CED Committee
June 10, 2025
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Jestin D. Johnson FROM: Ashleigh Kanat
City Administrator Director,
Economic & Workforce
Development Department
SUBJECT: FY 2025-26 OWDB Budget and
Contracts
DATE: May 28, 2025
City Administrator Approval Date: May 29, 2025
Jestin Johnson (May 29, 2025 14:50 PDT)
RECOMMENDATION
Staff Recommends That The City Council Adopt A Resolution Authorizing The Following Actions For Fiscal Year 2025-2026:
1. Adopting The Workforce Development Budget;
2. Accepting And Appropriating Workforce Innovation And Opportunity (WIOA) Title I Formula Funds For Adult, Dislocated Worker, Youth And Rapid Response Services In The Estimated Amount Of Four Million Two Hundred Nineteen Thousand Eight Hundred Fifteen Dollars ($4,219,815), Including A Carryover of Unspent Fiscal Year 2024-25 WIOA Funds; And
3. Accepting And Appropriating Four Million Thirty -Two Thousand Six Hundred Twenty-Five Dollars ($4,032,625) From California Volunteers And Other Funds For Workforce Development;
4. Executing A Three- Year Agreement With California Department Of Corrections And Rehabilitation And Accepting And Appropriating A Total of Approximately Twelve Million Four Hundred Seventy -Eight Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars ($12,478,800) To Implement Golden State Works Transitional Employment And Job Placement Services For Oakland Residents On Parole And Executing A Three-Year Grant Agreement With Center For Employment Opportunities, Inc. (CEO), In A Total Amount Not To Exceed Eleven Million Seven Hundred Fifty-Two Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars ($11,752,800) To Provide Such Services;
5. Executing Grant Agreements With Service Providers Competitively Selected To Provide Comprehensive Career Services, Adult Career Services, And Youth Services From WIOA Title I Formula Funds And Other Funds; And
Jestin D, Johnson, City Administrator
Subject: FY 2025-26 OWDB Budget and Contracts
Date: May 28, 2025 Page 2
CED Committee
June 10, 2025
6. Authorizing The City Administrator To Apply For, Accept, And Appropriate Grants And Contributions For Workforce Development Services Beyond The WIOA Title I Formula Funding And Other Budgeted Funding Sources Up To Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) Per Instance With The Approval Of The Oakland Workforce Development Board
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The proposed resolution would adopt the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Workforce Development Budget, totaling approximately $20,731,240, which includes funding from various sources as described in Attachment A. These funds collectively support Oakland’s initiatives in providing job training, employment services, and resources for individuals impacted by economic dislocation and barriers to employment. Specifically, the budget accepts and appropriates for FY 2025-26:
• $4,219,815 from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I for Adult, Dislocated Worker, Youth, and Rapid Response Services, which includes a carryover of $769,119 unspent FY 2024-25 funds;
• $2,478,114 from California Volunteers to expand youth employment opportunities and career pathways in public service;
• $12,478,800 from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to implement Golden State Works Transitional Employment and Job Placement Services for residents on parole;
• $97,101 from Contra Costa County Workforce Development Board for the Laney College Electronics Certification Program;
• $1,457,410 from City of Oakland and philanthropic contributions to further workforce development efforts.
The proposed resolution maintains existing funding levels and extends current service provider contracts to ensure continuity of critical workforce services, while the City of Oakland (City) develops a comprehensive, multi-year procurement strategy. Additionally, it would allow the Oakland Workforce Development Board (OWDB or Board) to swiftly and proactively pursue emerging grant opportunities by authorizing the City Administrator to apply for, accept, and appropriate additional grants and contributions of up to $250,000 per instance, subject to OWDB approval. Collectively, these actions reflect a cohesive strategy aligned with Oakland’s goals for economic growth, equity, and sustainability.
BACKGROUND / LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
The OWDB plays a central role in equitably advancing the City’s economic development goals, as the Board works to “Build Oakland’s Workforce.” The OWDB is the federally designated local workforce board under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) [Public Law 113–128] and is responsible for oversight of the local workforce system, pursuant to WIOA Section 107. The OWDB is appointed by the Mayor and includes representatives from local government, business, labor, education, and community-based organizations who develop strategies to align workforce investments with the needs of both job seekers and employers.
