MEMORANDUM
CITY OF BURBANK
BURBANK
PUBLIC
LIBRARY
DATE: May 20, 2025
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Eric Lashley, Library Services Director
VIA: Cindy Yee Akuin, Senior Administrative Analyst CA
BY: Jesse Maldonado, Administrative Analyst II'
SUBJECT: Budget Discussion Paper - Job Connect Plus Program
BACKGROUND
At the May 6, 2025, City Council meeting, Mayor Perez requested a budget discussion paper on the Job Connect Plus program. Job Connect Plus is a grant funded workforce development program facilitated by the Burbank Public Library, with current funding set to expire on June 30, 2025.
DISCUSSION
Job Connect is the City's ongoing workforce center operated through the Library Services Department (Library). Job Connect offers individualized career guidance, job search assistance, computer access, and referrals to training or support services through funding from a grant and partnership with the Verdugo Workforce Development Board (VWDB).
While Job Connect serves as a resource available to the general public, Job Connect Plus (JCP) expands on this foundation with a more intensive, structured model targeting residents who face greater challenges to employment or career growth. Both programs are flagship career resources available at the Library.
To meet the need for more enhanced workforce services, JCP launched in Fall 2023. JCP is a 12-week, cohort-based workforce development program designed to provide intensive support to the evolving employment needs of adult job seekers in the local community. JCP offers one-on-one personalized guidance from contracted career navigators, structured group instruction on job readiness with a contracted instructor, career goal-oriented support, and additional ongoing, monthly networking sessions built around a support group model.
1 JCP was made possible through a Congressional appropriation of Federal funds via the United States Small Business Administration (SBA). Since its inception in 2023, the pilot program has provided support and enhanced workforce services to five cohorts, totaling approximately 100 participants. The funding will expire on June 30, 2025 and there is no continued renewal through the SBA. The program has been in high demand, with approximately 300 applicants in the two years of operations.
The City's core Job Connect program will continue regardless of future funding for JCP.
Job Connect offers job seekers access to one-on-one career guidance, job search assistance, resume and interview support, and referrals to partner agencies. However, these services are typically limited to a single, appointment-based meeting per individual, and staff capacity allows for only a limited number of meetings per week. While these services offer valuable support to job seekers, they do not include the structured cohort model, individualized navigation and accountability, or instruction-based workshops that define JCP.
The Library will consider other options to fund the Plus component of the program, including grant opportunities. However, with the current landscape, finding a matching program will require further research to seek alignment with grant requirements. As of Spring 2025, the Library applied for State funding from the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, but was not successful in securing funds.
FISCAL IMPACT
To evaluate options for sustaining JCP beyond the end of current grant funding in June 2025, three options are presented in order of increasing fiscal impact. The budget amounts are for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Budget.
Option 1: Staff-Led Instruction, Once Monthly (No Fiscal Impact) • Budget Amount: $0 for Materials, Supplies and Services (use of current Library staff only)
• Benefits:
No additional cost: Can be implemented with existing City staff and resources, keeping the budget neutral.
• Core instruction retained: Participants would still receive basic instruction with minimal program value, but without momentum, personalization, and follow-up.
2 • Disadvantages:
• Reduced engagement/outcomes: Spreading core sessions over a longer period may impact participant engagement and limit the program's ability to address participants' career development needs.
No dedicated contract staff support: Without one-on-one, 12-week personalized support and guidance, participants may not receive the same level of support
Reduced long-term impact: The program may be less effective in addressing the specific barriers by participants in more vulnerable industries within Burbank.
• Staff capacity constraints: Existing workforce staff manage the Job Connect Program which is also grant-funded and has extensive requirements. Utilizing this option may require reprioritization or reallocation of staff resources.
Option 2: Reduced Program Size Supporting Two Cohorts for FY 2025-26 (one-time funding)
• Budget Amount: $58,000 for Materials, Supplies and Services - one-time funds for FY 2025-26 (supports two full cohorts of 20 participants each with instruction and navigation from August 2025 to April 2026)
• Benefits:
• Full program benefits: Participants in the two funded cohorts receive complete instruction, one-on-one navigation, goal setting, and accountability.
• Proven model preserved: The two funded cohorts receive a maintained structure and delivery that has led to participant success and confidence- building.
Increased community impact: The program would continue to serve vulnerable populations and industries effectively for the two funded cohorts, helping participants pursue training, employment, or advancement. • Disadvantages:
• Reduction in number of participants: This funding option supports only two cohorts instead of three.
• Contract staff retention challenges: The contract positions are funded annually and by only funding two cohorts, it may lead to loss and turnover from current contract personnel. This would lead to operational impacts due loss of expertise as well as time spent to recruit new contract staff. • Ongoing funding dependency: The program's long-term stability is dependent on securing future funding on an annual basis, which may introduce planning and operational uncertainties.
3 Option 3: Continuation of JCP Supporting Three Cohorts • Budget Amount: $87,500 for Materials, Supplies and Services, one-time funding (supports three full cohorts of 20 participants each with instruction and navigation from August 2025 through September 2026)
• Benefits:
• Full program benefits: Maintains all core elements including instructions, one-on-one navigation, goal setting, and participant accountability for three full cohorts.
• Contract staff retention more favorable: Retention of contract staff for another full year term is more advantageous operationally. • Disadvantages:
• Greatest budget requirement: Requires the largest fiscal investment. • Ongoing funding dependency: The program's long-term stability is dependent on securing future funding on an annual basis, which may introduce planning and operational uncertainties.
CONCLUSION
JCP has emerged as a vital community resource that strengthens Burbank's local workforce by providing tailored career development services in a trusted, inclusive environment. From the results of a two-year pilot program, the program has proven successful as job seekers with the confidence, tools, and support necessary to reenter the workforce, pursue new opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to the local economy. As demand for personalized employment guidance continues to grow, continued investment in JCP will help ensure that Burbank residents have equitable access to workforce pathways that align with the City Council goals for economic development and quality public services - especially as times of uncertainty continue to challenge traditional employment models and widen gaps in opportunity.
Should Council choose to fund JCP beyond the end of current grant funding, staff recommends that the City Council adopt Option 3 and support the program with a one- time budget amount of $87,500. The Library will continue to actively look for funding opportunities that may help fund the program or offset costs to the City. Staff proposes to return to Council during next year's budget discussions to provide an update on obtaining grant funding to sustain the program. If Council wishes, permanent funding for the JCP may be discussed at that time should staff be unsuccessful in securing grant funding. 4