August 20, 2002

REPORT IN BRIEF

The State of California has issued a directive setting forth requirements for requesting Rapid Response funding for the current program year. These funds are used to provide immediate assistance to local companies experiencing reductions in their workforce and are also used to provide funding for the evaluation of industry trends and employment opportunities. Staff recommends that the Sunnyvale City Council on behalf of the NOVA seven city consortium, approve NOVA’s application for Rapid Response funding in the amount of $757,731.

In addition, staff recommends that if the grant is funded, the City Manager be authorized to accept the funds and execute the necessary agreement with the State. 

BACKGROUND

Each year, for the past eight years, the State has designated a pool of Dislocated Worker funds for local Rapid Response activities.  Activities include planning and delivering services to enable dislocated workers to transition to new employment as quickly as possible, following either a permanent closure or mass layoff, or a natural or other disaster resulting in a mass job dislocation.

On June 25, 2002, the State issued a directive for Rapid Response applications.  The directive encourages local areas to apply for FY 2001-02 Rapid Response funding at a level not to exceed 150 percent of expenditures at March 31 and also allows further applications for more funding based on potential events.

The proposed activities are consistent with the City of Sunnyvale's Socio-Economic Goal 5.1F: Provide job training and employment services within constraints of operative, federal regulations and available federal funding, to address the locally-determined employment and training needs of economically disadvantaged residents and others with special needs.

DISCUSSION

The NOVA staff has prepared its application for Rapid Response funding.  The application includes the required services, as stated in the Workforce Investment Act, including onsite contacts, information and access to services to affected workers, and appropriate emergency assistance.  In addition, NOVA has traditionally used a portion of the funds to fund its Labor Market Information Plus (LMI+) project, which evaluates industry trends and employment opportunities to assist businesses in being competitive in their industries.  The total amount requested is $757,731.

This year’s budget, in addition to Rapid Response and LMI+ staffing, includes funding for the development of a Workforce Performance Index, on-site workshops for companies experiencing workforce reductions, a Job Search Skills Quick Reference publication, support for the state CCOIS LMI project, marketing of one-stop services, and videotaping of LMI+ forums.

The NOVA Workforce Board, which met on July 24, 2002, has approved and authorized NOVA staff to submit the application for Rapid Response funding for FY 02-03.

Fiscal Impact

There will be no fiscal impact to the City because funds received will offset program expenditures.

PUBLIC CONTACT

1. Public meeting of the NOVA Workforce Board Meeting on July 24, 2002.

2. Public contact was made through posting of the Council agenda on the City's official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the City's web page, the availability of the report in the Library and City Clerk's Office.

ALTERNATIVES

1. Council approves the application for Rapid Response funding in the amount of $757,731.

2. Council rejects application for Rapid Response funding in the amount of $757,731.

3. Other action as determined by Council.

RECOMMENDATIONS

It is recommended by staff that the Sunnyvale City Council on behalf of the NOVA seven city consortium adopt Alternative 1: Council approves the application for Rapid Response funding in the amount of $757,731.  It is further recommended that if the grant is funded, the City Manager be authorized to accept the funds and execute the necessary agreement with the State.

Prepared by:
Jeanette Langdell, Employment Training Manager
Department of Employment Development 

Reviewed by:
Michael J. Curran, Director
Department of Employment Development

Approved by:
Robert S. LaSala
City Manager