Title
Shared Governance Agreement with Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board (Ordinance S-51674) - Citywide
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee to enter into the Shared Governance Agreement (SGA) between the Phoenix City Council and the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board (Board) that describes the entities and responsibilities involved with the shared governance of the local workforce development area.
Report
Summary
The Board is a local workforce development board established by federal law in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). As stated in WIOA Section 107(d) and 20 CFR 679.370, the chief elected official(s) and the Board share responsibilities for key Board functions, including the development and submission of the local plan, program oversight, negotiation of local performance accountability measures, selection of service providers (such as one-stop operators and eligible providers of workforce services), and approval of the budget for the Board's activities.
Per WIOA, the chief elected official(s) and the Board must enter into a written agreement, commonly referred to as a "local governance agreement," which outlines and describes how the parties will collaborate to fulfill their individual and shared governance responsibilities. Additionally, the agreement must specify Board membership criteria, the process for establishing local policies, and protocols for communication with the elected officials and the public.
On December 1, 2019, the Phoenix City Council and the Board entered into a written agreement referred to as the "Shared Local Governance Agreement," which defines the roles and responsibilities of each party in governing the Phoenix local workforce development area. The agreement must be updated to reflect changes to the Board, clarify processes and responsibilities, and ensure ongoing compliance with WIOA and applicable state policy requirements.
Proposed changes include updating the name of the agreement to align with state policy terminology as well as amending Board bylaws to further specify roles and responsibilities for Board, Providers, contractors and Fiscal Agent; composition and appointment procedures; and, establish requirements for regular updates to the chief elected official(s) on Board activities. Additional changes will include details on annual assessment of the accessibility of all one-stop centers and responsibility for system coordination. The SGA will also establish a process for resolving conflicts between the Board and the chief elected official(s) through collaborative discussion.
Contract Term
Upon execution, this agreement will remain in effect until the dissolution of the Board, discontinuation of funding from the State or U.S. Department of Labor, or amendment or termination by mutual agreement of the parties, as consistent with WIOA requirements.
Financial Impact
There is no impact to the General Fund as a result of this action.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee meeting recommended approval of this item on February 12, 2025 by a vote of 3-0.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager John Chan and the Community and Economic Development Department.