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Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all documents with the State of California to receive $185,277 in Workforce Investment Act funds to operate the California New Start/Prison-to-Employment program, and to execute any needed subsequent amendments. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network (Network) administers the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and other employment and training funds received annually by the City. Those funds support job training programs and business services delivered by the Career Transition Center, Youth Opportunity Center, Center for Working Families, Harbor WorkSource Center and selected community-based organizations to assist local residents to acquire skills leading to employment in high demand occupations by local employers.
On May 16, 2008, the Secretary of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the Secretary of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency entered into a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a working relationship focused on improving the reintegration of parolees into local communities, thereby reducing the recidivism rate. The Secretaries charged CDCR and California Workforce Investment Board (CWIB) to work collaboratively in directing funds to local Workforce Investment Boards to implement "California New Start."
The goal of California New Start is to connect ex-offenders to employment opportunities, training, and services while in-custody and following their subsequent release. In addition, this statewide partnership links parolees to employment services in their respective communities. With an emphasis on public safety and job retention, California New Start hopes to ultimately lower California's recidivism rate. The Network will receive $185,277 in Governor's Discretionary Workforce Investment Act funds to support dedicated and increased career counselors to assist with referrals from CDCR.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
This letter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson July 16, 2009 and by Budget and Performance Management Bureau Manager, David Wodynski on July 20, 2009.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds are currently appropriated in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Department of Community Development (CD). This appropriation will support the estimated initial outlays in FY 09. Funding for next fiscal year's activities will be requested in FY 10. There is no impact to the General Fund.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DENNIS J. THYS
DIRECTOR
DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
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APPROVED: |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |