Community Development Agency
www.santa-ana.org/cd
Item # 9
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
May 20, 2025
TOPIC: Approve Submission of Application for Local Area Subsequent Designation and Local Board Recertification for Program Year 2025-2027 as Regulated by the Federal WIOA Grant
AGENDA TITLE
Local Area Subsequent Designation and Local Board Recertification Program Year (PY) 2025-2027
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Authorize the submission of the application for Subsequent Local Area Designation and Local Board Recertification for PY 2025-2027.
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
On January 16, 2025, the California Employment Development Department released Directive WSD24-10-14, establishing procedures for the subsequent designation of Local Workforce Development Areas and recertification of Local Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). This designation and recertification process, conducted every two years, ensures that local areas remain eligible to receive federal WIOA funds to support workforce development services.
The City of Santa Ana is a designated Local Workforce Development Area and serves as the administrative and fiscal agent for WIOA funds. The Santa Ana Workforce Development Board (WDB) oversees the planning, coordination, and accountability of workforce services delivered through the Santa Ana WORK Center.
To comply with the state directive and maintain eligibility for continued WIOA funding, the City must submit a completed Subsequent Designation and Local Board Recertification Request.
The Workforce Development Board is a federally mandated body required by WIOA Section 107, which serves as the local oversight and policy-making authority for the workforce development system. The WDB is composed of representatives from
Local Area Subsequent Designation and Local Board Recertification PY 2025-2027 May 20, 2025
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business, education, labor, economic development, and community-based organizations. Its primary functions include:
•Developing and implementing the local WIOA workforce plan •Overseeing the delivery of employment and training services •Aligning workforce strategies with regional economic priorities •Ensuring accountability in the use of WIOA funds
•Forming partnerships with employers and educational institutions to meet labor market needs
A certified and functioning WDB is essential for the City to continue receiving federal WIOA funding. Without a recertified board and subsequent designation as a Local Workforce Development Area, the City would:
•Lose eligibility for WIOA funds, jeopardizing millions in federal dollars allocated for youth, adult, and dislocated worker programs
•Interrupt workforce service delivery to job seekers, youth, and local employers •Disqualify the City from leading regional workforce partnerships and initiatives •Fall out of compliance with state and federal law, resulting in potential administrative penalties and reallocation of funds to other jurisdictions The Santa Ana WDB currently meets or exceeds all state requirements for recertification, including membership composition, performance accountability, and fiscal integrity (see Exhibit 1).
Approval of this item ensures that the City remains in good standing with the State Workforce Development Board and can continue to deliver vital workforce programs that connect residents with employment, training, and economic opportunity.
On March 20, 2025, during its regularly scheduled meeting, the Santa Ana Workforce Development Board voted 14:0 with members Hubbard, Korthuis, Lopez, Perez, and Ruiz absent, to recommend that the City Council approve the proposed action.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Subsequent Designation and Local Board Recertification Application PY 2025- 2027
Submitted By: Michael L. Garcia, Executive Director of Community Development Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager