TITLE
WITHDRAWN
Recommendation to increase appropriations in the General Fund Group in the Economic Development Department by $25,000, offset by the Sixth Council District One-time District Priority Funds transferred from the Citywide Activities Department to fund bilingual workforce and economic development support in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic emergency; and
Decrease appropriations in the General Fund Group in the Citywide Activities Department by $25,000 to offset a transfer to the Economic Development Department.
DISCUSSION
On March 4, 2020, the City of Long Beach (City) declared local health and City emergencies to strengthen the City's preparedness and ability to respond to COVID-19 pandemic. This was followed on March 16, 2020 by a "Safer at Home Order for Control of COVID-19" (Health Order) issued by the City's Health Officer to enact protective measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. Despite these live-saving actions, the number of infected individuals in the City is once again increasing leading to a stricter health order that is hindering the economic well-being of businesses, non-essential workers, and thus, households. Those whose first language is not English are struggling daily in being able to comply with required protocols to operate businesses, apply for grants and economic resources, and being in the know of the local health order which can at times differ from the County.
This allocation to the Economic Development Department will fund support of a temporary bilingual intern that at the direction of the Department, will focus on providing workforce and economic development resources in the Central area of Long Beach.
This matter was reviewed by Budget Manager Grace H. Yoon on November 24, 2020.
FISCAL IMPACT
This recommendation provides District Priority Funds to support bilingual workforce and economic development support in central Long Beach. The total appropriation of $25,000 in the General Fund Group in the Economic Development Department will be offset by the Sixth Council District One-time District Priority Funds in the General Fund Group in the Citywide Activities Department. The recommendation is anticipated to require a minimal level of staff hours beyond the budgeted scope of duties and is expected to have a minimal impact on existing City Council priorities.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DEE ANDREWS VICE MAYOR,
SIXTH DISTRICT