City Council moves to extend vital job training services

During a recent city council meeting, Economic and Community Vitality Manager Karen Decker presented an amendment to the professional services agreement with Job Train, a key provider of employment services at the Opportunity Center on the coast. The Opportunity Center, which serves as a hub for job seekers and entrepreneurs, is notable for being the first of its kind in the area, housing an incubator, accelerator, and the local chamber of commerce.

Decker explained that the center operates with funding from a grant provided by San Mateo County, which was set to expire at the end of September 2023. This expiration would have affected all four service providers working at the center. However, on September 17, the city council authorized an amendment to extend the agreement with the county until September 30, 2025, along with contract extensions for three of the four service providers.

Job Train's contract was initially included in this extension; however, additional time was requested to address a potential conflict of interest. Following this period, the city attorney provided a legal opinion, allowing the council to move forward with the amendment for Job Train's services. The council's decision is expected to enhance employment support in the region, ensuring continuity of services at the Opportunity Center.