CED Committee
May 12, 2026
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Jestin D. Johnson FROM: Ashleigh Kanat
City Administrator Director, EWDD
SUBJECT: Approval of New WIOA Services
Contracts for FY 2026–2029 and
Amendment of Existing Contracts
DATE: April 21, 2026
City Administrator Approval Date:
RECOMMENDATION
Staff Recommends That The City Council Adopt A Resolution Authorizing (1) Grant Agreements With Service Providers Competitively Selected For Workforce Innovation And Opportunity Act (WIOA) Program Services For Fiscal Years 2026–2029 In A Total Amount Not To Exceed Two Million Six Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($2,650,000) For Fiscal Year 2026–2027 To Provide Comprehensive Adult And Dislocated Worker, One- Stop Operator, Business Engagement, And Youth Services; And (2) Amendments to Existing WIOA Agreements To Extend Contract Terms Through June 30, 2027 And Increase Funding In A Total Amount Not To Exceed Five Hundred Eighty-Four Thousand One Hundred Nine Dollars ($584,109)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff is requesting approval of funding recommendations for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program services, including both new grant agreements for Fiscal Years (FY) 2026-2029 and amendments to existing agreements.
Through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process, service providers were selected to deliver Adult and Dislocated Worker Career Services, One-Stop Operator services, Business Engagement services, and Youth services. Staff recommends approval of new WIOA grant agreements in an amount not to exceed $2,650,000 for FY 2026–2027 as set forth in Table 1 below.
Additionally, staff recommends amendments to existing WIOA agreements to extend contract terms through June 30, 2027, and proportionally increase funding in a total amount not to exceed $584,109 as set forth in Table 2 below. These amendments are supported by increased WIOA formula allocations for FY 2025–2026 and are intended to stabilize provider operations, maintain service levels, and support transition activities. 5/1/26
Jestin D. Johnson, City Administrator
Subject: Approval of New WIOA Services Contracts for FY 2026–2029 and Amendment of Existing Contracts
Date: April 21, 2026 Page 2
CED Committee
May 12, 2026
BACKGROUND / LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
The Oakland Workforce Development Board (OWDB) oversees the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I funding that supports employment and training services for Oakland jobseekers and businesses. These services include Adult and Dislocated Worker Career Services, Youth Services, Business Engagement Services, and One-Stop Operator functions delivered through the local workforce system.
To establish service delivery for the next procurement cycle, the Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD) and OWDB released a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) for WIOA-funded program services for FY 2026-2029. The RFP solicited proposals across multiple service categories and was designed to support high-quality, equitable, and coordinated workforce services that are aligned with local, state, and federal workforce priorities. Following proposal review and scoring, staff developed funding recommendations for new grant agreements with providers, as shown in Table 1.
In addition to the new procurement cycle, staff evaluated the need to maintain continuity of services under existing WIOA agreements. As part of the State’s FY 2025–2026 allocation, the City of Oakland received a net increase of approximately $1.4 million in WIOA formula funding across Adult, Dislocated Worker, Youth, and Rapid Response programs. Consistent with Board direction, staff recommends using a portion of these funds to amend existing agreements by extending contract terms and increasing funding for current Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth service providers.
The proposed funding increases are intended to help offset rising operating costs and sustain service levels while the new multi-year contracts are implemented. This approach is intended to support continuity of services and reduce disruption for participants and employers, while preserving provider capacity during the transition to the new FY 2026-2029 service delivery framework.
ANALYSIS AND POLICY ALTERNATIVES
Funding recommendations under the WIOA RFP reflect adopted OWDB policies, federal requirements, and the results of a competitive procurement process, while supporting the City’s equity goals and priorities related to economic mobility and access to opportunity.
In developing these recommendations, staff considered proposal scores alongside system needs, fiscal stewardship, compliance requirements, and the need to ensure equitable geographic access to services. Final recommendations balance proposal rankings with operational considerations to ensure continuity of services, system coordination, and effective use of public funds.
All recommended providers demonstrated the capacity to deliver services consistent with WIOA program requirements. For contracting purposes, staff recommends issuing one contract per provider, inclusive of multiple service locations where applicable, to support administrative efficiency and coordinated service delivery across Oakland’s workforce system.
Jestin D. Johnson, City Administrator
Subject: Approval of New WIOA Services Contracts for FY 2026–2029 and Amendment of Existing Contracts
Date: April 21, 2026 Page 3
CED Committee
May 12, 2026
New Grant Agreements (FY 2027–2029)
The recommended grant agreements for FY 2026-2029 were based on a two-step evaluation process consisting of a compliance review and a qualitative evaluation. Proposals were scored on a 100-point scale across responsibility and responsiveness, program design, approach and methodology, qualifications and experience, and cost reasonableness.
