Task Force Update

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION
The Workforce Development & Education Task Force met on September 5th and heard from three speakers. Laura Szabo-Kubitz with the Institute for College Access & Success gave a presentation on the Californians for College Affordability Coalition, which advocates for increased
needs-based financial aid to increase equity in attendance and target increases in aid to potential students with the greatest financial barriers. She noted that in the East Bay and other coastal communities, the cost of living can be especially burdensome and needs to factor in to financial aid awards. She also noted the need for increased investments in services to disadvantaged populations. The Task Force agreed to recommend to the Board that the EBLC formally join the coalition. 

Jake Brymner gave a presentation regarding the Campaign for College Opportunity’s Blueprint to Increase College Graduates & Keep Our Economy Strong to fill the anticipated shortage relative to the 1.6 million degrees and certificates needed to replace the aging workforce by 2030. Their strategies include advocating for increasing funding to the CSU and UC systems to expand access; ease the transfer process between institution; improve adult reeducation; and reform remedial course requirements. The Task Force agreed to recommend that the Board endorse the Blueprint, while noting that the “devil’s in the details” and that the Task Force and staff should continue to monitor specific policy initiatives in support of the goals laid out in the Blueprint. 

Finally, Mojdeh Mehizadeh with the Contra Costa Community College District reported on their new program to provide free tuition to first-time, full-time students, so long as they meet basic requirements (completion of FAFSA; completion of their education plan, laying out the pathway to degree attainment; and maintenance of a 2.0 GPA). This program came out of AB 19, which is intended to increase the number of high school graduates prepared for post-secondary education; increase the number of students who earn associate and technical education degrees and certifications; and increase transfers into the CSU and UC systems. The program was put together quickly following passage of the State budget, but already 1,386 students made the pledges necessary under the program.


ENVIRONMENTAL & MANUFACTURING
The Environmental/ Manufacturing Task Force met on September 7th to hear an update on the recently released draft of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Blueprint under AB 617 from Jennifer Schulte, Senior Project Manager at ERM. Ms. Schulte began by recapping the goals and components of AB 617, which include community emissions reductions; retrofit of pollution controls on industrial facilities; air quality monitoring; provisions for penalties; and funding for community groups. She noted that AB 617 gives increased authority relative to the local districts, creating tension between local and state authority.

The 2018 draft proposes to concentrate efforts on air monitoring in Richmond and emissions reductions in Richmond for its first priorities. Local steering committees must be established, comprised of local residents, workers, and operators. The Steering Committee will be involved in identifying the metrics to be used under the required Community Emissions Reduction Plans, which will be adopted by the local air boards and approved by CARB.

Industry participation through the EBLC or its members will be essential in order to maintain a balance among affected stakeholders, which may present an advocacy opportunity in the near future.