opportunities and social services, will be provided through a collaborative partnership among America’s Job Center of California network, military institutions, veterans service organizations, public and private education agencies, labor organizations, economic development and business services, and public and non-profit agencies providing specialized support services.
Pacific Gateway will target outreach and recruitment to returning veterans and coordinate the provision of services for 50 veterans. To reach its regional goal, Pacific Gateway will contract with the County of Orange through its Orange County Workforce Investment Board, in the amount of $240,000, to serve veterans outside the Pacific Gateway’s service delivery area.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber and by Budget Analysis Julissa José-Murray on July 28, 2017.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on August 15, 2017, to facilitate processing of required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
Veterans’ Employment-Related Assistance Program (VEAP) grants are funded by WIOA. Pacific Gateway will receive up to $500,000 in VEAP grant reimbursement funds for the period of July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. An appropriation increase, offset by grant revenue, is requested in the amount of $500,000 in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Economic and Property Development Department (EP). An in-kind match commitment of $500,000 will be funded by co-enrollment in other existing WIOA grant programs in the form of budgeted staff time, individual training scholarships, and on-the-job training services. Approval of this recommendation will result in employment preparation, placement, and retention services to 50 resident veterans.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
JOHN KEISLER
DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC
& PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER