TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all documents to receive a Governor’s Workforce Investment Act (WIA) 15 Percent Discretionary grant in the amount of $600,000 for the Port Opportunity Program (POP); increase appropriations by $220,000 in the Community Development Grant Fund (SR 150) in the Department of Community Development (CD); execute a contract with Long Beach Community College District in an amount not to exceed $275,000 for the period of February 1, 2007 through January 31, 2009; and authorize any subsequent time extensions from the State necessary to complete the project. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
In September 2006 the California Workforce Investment Board issued a Solicitation for Proposals (SFP) for workforce development projects in industries with a statewide need.
The Workforce Development Bureau (Bureau) collaborated with the Long Beach Community College District, the Port of Long Beach, the Center for International Trade Development, California State University Long Beach, and Long Beach Unified School District on a proposal in response to that solicitation. The Bureau has been notified that it is one of 26 entities statewide to receive an award; it will receive $600,000 to implement the Port Opportunity Program (Program).
The Program is designed to prepare young adults to meet the current and emerging workforce needs of businesses in the high-growth/high-demand industry sector known as Transportation Logistics-Goods Movement. These targeted businesses span wholesale trade, trucking, supply chain management, warehousing, couriers, and air/ sea/rail transportation, and are all involved in receiving, storing and moving goods through the ports in Southern California.
Specifically, the Program will expand community awareness of these jobs, increase the number of logistics-related skill training classes, afford residents internship and training opportunities in logistics, and develop curriculum specific to warehouse inventory control, tracking and advanced transportation. Through the Program, the Department and its partners will establish the Goods Movement Education Center as a centralized point of service for training and information, and will develop user-friendly materials and information to enable interested youth and adults to research the goods movement industry for job requirements and additional available training opportunities. It is anticipated that approximately 400 residents will benefit directly from this project, and 288 individuals will enter related Center and other training and/or internships. The Program will target unemployed or underemployed young persons, as well as adults without advanced education levels.
This Program will be coordinated with a related grant award to the Long Beach Community College District received in November 2006 from the State Chancellor of the Community Colleges, and with a second similar grant being awarded to the Bureau's counterparts in the City of Los Angeles and Carson/Lomita/Torrance Workforce Investment Boards.
Furthermore, as a subcontractor of the requested Program grant, the Community College District will be responsible for revitalizing existing coursework and developing new curriculum, conducting vocational training, and jointly establishing the Goods Movement Education Center and related materials. Therefore, authorization for the City to enter into a subcontract with the Long Beach Community College District for $275,000 over three fiscal years is included in the recommendation. The Department staff will be responsible for grant management, outreach and intake of residents, eligibility determination, coordination of referrals, development of internship opportunities, job development and placement, and follow-up services.
The letter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on February 5,2007 and Budget and Performance Management Manager David Wodynski on February 12, 2007.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on February 20, 2007 to allow sufficient time to process required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
An appropriations increase of $220,000 in the first year is required to expend the grant award in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Department of Community Development (CD). Therefore an increase is included in the recommended action. The remaining $380,000 will be budgeted through subsequent budget processes. There is no impact on the General Fund.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
PATRICK H. WEST
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
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APPROVED: |
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GERALD R. MILLER |
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CITY MANAGER |