TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all documents with the County of Orange/Orange County Workforce Investment Board to receive Workforce Investment Act funds up to $180,000 for a Veterans Employment Assistance Program; and to execute any needed subsequent amendments. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The County of Orange/Orange County Workforce Investment Board (OCWIB) submitted a grant proposal to the State's Labor and Workforce Development Agency to implement a regional approach to the delivery of services to veterans returning from deployment. OCWIB received notice in June that the project application was funded for $400,000 over a two-year period. Of that amount, Pacific Gateway will receive up to $180,000.
This regional project will serve 80 veterans through a comprehensive approach to addressing employment transition and re-entry into the local workforce in high-demand occupations. Services including employment assistance, training opportunities and social services, will be provided through a collaborative partnership among one-stop career centers in the region, military institutions, veterans service organizations, public and private education agencies, labor organizations, economic development and business services, and public and non-profit agencies providing specialized support services.
Pacific Gateway will target outreach and recruitment to returning veterans and coordinate the provision of services for an estimated 40 veterans through its career centers in Long Beach, Torrance, and San Pedro.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on July 16, 2013 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on July 19, 2013.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on August 13, 2013, in order to facilitate processing of required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
Veterans' Employment-Related Assistance Program (VEAP) grants are funded by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Through its partnership with OCWIB, Pacific Gateway will receive up to $180,000 in VEAP funds. The grant funding is currently budgeted in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Department of Human Resources (HR). An in-kind match commitment of $140,000 will be met by existing staff time and program services budgeted in SR 150 in HR. Approval of this recommendation will result in employment preparation, placement, and retention services to 40 resident veterans.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DEBORAH R. MILLS
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER