REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL April 22, 2021 FROM: LUPE PEREZ, Director Economic Development Department BY: KELLY TREVINO, Economic Development Analyst Economic Development Department SUBJECT ..Title Approve and authorize the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board's application through the California Workforce Development Board for Local Board Certification for the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2023. ..Body RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board's application through the California Workforce Development Board (State Board) for Local Board Certification for the period of July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2023. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The California Workforce Development Board (State Board) and the Employment Development Department (EDD), acting under the authority of the Governor, released a directive on February 22, 2021, that established policies and procedures for the subsequent designation of local areas and recertification of local boards. To be eligible for subsequent designation and board recertification, the Local Board must meet the following criteria and submit the Local Area designation and Local Board Recertification application: 1) Meet the Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA) Local Board membership requirements, 2) Meet or exceeded performance accountability measures, 3) Achieve sustained fiscal integrity and 4) Engage in Regional Planning. The Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board (FRWDB) has met all of the required criteria. The completed application has been attached for your consideration. The WIOA requires that the Local Board and the Chief Local Elected Official(s) (CEOs) for the Local Workforce Area approve and execute the application. The directive requires applications to be submitted to the state by March 31, 2021. In the event the Local Area is unable to obtain local approval by the submission deadline, the FRWDB may submit an unsigned copy of the application with an explanation for the absent signature(s) and the date by which the signed original will be sent. Local Areas will not receive full subsequent designation status until the signed application is submitted to the state. At the April 21, 2021 FRWDB Executive Committee meeting, the Chair will sign the application. Upon the City's approval of this item, the signed application will be submitted to the State Board before the June 30, 2021, deadline. BACKGROUND WIOA Section 106 required Local Areas to apply for initial designation and required the Governor to approve requests for Local Areas that were designated as a Local Area under WIA, performed successfully, and had sustained fiscal integrity. After the period for which a Local Area was initially designated, WIOA Section 106 calls for a subsequent designation process and requires the Governor to approve a request for subsequent designation from a Local Area if the area performed successfully, sustained fiscal integrity and engaged in the regional planning process. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS This item is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act. LOCAL PREFERENCE Local preference was not implemented because this item does not include an award of a service or construction contract. FISCAL IMPACT There is no net City cost associated with the recommended action, as this is an application for a designation and has no monetary considerations. Attachment: WDB Certification