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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing September 2026 as Workforce Development Month in Solano County (Supervisor Williams)
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Workforce Development Board (WDB) of Solano County recommends the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution recognizing September 2026 as Workforce Development Month in Solano County.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
National Workforce Development Month was first declared in 2005 to promote the American workforce and acknowledge the crucial role workforce development plays in growing the U.S. economy. September 2026 marks 21 years of recognizing the people, programs and partnerships that drive opportunity and economic mobility across the country.
In FY2025/26, over 15,000 individuals received basic employment services from Solano County’s America’s Job Centers of California, over 400 individuals received intensive employment services, and approximately 400 businesses received services from the WDB. The WDB works with numerous partners to provide services through the Job Center system. In addition, the WDB collaborates with local educational agencies, area unions, local governments, local businesses, community-based organizations, and faith-based organizations to support workers in attaining family sustaining wages, while ensuring businesses find the skilled workforce needed to compete in the regional economy.
Beginning in late 2025, Solano County experienced a series of significant business closures and workforce reductions that resulted in multiple Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filings and displaced workers across several of the county’s largest industries. The WDB responded by meeting the increased demand for its services across the community. Staff delivered Rapid Response sessions to inform affected workers of the assistance available to them. Additionally, the WDB pursued and secured grant funding so those impacted by the closures could access the training, credentials and supportive services needed to return to work. Funding was also made available to small businesses affected by these closures so they could adapt their operations and retain their employees.
As the local economy continues to adjust, the WDB remains positioned to respond to emerging needs while maintaining the full range of services the community relies on. The success of the workforce development system in Solano County could not be achieved without the dedicated workforce development professionals employed at the WDB and throughout the County’s workforce partners.
In recognition of Workforce Development Month, the WDB hosted Celebrating Solano’s Workforce Gala on September 16, 2026, with sponsorship by Kaiser Permanente. The evening brought together employers, educators, labor and community partners, elected officials and workforce professionals to honor Solano County’s Workforce Heroes and to highlight the importance of talent to the county’s economic and community development. The program featured a keynote address from Fairfield native Desmond Bishop, former Green Bay Packers linebacker and Super Bowl XLV champion. He is also the founder of the Desmond Bishop Foundation, which supports at risk youth in Solano County.
The WDB is requesting that the Board of Supervisors adopt the attached resolution designating September 2026 as “Workforce Development Month” to recognize the vital role that Solano County’s workforce development system plays within our community and the impact it has on economic and community vitality.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The WDB staff time associated with the planned workforce month activities and preparing this is budgeted within the organization’s FY2026/27 Working Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2026/27 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to adopt the resolution. This is not recommended because the resolution provides an opportunity to further raise awareness of the County’s public workforce development system and to recognize the staff dedicated to building and maintaining the county’s talent infrastructure.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION