TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents, and any needed subsequent amendments, with the U.S. Department of Labor to receive up to $1,000,000 in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds to implement the Pathways to Justice Careers for Youth Program, for the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019; and
Increase appropriations in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Economic and Property Development Department (EP) by $1,000,000, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Pacific Gateway administers WIOA and other employment and training funds received annually by the City. Those funds support job training programs and business services delivered by the Career Transition Center, Harbor Gateway WorkSource Center, and selected community-based organizations to assist local residents acquire skills leading to employment in high demand occupations with local employers.
In May of 2016, Pacific Gateway submitted a grant request to the U.S. Department of Labor seeking funds to support a youth program that would enroll and serve approximately 250 youth. The Long Beach Pathways to Justice Careers for Youth Program (Program) is a collaborative where key stakeholders in the lives of young people convene with the intent to implement a project that supports at-risk and/or court-involved youth that are in school through: 1) exposure to the career fields of justice and emergency services, 2) mentoring to encourage participants to complete a high school diploma, and 3) supportive services that deter them from engaging or re-engaging with the criminal justice system. Additional components of the project include group circle/job club and placement services. Pacific Gateway was recently notified that it was approved for $1,000,000 to administer the Program.
In support of the Program design, Pacific Gateway collaborated with City departments, as well as local employers, to meet goals and ensure that youth in most need are given access to services provided under this Program. Program partners include the City Prosecutor’s Office, Long Beach Unified School District, and Long Beach Memorial Medical Center.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on February 21, 2017 and by Budget Analysis Officer Julissa José-Murray on February 13, 2017.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on March 14, 2017, to facilitate processing of required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
This Pathways to Justice Careers for Youth Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Funds. Pacific Gateway will receive up to $1,000,000 in grant funds for the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019. Appropriation for the $1,000,000 is requested in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Economic and Property Development Department (EP). No City matching funds or in-kind services are required. Approval of this recommendation will result in employment preparation, placement, and retention services to 250 youth.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
JOHN KEISLER
DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC & PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER