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ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE SUBAGREEMENTS FOR THE 2026 CALIFORNIANSFORALL YOUTH JOBS CORPS PROGRAM
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute new agreements with two existing subgrantees to implement youth workforce development programs funded by the CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps grant for Calendar Year 2026, retroactive to January 1, 2026, in the amount of $988,971.70; and
2. Approve findings pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code section 3.68.070 to support and justify an exception to the competitive bidding process.
It is also recommended that the City Manager be authorized to take any appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of the resolution.
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Summary
With prior City Council action (Reso 2025-05-13-1205), the City of Stockton accepted CaliforniansForAll Youth Service Corps grant funding to support youth employment programs administered through qualified subgrantees. To continue program implementation during Calendar Year 2026, staff is recommending approval of new subgrantee agreements with two existing youth workforce providers. Although these agreements build upon previously approved program models and partnerships, State grant requirements prohibit the use of prior-year funds beyond their performance period, necessitating new contracts specific to the 2026 calendar year. Approval is requested retroactive to January 1, 2026, to ensure continuity of services and reimbursement eligibility.
DISCUSSION
Background
The CaliforniansForAll Youth Service Corps program is a statewide initiative administered by California Volunteers that supports youth employment and workforce development in key areas including food insecurity, climate, education, and public service. As part of this initiative, the City of Stockton administers grant funding directly and through subgrants to experienced community-based and public-sector providers that deliver paid employment opportunities, job readiness training, and wraparound services to eligible youth.
Following acceptance of prior grant awards, the City established partnerships with multiple subgrantees that demonstrated capacity, compliance, and strong performance outcomes. These partnerships have enabled the City to implement successful youth workforce programs at scale, meeting all State reporting, fiscal, and audit requirements while serving 245 youth participants during the 2025 program year.
Present Situation
The City has been awarded additional CaliforniansForAll Youth Service Corps funding for Calendar Year 2026, covering the period from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. Under the terms of the State grant, funds must be used exclusively within the designated calendar year and may not be carried forward or combined with funds from prior grant periods. As a result, subgrantee agreements for Calendar Year 2026 must be executed as new contracts rather than amendments to existing agreements. Staff is recommending approval of new agreements with two existing subgrantees that have previously delivered Youth Service Corps programming on behalf of the City and have demonstrated the ability to meet State performance and compliance requirements.
San Joaquin County Office of Education DBA Greater Valley Conservation Corps (GVCC) is a certified local conservation corps established in 2010 with a mission to inspire, educate, and serve youth through workforce development and environmental stewardship. GVCC will provide outreach and recruitment to serve youth aged 18-26, employing participants as Corpsmembers in career pathways related to environmental and waste management, natural resource management, and community improvement efforts. Wraparound services will be provided to support participant retention and successful program completion.
Main Street Youth & Family Services (MSYFS) is a nonprofit organization that provides youth workforce development programming designed to help participants transition into stable employment through paid work experience and supportive services. MSYFS will provide employment opportunities for youth aged 16-30 through agency-owned businesses and will deliver job readiness training, mentoring, leadership development, and transition planning services during program participation.
Consistent with State guidance, this funding was framed as an extension of the City’s existing Youth Service Corps grant program. Given the continuity of program design, provider performance, and State oversight requirements, staff did not conduct a new competitive procurement process. Approval of these agreements retroactive to January 1, 2026 will ensure uninterrupted service delivery and allow for reimbursement of eligible program costs incurred since the start of the grant period.
Findings
Pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code section 3.68.070, the Council may approve findings that support and justify an exception to the competitive bidding process.
The following findings support such an exception:
1. The recommended agreements continue previously approved youth workforce development programs implemented by existing subgrantees with demonstrated capacity, performance history, and compliance with State grant requirements.
2. The State of California framed the 2026 funding as an extension of the City’s existing Youth Service Corps grant and requires the use of calendar-year-specific funding, necessitating new agreements without materially changing program scope, providers, or services.
3. Conducting a competitive procurement process would not provide a material benefit given the continuity of services, fixed State program requirements, and the need to ensure uninterrupted youth employment and grant compliance.
Staff recommends the City Council approve the findings and adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the recommended subgrantee agreements.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
This is a reimbursable grant program, meaning the subgrantees will pay for project related expenses in full, then submit documentation for reimbursement by the City. The City will then follow the same process, consolidating all grant related expenses per billing cycle, and submit documentation for reimbursement through the CaliforiansForAll Youth Workforce Grant.
There will be no impact to the General Fund, all related costs will be supported by the grant funding. There is sufficient funding available. No matching funds are required for this grant.