Jestin D, Johnson, City Administrator
Subject: FY 2025-26 OWDB Budget and Contracts
Date: May 28, 2025 Page 3
CED Committee
June 10, 2025
The Board’s mission is to support Oakland residents—particularly those facing systemic barriers to employment—in gaining the skills, credentials, and services necessary to access quality jobs and build sustainable careers. Through a coordinated network of service providers and strategic partners, the OWDB delivers employment services, occupational training, business engagement, and career pathway development across high-demand industries.
In addition to administering WIOA Title I formula funds, the OWDB stewards a portfolio of federal, state, and local funding streams that collectively support a more inclusive and responsive workforce system. The Board is also authorized by WIOA Section 134 to direct funds for sector-based strategies and targeted populations. These resources enable the City to deliver specialized programs for youth, dislocated workers, reentry populations, and workers impacted by economic transitions.
The FY 2025–26 budget continues core investments in employment and training services, extends service provider contracts, and prepares for a new multi-year procurement process aligned with the OWDB’s strategic goals. This approach ensures continuity while maintaining compliance with WIOA mandates and local policies and positions the City to maximize future funding and partnership opportunities.
ANALYSIS AND POLICY ALTERNATIVES
Adoption of the proposed resolution would reinforce the Citywide priority of housing, cultural and economic security by continuing the essential work of the OWDB and its partners. The OWDB’s strategy prioritizes continuity of services while laying the groundwork for a redesigned procurement process that will guide the next multi-year funding cycle. By sustaining funding for service providers, the Board can provide uninterrupted delivery of workforce programming, while the extension of contracts and carryforward of unspent funds ensures Oakland residents continue to access critical training, reentry support, youth employment, and business services.
As described below, the FY 2025–26 budget strategically allocates workforce funds from multiple sources to support targeted services that meet the evolving needs of Oakland residents and employers. For each funding source, the purpose and amount are noted.
WIOA Title I Formula Funds ($4,219,815) — Supports core services for adults, dislocated workers, and youth, including job training, career counseling, employment placement, and Rapid Response services, which includes a carryover of $769,119 unspent FY 2024-25 funds.
As of this writing, the State of California Employment Development Department (EDD) has not yet released its planning budget estimates for the FY 2025-26 WIOA Title I programs.
Therefore, for planning purposes, the FY 2024-25 allocations are used as baseline. Funding will be budgeted in the Workforce Investment Act Fund (2195), Workforce Development Organization (85311), in a Project to be determined (TBD).
California Volunteers ($2,478,114) — Funds year-round employment and training for youth and young adults focused on public service and climate resilience career pathways. Funds for this program will be budgeted in State of California Other Fund (2159), Workforce Development Organization (85311), Oakland Forward Project (1006529).
Jestin D, Johnson, City Administrator
Subject: FY 2025-26 OWDB Budget and Contracts
Date: May 28, 2025 Page 4
CED Committee
June 10, 2025
CDCR – Golden State Works ($12,478,800) — Provides transitional employment and reentry services for residents on parole, delivered in partnership with the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO). Funds for this program will be budgeted in State of California Other Fund (2159), Workforce Development Organization (85311), in a Project to be determined (TBD).
Contra Costa County – Laney College ($97,101) — Supports electronics certification training at Laney College, delivered in partnership with Oakland Private Industry Council. Funds for this program will be budgeted in State of California Other Fund (2159), Workforce Development Organization (85311), in a Project to be determined (TBD).
City General Fund ($256,783) — Covers a portion of OWDB staff costs and internal City charges. Funds will be budgeted in General Purpose Fund (1010), Workforce Development Organization (85311), in a Project to be determined (TBD).
Measure HH – Summer Youth Employment ($584,868) — Provides subsidized work experience and wraparound support for Oakland youth ages 16–24. Funds will be budgeted in Measure HH (SSBDT) Fund (1030), Workforce Development Organization (85311), Measure HH Healthy Kids Program Project (1003817).
