Title
Resolution Supporting the ACT Work Ready Communities Initiative and Authorizing the Mayor and the City Manager to Execute All Documents Evidencing the City’s Support of and Participation in this Effort
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
The ACT Work Ready Community initiative is under the direction of ACT State Organizations. ACT State Organization is a network of professionals that works with ACT to shape the education and workforce landscape at local and state levels, and are located in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Membership is made up of dynamic education and workforce professionals and policymakers across each state. The vision for ACT State Organizations is to eliminate the skills gap by connecting the outcomes of K-12 and postsecondary to career opportunities.
The City of Hampton applied to participate in the ACT Work Readiness Communities Academy and was accepted. The acceptance letter dated October 25, 2017, is attached to the Council Package. The Director of ACT State Organizations was most impressed with the quality of the Hampton application prepared by Pam Croom of Economic Development.
Discussion:
The designation by ACT helps the City of Hampton attract new businesses and new jobs in addition to strengthening the region’s incumbent workforce. The Certified Work Ready Community initiative aligns workforce training programs with the economic development needs of communities; matches appropriate applicants to jobs based on skill level; and strengthens businesses by strengthening the workforce.
This initiative demonstrates the City’s acknowledgement and understanding that workforce development is a regional issue and has to be addressed through collaborative partnerships.
ACT Work Ready Community requires a resolution of Council supporting the initiative and the participation of staff and the community in this effort. It also requires a letter of support to be executed by the Mayor. The documents attached to the Council Package include the draft support letter as well as the acceptance letter and application.
Impact:
Academy (2 attendees; 4 sessions): $1600
Travel (2 attendees; 4 sessions): $4000
Recommendation:
Rec
Economic Development staff recommends approval of the resolution
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Hampton desires to position itself to attract business and industry to our area;
WHEREAS, leaders across the Commonwealth have identified the need to address the skill and educational needs of business and industry;
WHEREAS, the ACT Work Ready Community Initiative is designed to help communities identify skill gaps and to quantify the skill level of their workforce in order to assist educators in building career pathways aligned to the needs of business and industry;
WHEREAS, the ACT Work Ready Community Initiative assists communities in organizing a cross agency team of government, educators, workforce, economic developers and business leaders to address the local workforce needs;
WHEREAS, City of Hampton staff along with staff from the Peninsula Council for Workforce Development, Thomas Nelson Community College, the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, and Hampton City Schools are interested in furthering the initiative in Hampton; and
WHEREAS, participating in the ACT Work Ready Communities Initiative also helps communities stand out and be recognized for their workforce development efforts.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAMPTON, VIRGINIA as follows:
1. That the City Council of the City of Hampton supports the ACT Work Ready Communities Initiative;
2. That the Mayor and the City Manager are authorized to execute all documents in support of this initiative; and
3. That the City Council of the City of Hampton further encourages staff and community participation in this effort.