Community Economic Resilience Fund Program – RFI
Workforce Services Information Notice
WSIN21-23
Issued: December 9, 2021
The Employment Development Department (EDD) in collaboration with the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), the Office of Planning and Research (OPR), and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development is requesting information as part of the Community Economic Resilience Fund Program (CERF). The CERF is a $600 Million, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funded program intended to promote a sustainable and equitable recovery from the economic distress of COVID-19 by supporting new plans and strategies to diversify local economies and develop sustainable industries that create high-quality, broadly accessible jobs for all Californians. It will support communities and regional groups in producing regional roadmaps for economic recovery and transition and fund projects that contribute to the creation of accessible, high-quality jobs in sustainable industries.
Information Requested
The LWDA/OPR seeks comments on any or all of, but not limited to, the following topics:
- Proposed metrics for Phase 1 and 2 of the program as they relate to inclusivity, equity, sustainability, economic competitiveness, and ARPA requirements. Per ARPA guidelines, this project is categorized as “2.13: Other economic support.”
- Considerations for approaching research in Phase 1 (e.g., what are novel ways to gather existing information on labor market/industry analysis across the state, potential for the creation of tools, consideration of researchers in these fields, iterative means to approach lessons learned, etc.).
- Considerations for approaching Phase 2 (e.g., approach to feedback loops for learning and improvement throughout the program, best practices and lessons learned, analogous place-based investments to inform the work, tracking state investments alongside similar federal, private-sector, and philanthropic investments etc.).
- Types of evaluation (e.g., impact, process, implementation) recommended.
- Cost estimates.
To ensure consideration, responses must be submitted by January 20, 2022. Early submissions are appreciated. Responses to this Request for Information (RFI) must be submitted electronically to WSBCERF@edd.ca.gov. Please include “CERF RFI” in the email subject line.
Please see the attachment for additional information on this request, including the disclaimer and general provisions.
/s/ KIMBERLEE MEYER, Chief
Central Office Workforce Services Division