Dear LA HRTC Partners,

Welcome to our latest newsletter, where we aim to keep you informed and engaged with the latest updates and developments within our collaborative efforts as part of the California Jobs First program. As we continue to navigate the complexities of funding and implementation, it's crucial to stay connected and aligned with the latest information.

In this edition, we'll provide a comprehensive recap of the current state funding allocations, offering insight into where resources are being directed and the implications for our ongoing work. Additionally, we'll provide detailed updates on our Planning Phase deliverables, including important changes to deadlines and guidance. We'll also share news regarding the CJF Catalyst Program, Affinity Hub Leads, LA HRTC Bylaws, Capacity Building Contract, and the establishment of the Subregional Table Lead Subcommittee. These updates are crucial as we collectively work towards our shared goals of advancing economic development, promoting job creation, and fostering inclusivity and sustainability across our region.

Let's dive deeper into these important topics and continue our journey towards positive change together.

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Funding Recap: Below is a recap of current State funding and allocations:

• $65M to Planning Phase (Current Phase)​
  • $5M per region​
  • Los Angeles Coalition Awarded Phase 1 Funds
• $39M to Economic Development Pilots​ (Already Awarded)
  • As mandated by SB162 and AB2342​
  • California Awards Nearly $40 Million for Communities to Build Industries of the Future | LWDA    
• $182M to Catalyst Pre-Development Phase​ (Applied for grant funding, awaiting update)
  • Up to $14M per region​
• $25M to the Tribal Investment Initiative​
• Up to $4M for the Program Evaluation​
• ~$273M for Implementation Phase​

Governor Newsom's Budget Proposal for California Jobs First​:

Governor Newsom's latest budget summary has proposed to delay $200M in funding to SFY 2025-26 and SFY 2026-27.

• $100M in Implementation Funds during SFY2024-25​
  • $25M for Tribal Investment Initiative​
  • $73M for the Implementation Phase​
• $100M in Implementation Funds during SFY2025-26​
• $100M in Implementation Funds during SFY2026-27​

Planning Phase Deliverables Update​:

Effective Immediately, the Inter-Agency State Team is extending the due date for the Regional Plan Part 2 deliverable from June 30, 2024 to August 30, 2024​

• The Inter-Agency Team will work with Collaboratives to make any final edits to our Jobs First Strategies from September 1-30, 2024​
• The Inter-Agency Team will roll out additional guidance/changes to solicitation dates in the coming weeks​

CJF Catalyst Program:

The LA HRTC is currently awaiting further details regarding the awardment for the CJF Catalyst Program. Attached is the application submitted on behalf of our region. As soon as we receive updates from the state, we'll promptly share them with you!

CJF Catalyst Program Final  Application 

Affinity Hub Funding and Convenings:

Our fiscal agent has collaborated with PayKeeper to execute the formal contracting process with our Affinity Hub Leads. Twelve elected Affinity Hub Leads have each received $50,000 as part of their compensation. The payment schedule was finalized with an 80% upfront payment of $40,000, and the remaining 20% will be paid at the end of the contract term. The contracted Affinity Hub Leads have already received their first disbursement and are scheduled to convene this month to kick off their work in the California Jobs First initiative. For more information about the Affinity Hub Leads, please refer to their contract below. Additionally, it is important to note that upcoming events and convenings organized by the Affinity Hub Leads within their respective affinity areas will be shared and announced with the LA HRTC.

Affinity Hub Lead Contract 

LA HRTC Bylaws:

The drafting of Bylaws for the LA HRTC and Steering Committee has reached completion. We extend our gratitude to our Steering Committee for their months-long commitment to refining these guidelines, which will steer the operations of our Collaborative and Governance structure. The Steering Committee has unanimously voted to adopt the bylaws. Please find them attached below for your reference.

LA HRTC Organizational Bylaws 

Capacity Building Contract:

This Capacity Building project aims to infuse the LA County High Road Transition Collaborative
Partners participating in the California Jobs First (CJF) program with critical technical, organizational, and strategic development skills. The training will be designed to ensure all participants, particularly those from historically underserved communities, have the capacity, knowledge, and resources needed to actively contribute to the formulation of the LA County HRTC CJF Regional Plan. The ultimate objectives are advancing towards a carbon-neutral economy, fostering high-quality job creation, and encouraging impactful training opportunities for underserved communities across all LA County service planning areas.

The Fiscal Agent and Convenor team recently reviewed proposals and conducted interviews with organizations that applied for the capacity-building contract, which has a budget of $75,000. Following careful assessment and grading, Sideporch emerged as the selected candidate to proceed and receive the contract. The Steering Committee has voted to endorse the approval of bid package, detailed below. Our fiscal agent will now facilitate the onboarding process for Sideporch, enabling them to initiate capacity-building training work for our program. 

Bid Package 

Subregional Table Leads Sub Committee: 

The Steering Committee has established a subcommittee, the Subregional Table Lead (SRTL) Subcommittee. This group is convening to create the application, selection criteria, and timeline for granting funds to 90 Subregional Table Leads. Each SRTL will be awarded a $10,000 grant to support their outreach and engagement efforts. Below you can find more information about the Subregional Table Leads Funding Opportunity. 

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Upcoming Funding Opportunity!

Ninety SPA-Based Subregional Table Partner Leads

Based on the approved LA HRTC Organizational Bylaws, ninety Service Planning Area (SPA)-Based Subregional Tables (10 per SPA, per Entity Type) will be funded at ten thousand each to ensure comprehensive coverage across the nine Service Planning Areas, with ten grantees representing each area. This approach fosters regional diversity and a wide range of perspectives, contributing to an effective and inclusive planning process. By conducting outreach, engaging, and gathering data from constituents in local service planning areas, the Subregional Table Leads will ensure that community lived experience is factored into the LA HRTC planning process.

The Subregional Table Leads promote local participation in the planning process and work to engage community members in both the outreach and planning phases of the LA HRTC initiative. Subregional Table Leads will share research findings to promote LA HRTC activities and engage local stakeholders to participate in the LA HRTC geographic and racial planning forums event and data collection process.

In the dynamic landscape of regional economic development in Los Angeles County, the Subregional Table Leads have been strategically assigned specific thematic areas within each Service Planning Area (SPA). These dedicated community-based organizations shall play a vital role in fostering the development of a comprehensive planning process that charts the course for progress. Their core responsibilities encompass community outreach, engagement to gather community input, and lived experience data, sharing research findings, facilitating local discussions to offer insights into key community needs, promoting local participation in region-wide and local solutions, and offering valuable insights into key needs.

The Duties and Responsibilities of Subregional Table Leads:

1. Advise on Inclusive Policies and Practices: Subregional Table Leads shall collaborate with local stakeholders and share information, knowledge, interventions, and solutions that promote inclusivity and address systemic barriers from constituents in their thematic region and within their geographic area. They provide insights on strategies to advance equitable access to CJF opportunities, resources, and economic benefits. 
   
   
2. Facilitate Conversations: Subregional Table Leads shall attend Affinity Table meetings and help distribute and collect responses regarding data and analyses.
   
   
3. Collaborate with Community:  Subregional Table Leads shall engage with local community organizations, advocacy groups, and stakeholders in their geographic area to understand the unique needs and challenges faced by constituents in their designated thematic area. They shall participate in the LA HRTC planning forums with other LA HRTC members, Affinity Hubs, Steering Committee, and Table Partners to develop strategies, interventions, and collaborative solutions to ensure that the voices, needs, and perspectives of their community are heard and integrated into the LA HRTC planning activities.
   
   
4. Promote Capacity Building: Subregional Table Leads shall support efforts to enhance the capacity of individuals and organizations in disadvantaged communities within their geographic areas. Advocating for initiatives and investments that provide training, education, mentorship, and resources to promote economic empowerment and self-sufficiency in the LA HRTC planning process.
   
   
5. Monitor and Evaluate Impact: Subregional Table Leads may develop recommendations regarding additional metrics and indicators to monitor the impact of LA HRTC planning activities within their geographic areas.  

The Subregional Table Subcommittee is working on finalizing the application, scope of work, selection process, and timeline. Please stay tuned as announcements are forthcoming.