Bexar County authorizes negotiations with Project QUEST for $400,000 workforce pilot

Bexar County Commissioners Court on Jan. 7 authorized staff to negotiate terms of a professional services agreement with Project QUEST and instructed staff to identify up to $400,000 in county funding to support workforce training, wraparound services and job placement for county residents.

The vote followed more than 20 minutes of discussion about overlap with existing programs and measurable outcomes. Francisco Martinez, president and CEO of Project QUEST, told the court the program aims to serve residents not covered by the city of San Antonio’s Ready to Work funding and to reduce under-enrollment that has limited other workforce programs. "Our goal is to help fill the need that's not currently being served by current funding," Martinez said.

County Judge Michael S. Sakai and several commissioners emphasized that negotiators should focus on results and targets, not only enrollment. Commissioner Grant Moody said he wanted assurances on duplication of services and outcomes before supporting long-term commitments, but he moved to approve the authorization after staff described a one-time allocation approach and an intent to serve unduplicated individuals in unincorporated Bexar County.

Commissioners also noted the project’s potential to support advanced manufacturing employment in southern Bexar County and requested regular reports on enrollment, outcomes and constituent-level service data for each precinct. There was no roll-call vote; the court approved the motion by voice.

The authorization directs county staff to identify funding sources and negotiate a contract with Project QUEST. Staff said the intention is to return to commissioners with a negotiated agreement and budget details for final approval.