TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all documents with the City of Los Angeles to receive $100,000 in support of strategies for layoff aversion and business outreach; execute all documents with initiative partners in an amount not to exceed $90,000; execute any needed subsequent amendments; and increase appropriations by $25,000 in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Human Resources Department (HR). (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
As the Workforce Investment Board's administering agency, Pacific Gateway administers the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and other employment and training funds awarded annually and throughout the year. In addition to funding training and placement-related services at Pacific Gateway's career centers, those funds support a myriad of business services that include appropriate response to companies undergoing downsizing and planning for future trends in regional industry sectors.
In 2010, Pacific Gateway funded organizations capable of providing layoff aversion/business retention services or industry cluster forums. Strategies were prioritized identifying at-risk businesses before they downsize or close, quickly linking those businesses to economic development assistance and resources to aid in retaining and strengthening the operation, and assembling diverse response teams as necessary.
Through that solicitation, Pacific Gateway funded a collaborative project of the San Pedro, Wilmington, Lomita and Long Beach Chambers of Commerce, and subsequently received partial funding assistance from the City of Los Angeles for that particular project.
For this project, Pacific Gateway will continue to provide services under these strategies through partnerships with those L.A.-based Chambers of Commerce. The City of Los Angeles will augment project strategies through the Harbor WorkSource Center by $100,000 to offset the costs of the following contracts:
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on July 18, 2011, and by Budget Management Officer, Victoria Bell on July 19, 2011.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on August 9, 2011 to facilitate processing of required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
The receipt of grant funds is not currently budgeted. Therefore, an appropriation increase of $25,000 in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Human Resources Department (HR) is requested as part of the recommended action for Fiscal Year 2011 (FY 11). The remaining appropriation of $75,000 will be included as part of the Fiscal Year 12 (FY 12) budget process. There is no impact to the General Fund. Approval of this recommendation will provide additional assistance to local businesses.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DEBORAH R. MILLS
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER