DATE: March 3, 2026
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Paul Nerland, County Administrative Officer
Blake Konczal, Executive Director
Fresno County Regional Workforce Development Board
SUBJECT: Fresno County Regional Workforce Development Board Application for Adult and Dislocated Worker Career Services Provider Designation
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute an application to the Governor of the State of California requesting designation of the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board as the provider of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Adult and Dislocated Worker Career Services in Fresno County.
REPORT
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) allows Local Workforce Development Boards to be an Adult and Dislocated Worker Career Services Provider with the approval of your Board and the Governor. The Adult program enables workers to obtain good jobs by providing them with job search assistance and training opportunities. The Dislocated Worker program is designed to help workers get back to work as quickly as possible and overcome barriers to employment. There is no additional Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If the Board does not approve the recommended action, Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board (FRWDB) staff will not submit the application for designation. Adult and Dislocated Worker Career Services will continue to be delivered through competitively selected service providers, which may limit the FRWDB’s ability to respond promptly to changing federal and state policy requirements.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. This item pertains solely to an application for designation and does not involve the allocation or expenditure of County funds. If the application is approved, the FRWDB will not receive additional funding from the State. However, by directly providing services, the FRWDB reduces administrative overhead, enhances operational flexibility, and responds more effectively to local workforce needs. This approach also ensures stronger alignment between strategic planning, policy development, and service delivery, resulting in improved outcomes for participants and employers.
DISCUSSION:
Workforce services for eligible adults are available through one of the six core programs authorized by the WIOA. The Adult program serves individuals and helps employers meet their workforce needs. It enables workers to obtain good jobs by providing them with job search assistance and training opportunities.
WIOA establishes a priority requirement with respect to funds allocated to a local area for adult employment and training activities. American Job Center staff, when using WIOA Adult funds to provide individualized career services and training services, must give priority to recipients of public assistance, other low-income individuals, and individuals who are basic skills deficient. Under WIOA, priority must be implemented regardless of the amount of funds available to provide services in the local area. In addition, veterans receive priority of service in all Department of Labor (DOL) funded employment programs.
The Dislocated Worker program is designed to help workers get back to work as quickly as possible and overcome barriers to employment. When individuals become dislocated workers as a result of job loss, mass layoffs, global trade dynamics, or transitions in economic sectors, the Dislocated Worker program provides services to assist them in re-entering the workforce. Services for dislocated workers are integrated and provided through a national network of American Job Centers (AJCs). The AJCs provide significant resources to states to implement workforce education, training, and employment programs and help displaced workers.
The WIOA authorizes Local Workforce Development Boards, with concurrence from the Chief Elected Official (your Board) and approval by the Governor, to directly provide Adult and Dislocated Worker Career Services when such designation supports effective service delivery.
Approval of this request is consistent with WIOA objectives to streamline service delivery, strengthen coordination among workforce partners, and improve employment and training outcomes for job seekers. Approval of the application will allow Fresno County residents to continue receiving comprehensive career services that support employment, training, and long-term career advancement.
The FRWDB has demonstrated the administrative capacity, operational infrastructure, and partnerships necessary to effectively deliver Adult and Dislocated Worker Career Services.
Designation of the FRWDB as the service provider is expected to improve efficiency, strengthen accountability, enhance responsiveness to the needs of job seekers and employers, and support timely compliance with changing federal and state policy requirements.
Adult and Dislocated Worker Career Services include, but are not limited to, the following activities:
• Providing basic career services such as participant intake, orientations, eligibility determination, initial assessments, referrals to WIOA partners and community resources, and self-directed job search assistance
• Providing individualized career services, including comprehensive and specialized assessments, case management, development of Individual Employment Plans, career planning, and vocational training services
• Managing the daily operations of the America’s Job Center of California (AJCC) in coordination with co-located partners
Approval of the recommended action will allow the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board to submit the Request for Approval application to the State for subsequent review and approval. Should the State approve, the FRWDB designation as the provider of WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker Career Services in Fresno County will be valid for a maximum of four years beginning July 1, 2026.
OTHER REVIEWING AGENCIES:
The Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board Executive Committee reviewed on January 22, 2026.
The City of Fresno, Mayor’s Office, reviewed on February 19, 2026.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Request for Approval
CAO ANALYST:
Ron Alexander