Los Angeles County Will Announce $32 Million Investment in Workforce Recovery Initiatives

The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity scheduled a press conference on Monday, April 14 to formally announce two major workforce initiatives totaling $32 million. These programs aim to support workers impacted by January’s devastating windstorms and wildfires, and stimulate long-term economic growth through innovative training models developed with cross-sector partners.

The initiatives include the $14.2 million Fire Recovery and Resilience Workforce Program and the $17.8 million High Road Training Partnership Fund. Both initiatives provide impacted and dislocated workers immediate economic security through employment opportunities, job training, and stipends, supporting their recovery and resilience.

The Fire Recovery and Resilience Workforce Program, funded by the State Employment Development Department and managed by the Department of Economic Opportunity and local workforce boards, will offer temporary subsidized jobs and rapid reemployment services to more than 1,000 workers affected by the January windstorms and wildfires.

Comprehensive job training under this initiative will aim at securing sustainable, long-term employment.

Starting Monday, April 14,affected workers, training partners, and hiring partners can sign up for these opportunities through Los Angeles County’s America’s Job Centers of California.

The High Road Training Partnership Fund will provide grants for the creation or expansion of industry-driven, worker-informed training programs across the County.

These programs target high-growth sectors, benefiting over 1,300 individuals negatively impacted by COVID-19, the January windstorms and wildfires, and historical disinvestment.

The fund is specifically designed to foster inclusive, equitable, and sustainable economic growth and to create high-quality jobs.

Applications for grant funding will open on Monday, April 14.

County officials scheduled to speak at the press conference include Supervisor Lindsay Horvath from the 3rd District and Jesse Cuevas, Division Chief of the California Employment Development Department.

A recent graduate from the Healthcare High Road Training Partnership program at the Pilipino Worker Center will also attend the event.

The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, established in July 2022, helps job seekers, entrepreneurs, small businesses, major industries, and communities access economic opportunities.

It also houses the Office of Small Business, Los Angeles County’s one-stop shop dedicated to entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Additional information is available at opportunity.lacounty.gov.