DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Alejandra Lopez
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City-wide
SUBJECT:
This item provides an update on the status of the SA: Ready to Work Advisory Board appointed by City Council on March 4, 2021.
SUMMARY:
This item provides an update on the status of the SA: Ready to Work Advisory Board appointed by City Council on March 4, 2021.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In July 2020, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg appointed a Workforce and Education Leadership Taskforce to reassess community workforce development priorities and to identify strategies beyond the immediate COVID-19 crisis. The taskforce included leaders from education, workforce development, asset-building, business, community organizations, labor, economic development, and philanthropy. The taskforce recommended the “SA: Ready to Work” program, to promote reentry into the workforce and resident upskilling by improving access to workforce training, 2- and 4-year degree programs, and wraparound services for residents.
In November 2020, San Antonio voters overwhelmingly approved the SA: Ready to Work initiative to be funded by a 1/8 cent sales tax. On December 2, 2021, staff provided an overview of major milestones associated with implementation of the SA: Ready to Work program and on December 17, 2020, City Council approved the creation of the SA: Ready to Work Advisory Board, comprised of nine members representing local employers, workforce training participants, trade/labor, training/education and community organizations. On March 16, 2021, City Council appointed and proved the current 9 members of the SA: Ready to Work Advisory Board.
ISSUE:
To date, the SA: Advisory Board has met four times to review and discuss various aspects of the SA: Ready to Work program that pertains to the advisory board responsibilities. This briefing will provide an update on the discussions and recommendations made by the Advisory Board.
ALTERNATIVES:
This item is for briefing purposes only.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This item is for briefing purposes only and has no financial impact.
RECOMMENDATION:
This item is for briefing purposes only.