TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any necessary documents or subcontracts including any subsequent amendments, including extending the grant term or amending the award amount, with the City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department, to accept and expend grant funding up to $240,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Childcare Initiative, to provide childcare support and employment training to eligible low to moderate-income parents residing within the City, for the period of November 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into contract with the City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD) and accept up to $240,000 in funding made available under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) CDBG-Childcare Initiative Program (Program). This Program will provide childcare support and employment training to eligible low to moderate-income parents residing within the Harbor area. The Program is offered in partnership with Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) and the Community Investment for Families (CIF) Department.
These funds will assist Pacific Gateway’s Harbor WorkSource Centers to address access to childcare, which is a significant barrier to employment, especially for single-parent households and women. Through this Program, the WorkSource Center will support childcare providers who are negatively impacted by the pandemic with resources needed to reopen and stay open, provide access to childcare for households for whom childcare remains a barrier to reentering the workforce, and provide short term vocational training to households in various industries.
Pacific Gateway administers the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and other employment and training funds received annually by the City. These funds support job training programs and business services delivered by the WorkPlace, Youth Opportunity Center, Harbor Gateway WorkSource Center, and selected community-based organizations, to assist residents in acquiring skills leading to employment in high-demand occupations with local employers.
This matter was reviewed by Principal Deputy City Attorney Richard F. Anthony on February 15, 2022 and by Budget Operations and Development Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on February16, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on March 15, 2022, to execute an agreement with EWDD and implement services expeditiously.
FISCAL IMPACT
Under the agreement, Pacific Gateway will receive grant reimbursement revenue in an amount not to exceed $240,000 for the period of November 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. These funds will supplement programs currently operated by Pacific Gateway with local, State, and federal workforce grants, and no City of Long Beach match or in-kind service is required. Sufficient appropriation is budgeted in the Community Development Fund Group in the Economic Development Department to facilitate this grant program. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. Approval of this recommendation will expand childcare access and provide job training and employment opportunities for residents.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
JOHN KEISLER
DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER