October 12, 2004
SUBJECT: Authorization for NOVA to Apply for Rapid Response Special Projects Funding in an Amount Not to Exceed $250,000
REPORT IN BRIEF
The State of California has issued guidelines for submitting applications for funding of special Rapid Response projects for allowable rapid response activities. Allowable activities may include the provision of labor market research. The NOVA Workforce Board Strategic Plan calls for the creation of a Labor Market Information Plus (LMI+) study that captures information relative to non-technology-based, high-wage jobs. It is recommended that the Sunnyvale City Council concur with the NOVA Workforce Board and authorize staff to submit an application for Rapid Response Special Projects funding in an amount not to exceed $250,000 in order to develop an LMI+ report to focus on high-wage occupations that fall outside of the traditional high-tech sector.
BACKGROUND
After awarding Rapid Response (RR) baseline funding, the State has available approximately $3 million for RR Special Project applications that meet specified criteria. These projects are expected to address additional needs of the community, beyond the baseline efforts, that fall within the allowable RR activities as defined in the Workforce Investment Act regulations. Each Workforce Investment Area may receive only one RR special grant, which will not exceed $250,000. Proposals that the State rates highly will be funded. Proposals are rated on return on investment (past performance, cost effectiveness, outcomes) and on ability to meet the priorities recommended by the California Workforce Investment Board, which include layoff aversion, innovation, small business services, and regional impact.
The NOVA Workforce Board Strategic Plan proposed a number of labor market information (LMI) activities, dependent on funding. A Workforce Board task force was convened to review the projects in the plan, as well as other potential projects. One project is to create a new LMI+ study that captures where non-technology-based, high-wage jobs are and their access points. The task force recommended pursuing funding for this project. The NOVA Workforce Board Executive Committee approved submission of this proposal at its meeting of September 15, 2004.
EXISTING POLICY
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
While Silicon Valley may always be reliant on hardware, software, and the industries that support these technologies, it has been slowly evolving to an industrial base that is significantly less entrenched within high technology. The regional workforce must adapt to these new realities, and the proposed LMI+ report will help workers, businesses, and educators to explore high-wage occupations that fall outside the traditional high-tech sector.
Similar to NOVA’s traditional LMI+ publications, this report will conduct qualitative studies of a select number of identified occupations, track their respective career paths, and share personalized accounts of individuals currently holding these positions. Where it will stray from the traditional model is in the breadth of industries from which the occupations are found and the emphasis on alternative routes of career preparation, particularly apprenticeship programs.
The funding priorities established by the State Board for RR special project funds encourage the establishment of partnerships with private organizations to gather information on changing workforce needs to ensure that WIA-funded training is current and relevant.
Fiscal Impact
There will be no fiscal impact to the City because funds received will offset program expenditures.
PUBLIC CONTACT
1. 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 and the availability of the report in the Library and City Clerk's Office.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Council approves submission of a proposal to the State of California for Rapid Response Special Projects funding in an amount not to exceed $250,000.
2. Council rejects submission of the proposal to the State of California.
3. Other action as determined by Council.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended by staff that the Sunnyvale City Council, on behalf of the NOVA seven-city consortium, concur with the decision of the NOVA Workforce Board and adopt Alternative 1: Council approves submission of a proposal to the State of California for Rapid Response Special Projects funding in an amount not to exceed $250,000. It is further recommended that, should the grant be awarded, the City Manager or his designee be authorized to execute the necessary grant agreement relative to this grant.
Reviewed by:
Michael J. Curran
Director
Department of Employment Development
Prepared by:
Jeanette Langdell
Employment Training Manager
Approved by:
Amy Chan
City Manager