These recommendations reflect the highest-ranked proposals within each service category.
Adjustments were made where appropriate to ensure system efficiency, geographic coverage, and alignment with available funding.
Category 1 – Comprehensive AJCC Services:
Lao Family Community Development (LFCD) and Oakland Private Industry Council (OPIC) received the highest scores and demonstrated the capacity to operate multiple comprehensive America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs). Recommended awards reflect shared administrative efficiencies across sites while maintaining full-service delivery.
Category 2 – One-Stop Operator:
OPIC received the highest score and is recommended for full funding to serve as the system- wide One-Stop Operator, with a focus on coordination and partner alignment.
Category 3 – Business Intermediary Services:
The Spanish Speaking Unity Council of Alameda County is recommended for full funding based on strong employer engagement capacity and demonstrated ability to leverage non- WIOA resources without duplication of services.
Category 4 – Youth Services:
While the RFP anticipated funding up to three providers, staff recommends funding five providers to ensure geographic coverage and access, including service delivery in Deep East Oakland. Partial awards are recommended where appropriate to balance fiscal constraints, program scope, and provider readiness. This approach ensures a comprehensive, coordinated workforce system while maintaining flexibility to address service gaps and community needs.
Jestin D. Johnson, City Administrator
Subject: Approval of New WIOA Services Contracts for FY 2026–2029 and Amendment of Existing Contracts
Date: April 21, 2026 Page 4
CED Committee
May 12, 2026
Recommendations for contract awards and Fiscal Year 2026-27 funding are described in Table 1 below.
TABLE 1: Summary of Recommended New Awards
Service Category Provider Scope /
Location
Final
Score (%)
Recommended
Award
Category 1:
Comprehensive AJCC
Oakland Private Industry Council
(OPIC)
Downtown &
West 94.8/85 $700,000
Lao Family Community
Development
Central & East
Oakland 83/80.7 $720,000
Category 2:
One-Stop Operator
Oakland Private Industry Council
(OPIC)
System-wide
OSO 92.0 $80,000
Category 3: Business
Intermediary
Spanish Speaking Unity Council
of Alameda County Citywide 90.0 $200,000
Category 4:
Youth Services
Youth Employment Partnership
(YEP) Youth Svs 91.25 $250,000
Lao Family Community
Development Youth Svs 88.67 $250,000
Spanish Speaking Unity Council
of Alameda County Youth Svs 88.75 $150,000
Oakland Tech Exchange Youth Svs
(ICT-focused) 90.16 $150,000
Youth Uprising Youth Svs
(Deep East) 87.67 $150,000
Total Award Amount $2,650,000
Amendments to Existing Agreements – Extension and Increased Funding As part of the State’s FY 2025–2026 WIOA allocation, the City of Oakland received a net increase of approximately $1.4 million across Adult, Dislocated Worker, Youth, and Rapid Response funding streams. This increase includes:
Adult: +$419,842
Dislocated Worker: +$361,718
Youth: +$386,654
Rapid Response: +$228,469 (retained in-house)
To ensure continuity of services and avoid disruptions during the transition to new providers, staff is recommending applying 50% of the increase in Adult, Dislocated Worker and Youth funds, in an amount not to exceed $584,109, and extending current WIOA service provider contracts for an additional year (through June 30, 2027), to support continued service delivery during the transition period. This approach ensures uninterrupted access to workforce services for participants and maintains system stability while new contracts are finalized.
Jestin D. Johnson, City Administrator
Subject: Approval of New WIOA Services Contracts for FY 2026–2029 and Amendment of Existing Contracts
Date: April 21, 2026 Page 5
CED Committee
May 12, 2026
Table 2: Recommended Increases to Current WIOA Providers
RELATED PLANNING EFFORTS
This recommendation supports multiple local and regional workforce and economic development planning efforts. The development of the WIOA RFP and resulting funding recommendations are developed from the OWDB Local Plan, the East Bay Regional Workforce Plan, and the OWDB’s strategic priorities.
These plans collectively guide workforce system design, including service delivery strategies, priority populations, sector focus, and performance outcomes. The recommended contracts reflect these priorities by strengthening coordination across providers, expanding access to services in historically underserved communities, and improving employment and wage outcomes for Oakland residents.
In addition, this recommendation aligns with Goal 2 of the City of Oakland’s Economic Development Action Plan by supporting workforce development strategies that connect residents to quality jobs, promote economic mobility, and meet the needs of local employers.
Jestin D. Johnson, City Administrator
Subject: Approval of New WIOA Services Contracts for FY 2026–2029 and Amendment of Existing Contracts
Date: April 21, 2026 Page 6
CED Committee
May 12, 2026
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the recommended awards will result in a total programmatic pass-through investment of approximately $3.2 million annually in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds for direct workforce services beginning July 1, 2026 and continuing through June 30, 2029.
