*Authorize a grant agreement with Worksystems Inc. for the Summer Youth Connect/SummerWorks Youth Employment Program within City Bureaus for summer 2022 for an amount not to exceed $551,600

The City of Portland ordains: Section 1. The Council finds: The City of Portland's future economic and social well-being are dependent upon more students graduating from high school, pursuing further education, and securing career-ladder employment. National research points to the need for expanded employment and work-based learning opportunities for young people. National employment rates for teenagers and young adults are down 16% from their peak in 1979. The City of Portland has a history of investing in young people through funding of recreational and after-school activities, youth employment programs, and creating seasonal job training, work experience, internship, and job shadow opportunities. City Council previously approved funding for youth employment and career preparation as part of the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) coordinated by the Bureau of Human Resources (BHR) under Ordinance No. 180874, 181765, 182138, and 190097, which subsequently Council directed to the Summer Youth Connect/SummerWorks Employment Program coordinated by the Mayor's Office under Ordinance No.182811,185998 and 186648. Worksystems, Inc. has extensive experience managing publicly funded workforce development contracts with adult and youth service providers in our Region. Worksystems, Inc. has developed SummerWorks Program (Program), a comprehensive summer work experience program for youth, ages 16-24 with barriers to employment including at-risk of disconnecting from school. NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs: The Director of the Bureau of Human Resources is authorized to execute a grant agreement in total amount not-to-exceed $551,600 with Worksystems Inc for the use in the Youth Connect/SummerWorks program, as shown in Exhibit A. The Mayor and Auditor are hereby authorized to draw and deliver payment chargeable to Fiscal Year 2021 - 2022 budget. BHR and the Office of Management & Finance Grants Division are authorized to perform all administrative matters in relation to the grant application, grant agreement or amendments, requests for reimbursement from the grantor, and to submit required grant documents on the Director’s behalf. The BHR Director is authorized to execute amendments to the Agreement, provided such modifications do not increase the City’s financial obligation or risk. Any modifications that increase the City’s financial obligation or risk must be authorized by the City Council. Section 2. The Council declares that an emergency exists because a delay in funding could result in a delay in services; therefore, this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage by Council.