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Title:
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Accept the Employment Development Department, Department of Rehabilitation Partnership Grant in the amount of $600,000 on behalf of the Humboldt County Workforce Development Board
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To: Board of Supervisors
From: County Administrative Office
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Accept the Employment Development Department, Department of Rehabilitation Partnership Grant in the amount of $600,000 on behalf of the Humboldt County Workforce Development Board
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve and authorize the County Administrative Officer, or designee, to accept and execute the grant terms and conditions as required to receive funds from the California Employment Development Department (EDD) on behalf of the Humboldt County Workforce Development Board (HCWDB), subject to prior review and approval from County Counsel; 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.
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STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board's Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Workforce & Operational Excellence
Strategic Plan Category: 3001 - Support a well-trained workforce
DISCUSSION:
The HCWDB, a Title I-designated entity under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), has been selected to receive $600,000 in grant funding from the EDD. This funding is part of a statewide initiative to foster collaboration between America's Job Centers of California (AJCCs) and the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), a Title IV-designated WIOA partner.
The HCWDB oversees the operation of the Humboldt AJCC, which provides employment and vocational services to the local community. Similarly, the DOR offers specialized vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with documented disabilities. Given the shared mission of both entities, this grant aims to improve collaboration through cross-training, resource sharing and coordinated service delivery for co-enrolled participants.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 14.3% of Humboldt County residents under age 65, nearly 19,000 people, live with a disability. Many also face compounded barriers such as homelessness, prior incarceration or geographic isolation. Veterans and individuals from Hispanic/Latino and Native American communities are also disproportionately impacted.
Current gaps in coordination between the AJCC and DOR, including outdated referral systems, unclear roles and lack of staff training, limit effective service delivery. Concerns about employment impacts on disability benefits further discourage participation.
This grant will support three key initiatives:
* Staff Training & Capacity Building: Cross-training for DOR and AJCC staff to improve understanding and collaboration.
* Integrated Referral & Co-Location: Development of a modern referral system and a semi-permanent DOR presence at the Humboldt AJCC.
* Coordinated Vocational Services: Targeted training and employment services for individuals co-enrolled in both systems.
The HCWDB received notice of the award on March 4, 2025. The Executive Committee approved acceptance of the grant on March 21, 2025, and the full HCWDB formally accepted the award via consent at its May 16, 2025, meeting. Staff were then directed to present the item for approval to the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors.
This funding represents a significant step toward more integrated, accessible and effective workforce services for Humboldt County residents with disabilities and other employment barriers
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Economic Development Workforce Investment (1120287)
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Expenditures (1120-287)
FY25-26
Budgeted Expenses
$600,000
Total Expenditures
$600,000
Funding Sources (1120-287)
FY25-26
State/Federal Funds
$600,000
Total Funding Sources
$600,000
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
If approved the Employment Development Department, Department of Rehabilitation Partnership Grant will allow the Economic Development Workforce Investment (1120287) to be reimbursed up to $600,000 from the EDD in partnership with the DOR for the above listed activities. The funding has been included in the adopted fiscal year 2025-26 in Workforce Investment (1120287).
STAFFING IMPACT:
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impact:
This agenda item will not increase staffing levels.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Department of Rehabilitation, Employment Development Department.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Your Board could choose not to approve to accept the EDD, DOR Partnership Grant. However, this is not recommended as the monies used will help gain access to greater vocational services for the public.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Employment Development Department Contract NO. M117137-7100
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A
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