DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Alejandra Lopez
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City-wide
SUBJECT:
A briefing on the renewal of an Interlocal Agreement between the City of San Antonio and the Alamo Colleges District.
SUMMARY:
The Economic Development Department will provide a briefing on the renewal of an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) between the City of San Antonio and the Alamo Colleges District (ACD) for a two-year term. Based on projected CPS Energy revenues and existing carryover funds, the ILA includes a 12-month budget estimated of $1,087,710 for ACD’s 2020 fiscal year to support the following: (1) the Alamo Academies; (2) City employee training programs administered by the Human Resources Department; (3) the Economic Development Department Small Business Mentor-Protégé Program; and (4) the Department of Human Services Jobs for Training Success Program. EDD also recommends approval of administrative authority to adjust the budget and programs funded through the ILA for ACD’s 2021 fiscal year in consultation with the Economic and Workforce Development Committee (EWDC).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In March 2001, City Council authorized the 15-year Settlement Agreement pursuant to City of San Antonio vs. Alamo Community College District, which was renewed in April 2016 for an additional 15 years. The settlement agreement utilizes funds deposited in escrow from the City’s 14% share of CPS Energy revenue collected from ACD’s monthly natural gas and electrical billings. Based on projected CPS Energy revenues from ACD billings and existing carryover funds, the FY 2020 budget is estimated at $1,087,710 and summarized as follows:
|
Alamo Academies (AAAA, ITSA, ATMA, HPA, HEA) |
$485,416 |
|
Training for City Employees (HR) |
$438,294 |
|
Small Business Mentor-Protégé (EDD) |
$94,000 |
|
Long Term Case Management Training Scholarships (DHS) |
$70,000 |
|
TOTAL |
$1,087,710 |
Projects Funded:
• Alamo Academies - An innovative training and educational partnership, providing education, experience and job opportunities for high school students seeking to jump-start their careers and make a seamless transition from high school to college and/or the workplace. The Alamo Academies include the Alamo Area Aerospace Academy (AAAA), the Information Technology & Security Academy (ITSA), the Advanced Technology & Manufacturing Academy (ATMA), the Health Professions Academy (HPA) and the Diesel Technology Academy (DTA). In 2019, Alamo Academies graduated 104 students.
• Department of Human Resources (HR) - The HR Department coordinates and develops employee education and development initiatives including specialized training. This funding will support workplace education programs (G.E.D. exam preparation and CDL exam training), project management and process improvement training (Fundamentals of Project Management, Workflow Analysis and Project Management Professional Certification), and the City Leadership Programs (Supervisor/Management and Leadership Development Programs). A total of 1,818 employees were trained in 133 classes in FY2018.
• Economic Development Department (EDD) - The Small Business Mentor-Protégé Program provides capacity-building educational courses, referred to as the Small Business Boot Camp, specific to the needs of small business (courses include How to Write a Business Plan, Managing Your Financials, Access to Credit, and Marketing). The program provides individualized business counseling and facilitates mentor-protégé partnerships, which allow small businesses to learn successful business practices from experienced industry leaders. In FY2019, 48 companies participated as protégés and 31 companies provided mentors. Ten protégé companies will graduate in October 2019. Additionally, businesses that participated in the Mentor-Protégé Program increased annual revenue on average by 98%.
• Department of Human Services (DHS) - The Family Assistance Division of DHS currently administers the Training for Job Success (TFJS) education/employment skills training program, which assists individuals in making permanent improvements in their lives to escape poverty and move toward self-sufficiency. Funding will provide scholarship opportunities for 47 case management clients enrolling in an Alamo College certificate or degree program to prepare for employment in targeted demand occupations. In FY2018, 37 case management clients enrolled in an Alamo College program. TFJS graduates demonstrated a substantial increase in annual earnings after participating in the program. The average participant entry was is $11,556.96 and the average post-completion wage is $48,343.32 post TFJS. A total of 141 household members transitioned out of poverty.
EDD staff along with ACD staff presented to the ACD Board of Trustees on July 16, 2019. On July 23, 2019, the ACD Board approved authorization for the Chancellor to execute the ILA with the City.
ISSUE:
Renewal of the Interlocal Agreement by City Council and Alamo Colleges District Trustees will allow for continued administration of proceeds encumbered pursuant to the 15-year Settlement Agreement executed in 2016 with the Alamo Colleges District.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends EWDC approval to move forward to City Council A Session for consideration of the renewal of the Interlocal Agreement with Alamo Colleges District effective September 1, 2019, to administer funds for education and training programs in accordance with the ACD Settlement Agreement.