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Adopt a resolution accepting a multi-year Tipping Point Community Emergency Relief Fund grant in the amount of $500,000 for the period of April 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019 on behalf of the Workforce Development Board (WDB) of Solano County; Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) to recognize unanticipated revenue in an amount of $30,340 for FY2017/18 (4/5 vote required); and Authorize the Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board to execute the grant agreement
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The WDC recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Adopt a resolution accepting a multi-year Tipping Point Community Emergency Relief Fund grant in the amount of $500,000 for the period of April 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019 on behalf of the Workforce Development Board (WDB) of Solano County;
2. Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) to recognize unanticipated revenue in an amount of $30,340 for FY2017/18 (4/5 vote required); and
3. Authorize the Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board to execute the grant agreement.
SUMMARY:
On March 30, 2018, the WDB was awarded a $500,000 grant from Tipping Point Community Emergency Relief Fund to fund targeted employment services for Solano residents affected by the North Bay Fires of October 2018. The grant award period is from April 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019. WDB is requesting the Board’s formal adoption of a resolution accepting this grant.
The purpose of the Emergency Relief Fund grant is to help reconnect individuals whose livelihood was affected by the North Bay Fires through job connections, business development, and skills enhancement. Project services will include short-term training, job coaching, and wrap-around services to not only get individuals back to work quickly, but also set the stage for long-term sustainable employment with family-sustaining wages. The project will also support Solano County small businesses to take advantage of fire rebuilding contracts, thereby expanding the job opportunities for Solano residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There will be no financial impact to the County General Fund. These grant funds will increase the WDB budget for FY2017/18 by $30,340 (Appropriation Transfer Request), FY2018/19 by $328,640 (included in the FY2018/19 Requested Budget), and FY2019/20 by $141,020.
DISCUSSION:
The WDB worked with First 5 Solano to develop the program design. The grant includes a sub-contract with California Employment Development Department (EDD) to identify and analyze Unemployment Insurance (UI) recipients affected by the fires.
Solano County workers were impacted by the North Bay Fires with over 1,700 residents becoming displaced as a result, equating to 10% of commuters to Sonoma and Napa counties. The WDB will work with EDD to conduct outreach to fire-impacted recipients of UI benefits as well as target outreach materials to those that were affected by the fires.
WDB staff will collaborate with the business community, community organizations, trades associations and unions, the state, training providers, and other North Bay workforce boards to ensure the services provided individuals effectively aid in their recovery and that the employment and training solutions match the fire rebuilding needs of the North Bay. Based on proactive industry knowledge, the WDB will partner with training providers and organizations to offer short-term training that supports fire rebuilding, targeting those individuals displaced from the fires as well as potential fire recovery employers to maximize job creation opportunities. Staff will maintain partnership with the business community to stay up-to-date on fire rebuilding efforts in order to ensure occupational certifications stay ahead of market needs.
Those attending training will be given Career in Focus job coaching. Career in Focus will guide individuals on how to turn the short-term opportunity into more sustainable employment, provide job search assistance such as resume review and interviewing skills, fund tools or work equipment as needed, and include referrals to community resources for general supportive needs. For those that need more than a light touch, staff will enroll individuals into more intensive case management and wrap-around services to address any barriers to employment. In concurrence to the individual services provided, staff will work with businesses to develop employment opportunities rebuilding communities after the fires.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board can choose not to approve this resolution. However, this will prevent the WDB from receiving funding from the Tipping Point Community Emergency Relief Fund and may affect the potential to receive future awards from this foundation.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION