Broken Arrow Economic Development Authority
Meeting of: 10-06-2020
Title:
title
Consideration, discussion, and possible approval of a request to provide funding to the Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation to staff a Career / Workforce Center for eighteen months, beginning December 31, 2020 and ending July 30, 2022
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Background:
The Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation is seeking funding to staff a Career/Workforce Center for 18 months to greater assist Broken Arrow residents and businesses navigating job separations, placements and training resources. The citizens of Broken Arrow are facing exceptional challenges, including high unemployment and limited opportunities for in-person skills development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, national job losses were concentrated in the hospitality and food services industries. Oklahoma also saw disproportionate losses in the energy and aerospace industries, reflecting its own industry mix.
In a recent survey conducted by the Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation with 90 businesses responding, 17.86% of businesses reported trouble finding or keeping employees. More than 40% reported furloughing or laying off staff or anticipated further layoffs and furloughs.
The Center will effectively connect displaced workers to the businesses located in Broken Arrow and the resources needed for a return to employment. As the economy recovers from the devastating effects of the pandemic, proactive efforts to address workforce issues should be implemented for the benefit of Broken Arrow. The Center is a creative approach to help both the citizens and businesses.
The Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation is seeking funding to address unbudgeted financial needs in the form of staff support for an 18-month career center program beginning December 31, 2020 and continuing until July 30, 2022. The center will require funding in addition to staff support and BAEDC is seeking those funds from other sources. The requested funds will provide a centralized hub for career placement and development including:
• One-on-one skill assessment
• Upskilling and retraining opportunities
• Employer recruitment support, and
• Career services and job placement.
Jennifer Conway, President and CEO of the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce will provide the Broken Arrow Economic Development Authority detailed information, concerning the Career / Workforce Center. Ms. Conway will also provide the Authority quarterly updates on the Center’s progress during the eighteen-month program
If the Authority approves the request for funding, an Amended Agreement between the Authority and the Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation and a budget amendment for a transfer from the Special Cares Act Fund will be presented to BAEDA during the October 20, 2020 meeting.
Cost: $150,000
Funding Source: Transfer from Fund 347, Special Cares Act Fund
Requested By: Norman Stephens, Economic Development Manager
Approved By: City Manager’s Office
Attachments: None
Recommendation:
recommend
Approve a request to provide funding to the Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation to staff a Career / Workforce Center for eighteen months, beginning December 31, 2020 and ending July 30, 2022.
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