Title
2024-28 Local Workforce Development Area Plan
Description
Request the Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee recommend approval of the Local Workforce Development Area Plan (Local Plan) for Program Years 2024-2028 and authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to submit the approved Local Plan to the Workforce Arizona Council, the statewide workforce board, by November 2, 2024.
THIS ITEM IS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION.
Report
Summary
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the federal law that governs the ARIZONA@WORK system and it is designed to integrate services to support businesses and job seekers through strategic cross-sector partnerships. It envisions connecting workforce, education, and economic development entities to ensure strategic leveraging of resources and optimum results. The law addresses the needs of customers through a comprehensive system that provides access to employment, education, training and support services. Section 102 of WIOA and 20 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 679.500-560 requires the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board (Board) to develop and submit to the State, in partnership with the City of Phoenix Mayor and Council (Chief Elected Officials), a comprehensive four-year Local Plan on the current and projected needs of the ARIZONA@WORK City of Phoenix system. The law emphasizes the importance of collaboration and transparency in the development and submission of the Local Plan.
The Local Plan is a four-year action plan to develop, align, and integrate service delivery strategies and resources across the ARIZONA@WORK City of Phoenix system. The Local Plan must support achievement of Arizona's vision, goals, and strategies as outlined in the State Plan and is implemented as a business-led, results-oriented, and integrated system. It includes an in-depth analysis of current economic conditions in Phoenix and considers the economic and employment trends over the Local Plan's life. The economic conditions analysis includes an evaluation of in-demand industries and occupations in Phoenix, as well as strategies to meet the needs of job seekers and employers. This is described in WIOA Section 108 (a) and the contents of the Local Plan are described in WIOA Section 108 (b) and 20 CFR 679.560.
The Local Workforce Plan for 2024-28 incorporates the current economic landscape and short term economic and employment projections to outline strategies for workforce programs serving adults, youth, and dislocated workers. The plan focuses on enhancing employment opportunities, supporting local businesses, and fostering economic growth in alignment with nation and state workforce goals. The Plans has been available for public comment on the Arizona at Work City of Phoenix website September 23 through October 3, 2024.
The Local Plan was developed in collaboration with stakeholders and includes input from the Board, workforce partners, education providers, and residents of Phoenix. The Local Plan supports the workforce goals of the Workforce Arizona Council as well as the City's Community and Economic Development strategic plan.
If approved, the Local Plan will be effective on January 1, 2025.
Financial Impact
There is no impact to the General Fund as a result of this action.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The 2024-28 Local Workforce Development Area Plan was approved by the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board on September 25, 2024.
Public Outreach
The Local Workforce Development Area Plan was made available to the public electronically (https://arizonaatwork.com/locations/city-phoenix/plans), through social media platforms, and by other means such as open meetings and news media from September 23 to October 3.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager John Chan and the Community and Economic Development Department.