Title
2024-28 Local Workforce Development Area Plan - Citywide
Description
Request approval of the Local Workforce Development Area Plan (Local Plan) for years 2024-28 and to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to submit the approved Local Plan to the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO), on behalf of the Workforce Arizona Council, by November 2, 2024.
Report
Summary
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the federal law that governs the ARIZONA@WORK system, which integrates services to support businesses and job seekers through strategic cross-sector partnerships. ARIZONA@WORK connects workforce, education, and economic development entities to ensure the strategic leveraging of resources and optimize results. This comprehensive system provides access to employment, education, training, and support services to meet the needs of businesses and individuals alike. Per WIOA Section 102 and 20 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Sections 670.500-506, the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board (Board), in collaboration with the City of Phoenix Mayor and Council (Chief Elected Officials), is required to develop and submit a comprehensive four-year Local Plan addressing the current and projected needs of the ARIZONA@WORK City of Phoenix system. The law emphasizes the importance of collaboration and transparency throughout the Local Plan development and submission process.
The Local Plan serves as a four-year strategic blueprint designed to align and integrate service delivery strategies and resources across the ARIZONA@WORK City of Phoenix system. It supports the visions, goals, and strategies outlined in Arizona's State Plan, operating as a business-led, results-oriented, and integrated system. The plan incorporates an in-depth analysis of current and projected economic conditions in Phoenix, including in-demand industries and occupations, as well as short-term employment projections. It outlines strategies to meet the needs of job seekers, businesses, and dislocated workers while fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in alignment with national and statewide workforce goals. As required by WIOA Section 108(a) and (b) and 20 CFR 679.560, the plan reflects a thorough evaluation of economic trends and is the result of collaboration with workforce partners, education providers, and other key stakeholders. The Local Plan was available for public comment on the ARIZONA@WORK City of Phoenix website from September 23 through October 3, 2024.
Developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Board, workforce partners, education providers, and residents of Phoenix, the Local Plan aligns with the workforce goals of the Workforce Arizona Council and the City's Community and Economic Development strategic plan. Upon approval, the Local Plan will be effective on January 1, 2025.
Financial Impact
There is no impact on the General Fund as a result of this action.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The 2024-28 Local Plan was approved by the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board for submission to OEO, on behalf of the Workforce Arizona Council, for review on September 25, 2024.
The 2024-28 Local Plan was recommended for approval and submission to OEO by the Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee on October 9, 2024.
The 2024-28 Local Plan was approved for submission to OEO by the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board Executive Leadership Committee on October 10, 2024.
Public Outreach
The Draft Local Plan is available electronically via the ARIZONA@WORK website (https://arizonaatwork.com/locations/city-phoenix/plans). Opportunities for input were promoted through social media and media platforms, as well as at public meetings, community events, and other outreach efforts from September 23, 2024 to October 3, 2024.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager John Chan and the Community and Economic Development Department.