TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all documents with the State of California to receive $132,920 in Workforce Investment Act funds to operate the California New Start/Prison-to-Employment program; and to execute any needed subsequent amendments. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Pacific Gateway administers the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and other employment and training funds received annually by the City. These funds support job training programs and business services delivered by the Career Transition Center, Youth Opportunity Center, Torrance Career Center, Harbor WorkSource Center, and selected community-based organizations to assist local residents in acquiring skills leading to employment in high demand occupations by local employers.
In 2008, the Departments of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and Labor and Workforce Development entered into a partnership working on improving the reintegration of parolees into local communities, thereby reducing the recidivism rate. Pacific Gateway is one of 19 Workforce Investment Boards (out of 49) included in this strategy.
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. In January of this year, Pacific Gateway received $138,816 in WIA funds for Program Year 2010-2011 to support dedicated and increased career counseling around referrals from CDCR. The State recently notified Pacific Gateway that it is to receive an additional $132,920 in discretionary funds to augment program services under this strategy.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on June 27, 2011 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell June 29, 2011.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on July 19, 2011 to facilitate processing of required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds are currently budgeted in the Community Development Block Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Department of Human Resources (HR) for Fiscal Year 2011 (FY 11) activities. The remaining amount will be appropriated via the Fiscal Year 2012 (FY 12) budget process. There is no impact to the General Fund. Approval of this recommendation will result in job training, skills enhancement, and employment opportunities for an estimated 30 parolees.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DEBORAH MILLS
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER