The Town of Paradise council voted to advance a large workforce‑training project funded through the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), directing staff to administer the grant and cash‑flow near‑term project expenses that partners cannot front.

Interim town manager Michael Bridal and project staff told council the grant is scoped at about $17.8 million, with construction and program costs spread across multiple partners including Paradise Unified School District, Butte College and local workforce organizations. Staff said many partners cannot operate on a pure reimbursement basis and the council's direction is necessary so the town can draw and disburse funds monthly while awaiting HCD reimbursement.

"If we are unable to do that, if we are prioritizing keeping those funds invested, then this project cannot move forward," a staff member told the council, adding the town would need to cash‑flow an estimated $1.5 million to $2 million in active draws to keep the project operating while awaiting reimbursement. Staff estimated the pro‑fund interest loss on such an action at roughly $120,000–$160,000 over two years for a $1 million front‑funding example.

School district and workforce partners told council they support the project and in some cases will provide up‑front contributions; the district representative said the district would "front that money" if necessary. Project partners also stressed the program's benefits for youth and residents affected by the Camp Fire and COVID.

Councilmembers asked about timing and administrative burden. Staff said reimbursement draws typically take at least 30 days to process, and another 45–60 days for HCD approval—about three months best case—so cash flow is a continuous rolling process. Staff recommended hiring a grant‑management consultant (paid from the grant) to handle HCD paperwork, monitoring and reimbursement packaging.

After hearing partner assurances and staff budget timing, a motion by Councilmember Bullen, seconded by Councilmember Cullerton, directed staff to move forward with administering the workforce project and preparing the reimbursement/cash‑flow plan; the motion passed by roll call with council voting to proceed while asking staff to return with more detailed implementation steps.

Council asked staff to return with clearer partner commitments, an administrative plan for draw timing, and details on consultant support to minimize the town's operating exposure.