Title
Authorization to Enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Arizona Early Childhood Development Board to Administer an Airport Worker Childcare Scholarship Program (Ordinance S-48486)
Description
Request authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Board (known as First Things First) to administer a childcare scholarship program for airport workers. As part of the IGA, the City of Phoenix and First Things First agree to save and hold harmless, defend and indemnify each other from claims resulting from either’s or wrongful acts or omissions. Per City Code 42-20, indemnification of another public entity requires approval from the City Council. Further request to authorize the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item. Funding is available through the City’s allocation of the American Rescue Act Plan (ARPA) funding received from the federal government and is under the Aviation Childcare program of the ARPA strategic plan.
Report
Summary
The aviation industry has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the most significant challenges to the return to normal operation has been the hiring and retention of airport workers. To assist in mitigating these impacts at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the City Council allocated $4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to establish a childcare scholarship program for airport workers that would support eligible participating families in returning to work.
To administer the program and ensure that funds are being directed to those most in need, the Aviation Department is seeking to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with First Things First, the statewide organization tasked with funding early education programs for children age birth to five-years-old. Using the established framework of First Things First's Quality First scholarship program and childcare star rating system, the airport worker childcare scholarship program will allow eligible airport workers whose families are low income (at 200 percent or below the federal poverty level) to receive scholarships for childcare. As part of this agreement, First Things First will verify income eligibility for the program, distribute funds to eligible families, and provide reporting on program participation.
Due to the lack of childcare options in the immediate vicinity of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, eligible families will be able to use the scholarships at any eligible Quality First childcare program in Maricopa County.
Contract Term
The contract term will be for two years from the date this agreement is enacted by the parties, with one, one-year option to extend.
Financial Impact
The program will be funded with $4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, from the City's ARPA strategic plan.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The City Council approved ARPA Strategic Plan Update, which included the childcare scholarship program on Sept. 21, 2021.
Location
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport - 3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd.
Council District: 8
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and the Aviation Department.