REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Approve Application for Local Area Subsequent Designation for NOVA Workforce Development Area and Local Board Recertification for NOVA Workforce Board
Report
BACKGROUND
The federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA) stipulates the criteria for Local Workforce Area designation and local Workforce Board certification. WIOA required that local areas apply for initial Local Area designation, demonstrating that the local area performed successfully and sustained fiscal integrity, as defined by not in violation of significant findings from audits/reviews, gross negligence and failure to observe accepted standards of administration. Following initial designation, WIOA requires that local areas apply for subsequent designation, demonstrating that the local area is also in compliance with WIOA requirements and other federal and state laws and regulations; and has engaged in regional planning.
WIOA also mandates that Local Workforce Boards apply for initial certification and recertification, demonstrating compliance with WIOA membership requirements, in addition to the requirements described above. Membership requirements include a majority of members represent business; 20% represent the workforce that include services for individuals with barriers to employment, organized labor, and labor/management apprenticeship programs; and there is representation from adult and higher education and economic and community development.
On Feb. 10 and 24, 2015, the Council approved the initial certification of the NOVA Workforce Board and a modified initial designation of the NOVA workforce area to add San Mateo County to the now eight-jurisdiction consortium. The consortium comprises the cities of Cupertino, Los Altos, Milpitas, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Santa Clara and Sunnyvale, and the County of San Mateo. On May 21, 2019, the Council approved the recertification of the NOVA Workforce Board and Local Area subsequent designation (with no changes to the local area). These applications were approved by the state.
California Workforce Services Draft Directive WSDD-219 requires that local areas must reapply for Local Area subsequent designation and Local Board recertification that will be effective July 1, 2021, for a two-year period, ending June 30, 2023.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Policy 5.1.1: Socio-Economic - Goals and Policies: Education and Training Goal 5.1F: Provide job training and employment services, within constraints of operative Federal regulations and available Federal funding, to address the locally-determined employment and training needs of economically disadvantaged residents and others with special needs.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental, organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment
DISCUSSION
NOVA intends to submit an application (Attachment 1) for Local Area subsequent designation for the NOVA workforce area and Local Board recertification for the NOVA Workforce Board. There are no proposed changes to the current eight-jurisdiction consortium. In addition, the NOVA workforce area has satisfied all requirements for subsequent designation. It has performed successfully as defined in the guidance as having met 80% of the negotiated performance goals in Program Year (PY) 2018/19 or PY 2019/20 for two performance indicators; sustained fiscal integrity through successful fiscal monitoring reports with no findings; adhered to “Local Area Assurances” by complying with all WIOA requirements, laws and regulations; and engaged in regional planning as part of the Bay-Peninsula workforce region, comprised of three Local Workforce Boards (San Francisco, NOVA, and San Jose-based work2future). This entailed successfully negotiating performance measures as a region, participating in the development of a regional plan, contributing to regular meetings with other neighboring Workforce Board directors, and partnering on the development of regional sector-based initiatives. The NOVA Workforce Board, appointed by the Council who serves as the local Chief Elected Official for the NOVA consortium, also satisfies all requirements for recertification and is in compliance with all mandated WIOA membership categories. There are currently three pending Board appointments, referenced in the application, who are participating in the application review process and expected to be agendized for Council approval in April.
On Feb. 17, 2021, the NOVA Workforce Board Executive Committee approved the application, on behalf of the full Board, for Local Area subsequent designation and Board recertification.
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, Sunnyvale Public Library and Department of Public Safety. In addition, the agenda and report are available at the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve application for Local Area subsequent designation for the NOVA workforce development area and Local Board recertification for the NOVA Workforce Board.
Staff
Prepared by: Eileen Stanly, Analyst, NOVA Workforce Services
Reviewed by: Kris Stadelman, Director, NOVA Workforce Services
Reviewed by: Jaqui Guzmán, Deputy City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Local Area Subsequent Designation and Local Board Recertification Application Program Year 2021-23