Army Base Billboard Revenue ($540,759) — Supports operations and staffing for the West Oakland Job Resource Center (WOJRC), with an emphasis on construction careers and local hire. Funds will be budgeted in OBRA Leasing & Utility Fund (5671), Workforce Development Organization (85311), West Oakland Resource Center Project (1000036).
Miscellaneous Donations ($75,000) — Expands summer youth employment by supplementing program capacity. Funds will be budgeted in Miscellaneous Trust Fund (7999), Workforce Development Org (85311), Mayor Summer Youth Project (1000500).
The FY 2025–26 budget is expected to support service delivery to more than 2,000 adult and youth participants across all funding streams. Based on historical performance and projected trends, the OWDB anticipates placing at least 1,200 individuals into employment or post- secondary training, and engaging more than 150 employers through business services, sector partnerships, and reentry-focused initiatives. These estimates reflect a planned investment of over $20 million in federal, state, and local funding for workforce development services.
To ensure continuity of services during this transitional period, staff recommends extending existing contracts with service providers for an additional year. This extension will enable experienced providers to deliver uninterrupted employment and training programs while the OWDB finalizes its comprehensive, multi-year procurement strategy.
Despite efforts to increase fiscal capacity, the FY 2025–26 budget reflects a significant reduction in General Fund support, decreasing from $794,721 in FY 2024–25 to $256,783 in FY 2025–26. This reduction has resulted in the elimination of funding for the Day Laborer Program and the expansion of sector-specific partnerships, which may create service gaps for vulnerable worker populations.
To continue efforts to build capacity and diversify the City’s workforce funding, staff recommends that the OWDB be authorized to apply for and accept additional grants of up to Jestin D, Johnson, City Administrator
Subject: FY 2025-26 OWDB Budget and Contracts
Date: May 28, 2025 Page 5
CED Committee
June 10, 2025
$250,000 per instance without returning to City Council for each approval. This authority is consistent with prior years’ authorizations and will enable the OWDB to respond swiftly to time- sensitive funding opportunities that support Oakland’s evolving workforce needs. Staff will continue to monitor and evaluate the long-term sustainability of new funding sources, including the CDCR Golden State Works and California Volunteers grants and will explore options for additional support.
Summary Performance for FY 2024-25
Table 1- Recommended Service Provider Goals
Category
Subcategory
Provider Name
Recommended
Enrollment
Goals
Council
District
Location
Geographical Service
Areas
Affiliate/Specialized
40 D5/D6/D3
E. Oakland/Central
E. Oakland
Lao Family Community Oakland/West
Development Oakland
Mandela Partners
25 D5
Fruitvale
W. Oakland and E.
Oakland
40 D3/D6
Oakland-Special
Oakland Private W. Oakland/E. focus on priority zip
WIOA Adult & Industry Council Oakland codes
Dislocated Worker
Swords to Plowshares
30 D2/D3
Services San Antonio/W. 94607, 94621, 94601,
Oakland 94603, 94605, 94606
The Spanish Speaking
40 D5
Fruitvale
94607, 94621, 94601,
Unity Council 94603, 94605
Total 175
Comprehensive
100
D3/D6
Oakland-Special
Oakland Private Central East/W. focus on priority zip
Industry Council Oakland codes
Youth Services
Oakland Forward
Civicorps
100
D3
W. Oakland
94601, 94602, 94603,
94605, 94606, 94607,
94608, 94609, 94611,
94612, 94619, 94621
40 D5/D6/D3
Central Oakland-Special
Lao Family Community East/Fruitvale/E. focus on priority zip Development Oakland codes
Rising Sun
8 D3
W. Oakland
W. Oakland/E.
Oakland/Fruitvale
Safe Passages
50 D3
W. Oakland
94621, 94603, 94607,
94606, 94605, 94601
The Spanish Speaking
100
D5
Fruitvale
94607, 94621, 94601,
Unity Council Inc 94603, 94605
Youth Employment
65 D5/D2
Fruitvale/San Central/Fruitvale, W.
