Title
Request Authorization to Submit Local Workforce Development Area Plan 2020-2024 to Workforce Arizona Council
Description
Request City Council approval of the Local Workforce Development Area Plan for Program Years 2020-2024 and authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to submit the approved plan to the Workforce Arizona Council by Oct. 1, 2020.
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 establishing a comprehensive system that provides access to employment, education, training and support services. Section 108 of WIOA and 20 CFR 679.500-560 requires that each Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB) develop and submit to the State, in partnership with the Chief Elected Official(s), a comprehensive four-year plan on the current and projected needs of the local area’s ARIZONA@WORK system. The law emphasizes the importance of collaboration and transparency in the development and submission of the plan.
The Local Plan is a four-year action plan to develop, align, and integrate service delivery strategies and resources across the ARIZONA@WORK system in a Local Workforce Development Area (LWDA). 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. This is described at WIOA Section 108(a), and the contents of the Local Plan are described at WIOA Section 108(b) and 20 CFR 679.560.
The Phoenix Business and Workforce Development (PBWD) Board and ARIZONA@WORK City of Phoenix, representing the LWDA have collaborated on the design of this Local Plan, effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2024. In accordance with the Local Plan, the Chief Elected Official will receive regular briefings on milestones and achievements throughout the period of the plan. The Local Plan has been informed by workforce professionals, including representatives from WIOA core programs; Title IB. adult, dislocated worker, and youth programs; Title II adult education and literacy programs; Title III Wagner-Peyser program; and Title IV vocational rehabilitation program, in addition to other stakeholders who furnish services in support of the workforce development system design by the PBWD Board to guide responsive services and programs.
The Local Plan focuses on several strategic goals. Drive economic mobility and impact, including the strategy of "invest in educational programs that lead to pre-defined, sustainable Career Pathways and business competitiveness." Making ARIZONA@WORK the recognized workforce authority in the region by identifying and reaching the populations we intend to serve and connecting them with resources and services, as well as focusing on the funds, tools and resources to serve people who need assistance in acquiring credentials and work. The plan is a commitment to serve those individuals facing barriers to employment means bridging the gap between workforce needs and current educational attainment. The Local Plan is intended to be a living document that guides the PBWD Board in the oversight and design of services that meaningfully bridge the gap in educational attainment to serve the needs of the five targeted industry sectors identified for the City.
Financial Impact
There is no impact to the General Fund as a result of this action.
Location
Council District: Citywide
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Local Workforce Development Area Plan 2020-2024 was approved by the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board on July 9, 2020.
Public Outreach
The Local Workforce Development Area Plan was made available to the public electronically, through social media platforms, and by other means such as open meetings and local news media from June 23, 2020 through July 7, 2020. A full copy of the Local Workforce Development Area Plan can be viewed at: https://arizonaatwork.com/locations/city-phoenix/plans.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Jeff Barton and the Community and Economic Development Department.