August 2, 2004 ITEM # 3f

Item Title: Budget Amendment to the Workforce Development Project Ordinance for the Workforce Incentive Grant

Specific Action Requested:

That the Board of Commissioners accept the proposed Workforce Development funding in the amount of $400,000 to the Workforce Development Project Ordinance with the appropriate budget revision to increase appropriations in the Workforce Development Special Revenue Fund.

Item Summary:

The Wake and Johnston County Boards of Commissioners created the Capital Area Workforce Development Consortium in 1982. The Consortium’s Workforce Development Board is a private sector led board, in partnership with local government, which provides direction and oversight of workforce development activities for Wake and Johnston counties and administers federal and state workforce funds. The Workforce Development Board is dedicated to enhancing a workforce system that is responsive to local needs, connects private and public resources, enables individuals to attain and upgrade skills necessary for gainful employment, and assists businesses in maintaining a skilled workforce to compete in a global economy. Current initiatives include the JobLink Centers career system, youth development activities, job training partnerships, and service to dislocated workers and companies facing layoffs and closures.

The state and federal government provide funds for all projects. The Workforce Development Ordinance reflects appropriations made by the Board of County Commissioners for workforce development initiatives that benefit businesses and job seekers in the Capital Area. Monies are maintained in a special revenue fund, as these funds are legally restricted to expenditures for specified purposes.

The Capital Area Workforce Development Consortium is requesting the incorporation of the following funding authorizations to the Workforce Development Ordinance:

U.S. Department of Labor has awarded the Work Incentive Grant to the Capital Area Workforce Development Board in the amount of $400,000 for a 2-year period (July 1, 2004 - June 30, 2006) for a joint venture with Community Partnerships, Inc (a private, not-for-profit agency). This funding has been made available to increase accessibility and services for individuals with disabilities in our JobLink Career Centers.

The net addition to the Workforce Development Project Ordinance is $400,000.

Attachments:

(1) Budget Memo