Partnership Antonio and E. Oakland
Total 363
WIOA Youth
Black Cultural Zone
10 D6
East Oakland
W. Oakland/North
Oakland, 94621,
94603, 94605, 94601,
94607
25 D2
North Oakland
W. Oakland, Hoover-
Foster, Uptown
Genesys Works Bay Corridor, Coliseum
Area to Eastmont Hills
Lao Family Community
35 D5/D6/D3 Central
East/Fruitvale/W.
Fruitvale/E.
Oakland/W. Oakland-
Development Oakland priority zip codes
The Spanish Speaking
35 D5
Fruitvale
94607, 94621, 94601,
Unity Council Inc 64603, 94605
Youth Employment
35 D5/D2
Fruitvale/San Central/Fruitvale, W.
Partnership Antonio and E. Oakland
Youth Uprising 35 D7 E. Oakland E. Oakland
Jestin D, Johnson, City Administrator
Subject: FY 2025-26 OWDB Budget and Contracts
Date: May 28, 2025 Page 6
CED Committee
June 10, 2025
In FY 2024–25 the City supported over 1800 participants across all funding streams, including:
• WIOA Title I Programs: Served 603 adults, dislocated workers, and youth, resulting in an average of 62% employment placement and post-secondary enrollment after exit. • Youth Employment (California Volunteers & Measure HH): Placed over 1000 young people in internships or service-oriented roles, with 89% reporting increased career readiness.
• Reentry Services: Delivered by CEO and other partners, supported 252 returning residents, resulting in 27% placed in permanent jobs.
• Employer Engagement: OWDB staff and partners engaged over 100 employers, providing hiring support, sector partnerships, and on-the-job training.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City’s General Purpose Fund in the proposed FY 2025–26 Workforce Development Budget. All recommended actions are supported by external grant sources, special revenue funds, and WIOA carryforward balances.
However, the FY 2025–26 budget reflects a substantial reduction in General Fund support— decreasing from $794,721 in FY 2024-25 to $256,783 in FY 2025-26. This reduction has resulted in the elimination of funding for key General Fund-supported activities, including the Day Laborer Program, sector-specific workforce development contracts, and expanded summer youth employment initiatives. These services have historically supported Oakland’s hardest-to- reach and underserved workers, and their absence may result in service gaps or reduced access to job readiness support in specific populations.
The total recommended FY 2025–26 budget is $20,731,240, representing a $12.2 million increase over FY 2024–25. This increase is primarily driven by a new multi-year grant from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and carryforward funds from unspent prior-year allocations. The carryforward funds are largely attributed to staff vacancies from prior years, which resulted in unspent WIOA funds.
A comparative breakdown of workforce development funding by source is summarized in Table 2 below:
Table 2 – Year-over-Year Comparison
Funding Source FY 2024–25
Amount
FY 2025–26
Amount Difference Notes
WIOA Title I
Formula Funds
$3,669,951
$3,450,696
▼ $219,255
Slight reduction across Adult,
Dislocated Worker, and Youth
streams
California
Volunteers $2,327,430 $2,478,114 ▲ $150,684 Increase supports youth climate and public service jobs
CDCR (Golden
State Works) — $12,478,800 ▲ New New 3-year award to expand transitional jobs for parolees
Jestin D, Johnson, City Administrator
Subject: FY 2025-26 OWDB Budget and Contracts
Date: May 28, 2025 Page 7
CED Committee
June 10, 2025
Funding Source FY 2024–25
Amount
FY 2025–26
Amount Difference Notes
General Fund Only
$794,721
$256,783
▼ $537,938
Loss of funding for Day
Laborer and sector strategy
contracts
Contra Costa
County (Laney
College)
—
$97,101
▲ New One-time support for
electronics certification
Measure HH
(SYEP) $577,162 $584,868 ▲ $7,706 Slight increase to support more youth job placements
Army Base
Billboard (WOJRC) $537,403 $540,759 ▲ $3,356 Small increase to maintain programming/staffing
Miscellaneous
Donations $75,000 $75,000 — No change
WIOA
Carryforward from
Prior Year
$533,475
$769,119
▲ $235,644 More unspent funds carried
forward
Total Estimated
Budget $8,514,142 $20,731,240 ▲
$12,217,098
Largely driven by CDCR and
greater carryforward
PUBLIC OUTREACH / INTEREST
OWDB meetings are publicly noticed and there is active public participation in both committees and full OWDB meetings. Prior to issuing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for the current contracts, the OWDB staff met with community stakeholders to inform the policy principles and conceptual frameworks for service models. Contracted service providers were competitively procured through the FY 2022-25 RFP process, described in File #: 22-0516 and approved by Resolution No.89309 C.M.S adopted on July 5, 2022.
