To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: Agreement for the Administration of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
☒ Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
AUTHORIZE the Chair of the Board of Supervisors to sign the Amended and Restated Memorandum of Understanding agreement between the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (WDB) and the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors (BOS),
setting forth their respective roles and responsibilities pursuant to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, for a term beginning March 25, 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for this action.
BACKGROUND:
This agreement reflects the shared objectives of the Workforce Development Board (WDB) and the Board of Supervisors (BOS) to establish and maintain an effective workforce development system that benefits the residents of Contra Costa County. Through this partnership, the BOS and WDB affirm their commitment to administering the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), its regulations, and any related directives issued by the Governor and the California Workforce Development Board, with the goal of ensuring the effective implementation of WIOA programs.
Initially approved by the Board on July 20, 2004, this agreement has not been updated since its adoption. To address legislative and regulatory changes enacted over the years, a redlined version was developed, and the agreement has been amended and restated accordingly.
The Workforce Development Board recommends approval of the Amended and Restated Agreement as presented. Approval of this item will authorize its submission to the Employment Development Department, thereby completing the Local Area Designation and Recertification process required under WIOA.
The amended agreement clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of both the Workforce Development Board and the Board of Supervisors in administering WIOA. The Chief Elected Official (CEO) plays a key role in governing and overseeing the local workforce development system. Under WIOA, the CEO's responsibilities include:
1. Appointment of local WDB members,
2. Approval of the Local Plan,
3. Oversight of WDB activities,
4. Financial accountability,
5. Coordination with the WDB Chair, and
6. Selection of the Fiscal Agent.
Similarly, WIOA outlines specific roles for local WDB members, including:
1. Strategic planning,
2. Oversight of the workforce system,
3. Development of career pathways,
4. Performance monitoring and accountability,
5. Regional coordination,
6. Employer engagement,
7. Policy and program development, and
8. Resource allocation.
These responsibilities ensure that the WDB serves as a central force in fostering workforce development activities that align with local economic needs while enhancing employment opportunities and skills development for job seekers.
This agreement supersedes Contra Costa County Resolution 2000/342, dated May 9, 2000 and will be effective on the date upon which the BOS approves and authorizes this agreement.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
The County will face challenges in delivering sufficient workforce development activities to job seekers (adults and youths) and businesses.
CHILDREN’S IMPACT STATEMENT:
This staff report supports three of the five of Contra Costa County’s community outcomes: (3) "Families that are Economically Self-Sufficient"; (4) "Families that are Safe, Stable and Nurturing"; and (5) "Communities that are Safe and Provide a High Quality of Life for Children and Families” by providing career support services for families of adult and dislocated workers.