Council Manager Memo # 31 - April 29, 2009
Information Items:
- Stimulus Contracts for Summer Youth Employment & Training
- May 1: Mayor's Bike to Breakfast Ride
Attachments:
- Economic Development & Planning Committee Summary 3-19-09
- Federal Stimulus Youth Contracts
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Information Items:
Stimulus Contracts for Summer Youth Employment & Training
Resource:
Brad Richardson, Neighborhood & Business Services, 704-336-3857, brichardson@ci.charlotte.nc.us
On April 13, 2009 Council amended the City's contract with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Workforce Development Board (WDB) by up to $4.3 million to administer employment training and job placement programs prescribed by the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009. On April 23, 2009 the WDB awarded contracts to five community organizations totaling $1.495 million in federal stimulus funds to train and provide summer employment to eligible youth in Mecklenburg County. Remaining grant funds will be used to provide job training for adult and dislocated workers. City staff initially estimated serving 500 youth; however, the five approved contractors have committed to serving 453 youth, which meets grant requirements. The organizations, amounts and numbers to be served are listed below:
| Contractor |
Contract Amount |
Youth Served |
| Arbor Education & Training |
$ 350,000 |
60 |
| Urban League |
$ 450,000 |
188 |
| Goodwill Industries |
$ 600,000 |
170 |
| First Presbyterian Church |
$ 20,000 |
6 |
| Friendship CDC |
$ 75,000 |
29 |
| Total |
$1,495,000 |
453 |
The WDB will require the contractors to develop a coordinated approach to participant identification and job development. The contractors will also provide a progress report by
June 30, 2009 on the numbers of youth trained and employed. Additionally, the WDB agreed to use a portion of the grant administration funds to add one new position, serving as a program monitor. This is not a City funded position and will be terminated at the end of the grant cycle.
Eligible youth must be ages 14-24, economically disadvantaged (i.e., below federal poverty standards or family on government assistance) and have one or more of the following barriers to employment: high school dropout; pregnant (or parenting); in or aging out of foster care; homeless or runaway; youth offenders; deficient in basic math or literacy skills.
Attached is a document prepared by the WDB that provides information on the contractors and their respective programs. Staff recommends that Council members refer inquiries from citizens regarding eligibility issues to the Youth Job Connection at 704-372-3434. Organizations interested in providing employment opportunities should contact Dawn Hill with the City's Neighborhood & Business Services Department at 704-336-4445.
May 1: Mayor's Bike to Breakfast Ride
Resource:
Ken Tippette, CDOT, 704-336-2278, ktippette@charlottenc.gov
The annual Mayor's Bike to Breakfast Ride is Friday, May 1, 2009. Mayor Pat McCrory will lead participants on a bike ride starting at 7:30 a.m. at the Dowd YMCA (parking lot behind the facilities), 400 East Morehead Street and finishing in Uptown Charlotte. A free breakfast will be served. All members of City Council are invited to bring a bicycle and helmet and join in this popular event kicking off Bike! Charlotte week. Bike! Charlotte is from May 1 to May 10 and includes activities promoting awareness of the bicycle as a healthy, efficient and environmentally friendly transportation alternative.