COORDINATION
The Economic and Workforce Development Department has coordinated this agenda item with the City Administrator’s Office, the Office of the City Attorney, and the Budget Bureau.
SUSTAINABLE OPPORTUNITIES
Economic: Oakland’s Workforce Development system provides qualified workers, including youth, for Oakland businesses and prepares Oakland residents for gainful employment and career paths leading to family-sustaining jobs.
Environmental: This report does not directly address environmental sustainability.
Race & Equity: Oakland’s Workforce Development system prioritizes services to historically disadvantaged communities and geographic areas of Oakland (East and West) that have the Jestin D, Johnson, City Administrator
Subject: FY 2025-26 OWDB Budget and Contracts
Date: May 28, 2025 Page 8
CED Committee
June 10, 2025
highest numbers of residents who face disproportionately high levels of unemployment. Per the OakDOT Geographic Equity Toolbox, the Workforce Development division will prioritize services to Highest and High neighborhoods.
Jestin D, Johnson, City Administrator
Subject: FY 2025-26 OWDB Budget and Contracts
Date: May 28, 2025 Page 9
CED Committee
June 10, 2025
ACTION REQUESTED OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Staff Recommends That The City Council Adopt A Resolution Authorizing The Following Actions For Fiscal Year 2025-2026:
1. Adopting The Workforce Development Budget;
2. Accepting And Appropriating Workforce Innovation And Opportunity (WIOA) Title I Formula Funds For Adult, Dislocated Worker, Youth And Rapid Response Services In The Estimated Amount Of Four Million Two Hundred Nineteen Thousand Eight Hundred Fifteen Dollars ($4,219,815), Including A Carryover of Unspent Fiscal Year 2024-25 WIOA Funds; And
3. Accepting And Appropriating Four Million Thirty -Two Thousand Six Hundred Twenty-Five Dollars ($4,032,625) From California Volunteers To Increase Youth And Young Adult Employment And Develop Pathways Into Careers In Public Service And Other Funds For Workforce Development;
4. Executing A Three -Year Agreement With California Department Of Corrections And Rehabilitation (CDCR) And Accepting And Appropriating A Total of Approximately Twelve Million Four Hundred Seventy -Eight Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars ($12,478,800) To Implement Golden State Works Transitional Employment And Job Placement Services For Oakland Residents On Parole And Executing A Three -Year Grant Agreement With Center For Employment Opportunities, Inc. (CEO), In A Total Amount Not To Exceed Eleven Million Seven Hundred Fifty -Two Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars ($11,752,800) To Provide Such Services;
5. Executing Grant Agreements With Service Providers Competitively Selected To Provide Comprehensive Career Services, Adult Career Services, And Youth Services From WIOA Title I Formula Funds And Other Funds; And
6. Authorizing The City Administrator To Apply For, Accept, And Appropriate Grants And Contributions For Workforce Development Services Beyond The WIOA Title I Formula Funding And Other Budgeted Funding Sources Up To Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) Per Instance With The Approval Of The Oakland Workforce Development Board
Jestin D, Johnson, City Administrator
Subject: FY 2025-26 OWDB Budget and Contracts
Date: May 28, 2025 Page 10
CED Committee
June 10, 2025
For questions regarding this report, please contact Sofia Navarro, Executive Director of the Oakland Workforce Development Board at (510)238-3474.
