TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and all necessary documents or subcontracts including any subsequent amendments extending the grant term or changing the amount of the award, with the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB), to accept and spend up to $868,684, and to subcontract with the Southeast Los Angeles County (SELACO) Workforce Development Board to receive $267,155 in Regional Equity and Recovery Partnership (RERP) grant funds to produce and implement regional workforce development plans with cooperative service delivery strategies and arrangements, for the period of January 1, 2023, through October 31, 2025; and
Increase appropriations in the Community Grants Fund Group in the Economic Development Department by $868,684, offset by grant reimbursement revenues. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into a contract with the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) to accept funds up to $868,684, and subcontract with Southeast Los Angeles County (SELACO) Workforce Development Board to receive $267,155 in Regional Equity and Recovery Partnership (RERP) grant funds to produce and implement regional workforce development plans with cooperative service delivery strategies and arrangements.
The State has assigned each Local Workforce Development Area (LWDA) and Workforce Development Board (WDB) in California to one of 15 regional planning areas based on similar economic and labor characteristics, to produce and implement regional workforce development plans with cooperative service delivery strategies and arrangements. The seven LWDAs and WDBs in Los Angeles County (Burbank/Glendale/Verdugo/La Canada Flintridge, Pacific Gateway Workforce Innovation Network/City of Long Beach, City of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles, Foothill/Pasadena, South Bay, and Southeast Los Angeles County) collectively constitute one region for planning and implementation purposes under the official title, Los Angeles Basin Regional Planning Unit (LABRPU).
On February 15, 2022, the CWDB announced a $24 million Regional Equity and Recovery Partnership (RERP) grant competition to fund Regional Planning Units (RPUs) that join forces with community college consortia in devising solutions to the barriers marginalized populations routinely face in acquiring the knowledge, credentials, and work experience for securing stable and well-paid jobs in the labor market. RERP also assists communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and where job losses were prevalent. Among the RERP interventions include short-term education, adult basic education, sector-based training, on-the-job training, paid internships/work experience, apprenticeships, supportive services/income supports, counseling and mentoring, and job placement.
These funds will assist Pacific Gateway to improve job quality and job access for individuals from underserved and underrepresented populations, meet the skill and profitability needs of employers and meet the economic social and environmental needs of the community. Pacific Gateway will partner with Long Beach City College to deliver and provide training in healthcare, transportation, distribution, and logistics. SELACO will provide program coordination and management, data collection and partner with Cerritos College to provide training in supply chain logistics.
Pacific Gateway administers the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and other employment and training funds received annually by the City of Long Beach (City). These funds support job training programs and business services delivered by the WorkPlace, Youth Opportunity Center, Harbor Gateway WorkSource Center, and selected community-based organizations, to assist residents in acquiring skills leading to employment in high-demand occupations with local employers.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Monica Kilaita on March 4, 2023 and by Budget Operations and Development Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on April 3, 2023.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on April 18, 2023, to facilitate the processing of required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
Pacific Gateway anticipates receiving grant reimbursement revenue in an amount not to exceed $868,684 for the period January 1, 2023 through October 31, 2025. An appropriation increase is requested in an amount of $868,684 in the Community Development Fund Group in the Economic Development Department, offset by grant revenue. These funds will leverage programs currently operated by Pacific Gateway and in-kind services equivalent to $253,625 are required as a part of the award. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. Approval of this recommendation will result in employment preparation, placement, training, supportive services, and retention services to several thousand residents.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
BO MARTINEZ
DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER