To: Board of Supervisors
From: County Administrative Office
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Accept Award of $750,000 Regional Coordination Grant on behalf of the Humboldt County Workforce Development Board (HCWDB) for Fiscal Years (FY) 2026-27 and 2027-28
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Accept and approve modification to Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Subgrant Agreement AA611007 with the Employment Development Department for the Regional Coordination Grant in the amount of $750,000 for FY 2026-27 and 2027-28; and
2. Approve and authorize the County Administrative Officer, or designee, to execute any ancillary documentation, partner agreements and modifications as related to this agreement, subject to prior review and approval from County Counsel and Risk.
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STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: A Diverse, Equitable & Robust Economy
Strategic Plan Category: 2001 - Promote strong economic resiliency and growth
DISCUSSION:
On Feb. 27, 2026, the Humboldt County Workforce Development Board (HCWDB) approved staff to apply for the Employment Development Department's Regional Coordination Project grant funding. Following notification of the award, the HCWDB approved acceptance of the funding on May 29, 2026, and forwarded the item to your Board for consideration.
The Regional Coordination Project is intended to strengthen regional workforce coordination efforts and improve access to workforce training, supportive services and career pathways for disadvantaged adults in Humboldt County. The proposed project addresses workforce barriers, including transportation limitations, housing instability, limited access to training opportunities and other challenges that impact long-term employment outcomes. The project also prioritizes workforce development activities in healthcare, construction, transportation and renewable energy industries that demonstrate regional demand and provide opportunities for living-wage employment.
Another key component of the project is strengthening collaboration among existing regional workforce partners. These partnerships will support regional workforce planning, align training opportunities with local industry demand and expand access to employment services for Humboldt County residents.
The proposed action does not involve execution of new agreements with the identified partner organizations, as they are existing regional partners that have collaborated with HCWDB on workforce and economic development initiatives. The grant agreement was unilaterally executed by the State of California and does not require the county's signature. Due to the unilateral execution, this agreement is before your Board after the start date of June 10, 2026.
Approval of the recommended action will allow implementation of the Regional Coordination Project and support continued investment in workforce strategies that expand employment opportunities, strengthen regional partnerships and improve access to workforce training and supportive services for Humboldt County residents.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Economic Development Workforce Investment (1120287)
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
|
Expenditures (1120287) |
FY26-27 Projected* |
FY27-28 Projected* |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
$375,000 |
$375,000 |
|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
- |
- |
|
Total Expenditures |
$375,000 |
$375,000 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
|
Funding Sources (1120287) |
FY26-27 Projected* |
FY27-28 Projected* |
|
State/Federal Funds |
$375,000 |
$375,000 |
|
Total Funding Sources |
$375,000 |
$375,000 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
If approved the Regional Coordination Grant will allow the Economic Development Workforce Investment budget unit (1120287) to be reimbursed up to $750,000 from the California Employment Development Department for the above listed activities over FYs 2026-27 and 2027-28. There are sufficient appropriations in the adopted budget for Economic Development Workforce Investment budget unit (1120287) for FY 2026-27 and will be included in the FY 2027-28 annual budget cycle.
STAFFING IMPACT:
This agenda item will not increase permanent staffing levels.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Employment Development Department
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Your Board could choose not to approve of accepting the Regional Coordination grant. However, this is not recommended as the monies used will help gain access to greater vocational services for the public.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. E-signed HUM AA611007 Mod 2
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: NA
File No.: NA