Respectfully submitted,
Ashleigh Kanat (May 28, 2025 17:04 PDT)
ASHLEIGH KANAT
Director, Economic & Workforce Development
Reviewed by: Sofia Navarro, Executive
Director, Oakland Workforce Development
Board
Economic & Workforce Development
Prepared by:
Honorata Lindsay, Administrative Services
Manager II
Economic & Workforce Development
Attachment A: FY 2025-26 OWDB Budget
CED Committee
June 10, 2025
Attachment A – FY 2025-26 OWDB Budget and Contracts
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P
1 WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT (WIOA)
Fund 2159
Fund 1010
Fund 1030
Fund 5671
Fund 7999
2 Fund 2195
3 Dislocated
Worker
WIOA Subtotal
CA Dept of
Corrections
CA Workforce
Dev Board
Misc
Donations
Other Revenue
GRAND TOTAL Adult Rapid Response Youth CA Volunteers General Fund Measure HH Billboard Subtotal 4 ESTIMATED REVENUES
5 Estimated Carryover Revenue for Reallocation 219,105 221,458 328,556 769,119 0 769,119 6 Estimated FY 2025-26 Revenue (Baseline) 1,143,021 1,010,837 202,243 1,094,595 3,450,696 2,478,114 12,478,800 97,101 256,783 584,868 540,759 75,000 16,511,425 19,962,121 7 TOTAL REVENUE 1,362,126 1,232,295 202,243 1,423,151 4,219,815 2,478,114 12,478,800 97,101 256,783 584,868 540,759 75,000 16,511,425 20,731,240 8 EXPENDITURES
9 SERVICE PROVIDER CONTRACTS
10 Center for Employment Opportunities 0 11,752,800 11,752,800 11,752,800 11 Civicorps 0 246,344 246,344 246,344
12 Genesys Works 178,550 178,550 0 178,550
13 Lao Family Community Development, Inc. 153,741 147,941 249,970 551,652 250,000 125,000 375,000 926,652 14 Mandela Partners 135,000 135,000 0 135,000
15 Oakland Private Industry Council, Inc. 579,586 564,391 1,143,977 97,101 97,101 1,241,078 16 Oakland Public Works 0 284,000 284,000 284,000
17 Rising Sun Center for Opportunity 0 34,940 34,940 34,940 18 Safe Passages 0 223,539 223,539 223,539
19 Swords to Plowshares: Veterans Rights Org 114,410 110,157 224,567 0 224,567 20 Spanish Speaking Unity Council of Alameda Co, Inc. 153,741 147,941 249,970 551,652 250,000 250,000 801,652 21 Trybe Inc. 12,572 12,572 12,572
22 The Youth Employment Partnership Inc. 249,970 249,970 250,000 125,000 375,000 624,970 23 Youth Uprising 249,970 249,970 0 249,970
24 West Oakland Job Resource Center 0 345,615 345,615 345,615 25 EASTBAY Works (OPIC) 7,830 7,827 7,823 23,480 0 23,480 26 Professional Service Agreements 0 50,000 50,000 50,000 27 Service Provider Subtotal 1,144,308 978,257 0 1,186,253 3,308,818 1,588,822 11,752,800 97,101 0 262,572 345,615 0 14,046,910 17,355,728 28 CITY OPERATIONS
29 EWD Admin/Finance 20,398 36,599 25,101 82,098 0 82,098 30 Internal Service Fees 0 178,353 8,150 186,503 186,503 31 Program Staff 197,420 217,439 202,243 211,797 828,899 488,193 726,000 78,430 176,718 195,144 1,664,485 2,493,384 32 O&M 0 50,000 50,000 50,000
33 City Operations Subtotal 217,818 254,038 202,243 236,898 910,997 538,193 726,000 0 256,783 184,868 195,144 0 1,900,988 2,811,985 34 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 1,362,126 1,232,295 202,243 1,423,151 4,219,815 2,127,015 12,478,800 97,101 256,783 447,440 540,759 0 15,947,898 20,167,713 35 Available Balance 0 0 0 0 0 351,099 0 0 0 137,428 0 75,000 563,527 563,527 CED Committee
June 10, 2025