Funding is subject to annual WIOA allocations from the State of California and continued federal appropriations. Contracts are recommended for an initial one-year term, with options for renewal for up to two additional years based on performance, compliance, and availability of funds.
WIOA Title I formula funding for the recommended providers will be budgeted in the Workforce Investment Act Fund (2195), Workforce Development Organization (85311), Expenditure account (54912) and various known projects.
PUBLIC OUTREACH / INTEREST
The Workforce Services Request for Proposals was conducted through an open and competitive procurement process. The RFP was publicly advertised and made available to interested organizations. Technical assistance was provided to prospective applicants to support equitable access to the solicitation process.
COORDINATION
Development of the funding recommendations involved coordination between the Workforce Development Division, the Oakland Workforce Development Board, proposal reviewers, various City Departments including: Department of Race and Equity, City Administrator’s Office, City Attorney’s Office, and the Finance Department. Selected service providers will coordinate closely with City staff, system partners, and each other to ensure integrated service delivery across America’s Job Centers of California (AJCC), youth programs, business services, and One-Stop system functions.
Contracts executed pursuant to this action will be administered in coordination with the City Administrator’s Office, the City Attorney’s Office, and the Finance Department to ensure compliance with City contracting requirements.
PAST PERFORMANCE, EVALUATION AND FOLLOW-UP
Over the past three program years, OWDB-funded providers served more than 1,100 participants across Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth programs. Training participation rose by 12%, employment outcomes increased by 10%, and median wages grew from $24.50/hour to $26.90/hour. The overall cost per employment remained below $5,000, demonstrating strong cost-efficiency and return on investment despite flat funding levels.
Jestin D. Johnson, City Administrator
Subject: Approval of New WIOA Services Contracts for FY 2026–2029 and Amendment of Existing Contracts
Date: April 21, 2026 Page 7
CED Committee
May 12, 2026
Table 3: Adult Program Outcomes
Table 4: Trend Summary Adult Program (FY 2022–25)
Adult providers show sustained growth in participant and training volume, with stable employment outcomes and modest wage increases.
Table 5: Dislocated Worker Program Outcomes
Table 6: Trend Summary Dislocated Worker Program (FY 2022–25) Dislocated Worker providers continue serving fewer but higher-barrier participants with consistent wage improvements.
Table 7: Youth Program Outcomes
Table 8: Trend Summary Youth Program (FY 2022–25)
Jestin D. Johnson, City Administrator
Subject: Approval of New WIOA Services Contracts for FY 2026–2029 and Amendment of Existing Contracts
Date: April 21, 2026 Page 8
CED Committee
May 12, 2026
Youth providers achieved steady growth in participation, training, and employment with rising median wages (from $19/hr to $21/hr). Cost-efficiency remained strong across all subgrantees.
Across all WIOA programs, providers demonstrated consistent or improving outcomes from FY 2022 through FY 2025. Median wages rose across program years while cost-per-participant stayed below $5,000 across most programs.
RACE AND EQUITY
The recommended funding allocations will help to advance the City’s race and equity goals by prioritizing services for populations facing barriers to employment, including youth, low-income residents, and residents in historically underserved areas such as Deep East Oakland. The inclusion of partial awards to expand geographic coverage reflects a deliberate effort to promote equitable access to workforce services citywide.
ACTION REQUESTED OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Staff Recommends That The City Council Adopt A Resolution Authorizing (1) Grant Agreements With Service Providers Competitively Selected For Workforce Innovation And Opportunity Act (WIOA) Program Services For Fiscal Years 2026–2029 In A Total Amount Not To Exceed Two Million Six Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($2,650,000) For Fiscal Year 2026–2027 To Provide Comprehensive Adult And Dislocated Worker, One-Stop Operator, Business Engagement, And Youth Services; And (2) Amendments to Existing WIOA Agreements To Extend Contract Terms Through June 30, 2027, And Increase Funding In A Total Amount Not To Exceed Five Hundred Eighty-Four Thousand One Hundred Nine Dollars ($584,109) Jestin D. Johnson, City Administrator
Subject: Approval of New WIOA Services Contracts for FY 2026–2029 and Amendment of Existing Contracts
Date: April 21, 2026 Page 9
CED Committee
May 12, 2026
For questions regarding this report, please contact Honorata Lindsay, Administrative Services Manager II, at 510-307-6851.
Respectfully submitted,
ASHLEIGH KANAT
Director, Economic and Workforce
Development
Reviewed by:
DCA Sofia Navarro
Prepared by:
Honorata Lindsay, ASM II
Workforce Development Division