TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all documents with the Wells Fargo Foundation on behalf of the Pacific Gateway Workforce Partnership, Inc., to receive $100,000 in grant funding in support of ongoing business and jobseeker assistance; and execute any needed subsequent amendments. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Pacific Gateway Workforce Partnership, Inc. (Partnership) was created on December 7, 2010 when the City Council adopted the Resolution, Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Agreement for Services in support of forming the Partnership. The primary purpose of the Partnership is to position Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network (Pacific Gateway) to continue to focus on workforce competitiveness and support strategies for our communities and neighborhoods most in need. Its mission, values and strategic priorities align with the City and Pacific Gateway and will continue to support enhancing workforce development opportunities.
In October 2012, the Partnership submitted a proposal to Wells Fargo Foundation (Wells Fargo) seeking funds to augment Pacific Gateway's existing business services in Long Beach. The Partnership was notified in December 2012 that it is to receive $100,000 in funding assistance to implement the Economic Upturn Project. This project is based upon an existing project model and will continue a partnership with the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) to outreach to businesses facing unavoidable downsizing or closures to help connect them to Pacific Gateway's Rapid Response program. The Chamber will be the core conduit to businesses in the area, building on their existing relationships with thousands of employers. Up to $50,000 in grant funding will be used to support the outreach efforts through the Chamber. The Partnership will use the remaining $50,000 for grant oversight, and other management and marketing activities.
Additionally, the project will also partially fund Pacific Gateway's linkage with regional efforts to place returning veterans back into the workforce through the Hire-A-Hero program, which provides no-cost employment opportunities through the coordination of networking events and online social networking tools. Pacific Gateway will promote the Hire-A-Hero program and educate employers about the impacts to veterans through the Hire Heroes Act of 2011, which provides additional incentives (tax credits) for the hiring of veterans.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on December 20, 2012.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on January 8, 2013, in order to facilitate processing of required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient appropriation is budgeted in Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150 006) in the Department of Human Resources (HR). There is no impact to the General Fund. Approval of this recommendation will provide additional assistance to local businesses with business/job retention.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DEBORAH R. MILLS
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER