Item Coversheet

Board Action Request
21-0050

Item Description:
Agmt PR00003064 with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber Development Foundation for support of an HC integrated workforce development solution, 02/01/21–12/31/21 NTE $150,000
Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED, that Agmt PR00003064 with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber Development Foundation for the development, implementation, provision of training, maintenance, and support of Hennepin County's integrated workforce development solution, "Elevate Futures" during the period February 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021, in an amount not to exceed $150,000 be approved; that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the Agreement on behalf of the county; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the acceptance of grant funding for this program by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners does not imply a continued funding commitment by Hennepin County for this program when grant funds are no longer available.

Background:

This agreement continues the County’s partnership with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber Development Foundation (MRCDF), in conjunction with TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Foundation, for the development, implementation, training, maintenance, and support of a regional integrated workforce development solution, “Elevate Futures”.

MRCDF provided these services in 2020 and was funded through the CARES Act to provide supplemental workforce development services to organizations serving individuals who were laid off, furloughed, or unemployed due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. 

MRCDF will conduct county-wide business outreach and development to private-sector business leaders to align current strategies with those needed by the private-sector.

MRCDF staff assist on “Elevate Futures” which is an internet/mobile app based technology platform that creates a systematic approach to connect job seekers, students, parents and teachers with private-sector career exploration tools and open jobs. The platform also eliminates the social network barriers to entry allowing for equitable access to these opportunities and jobs. The relationship development component allows for co-creation, strategy development that leverages expertise, relationships and resources from a wide variety of community stakeholders. This technological improvement allows the delivery of services to eligible recipients in a manner that enables compliance with public health measures during COVID-19.

Functions of the Elevate Futures tool include: career exploration videos; online resume builder; ability to take non-credentialed training known as badges that are industry specific, and where upon completion, upload directly to the individual’s resume; curriculum uploaded by secondary and post-secondary institutions allowing learner to receive credit and or industry recognized credentials; and a job search function.

This agreement will be supported by consolidated grant and property tax funding.

 

Current request: This request seeks approval of Agreement PR00003064 with MRCDF, in conjunction with TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Foundation, for support of an HC integrated workforce development solution during the period February 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021 in an amount not to exceed $150,000.

Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval