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San Antonio council extends Ready to Work advisory board, orders program changes and eliminates IWT for future awards
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Summary
The council approved an ordinance extending the SA Ready to Work advisory board and confirmed appointments while directing staff to eliminate the incumbent worker training for future awards, refocus on high-performing occupations, and pursue measures to improve job placement and accountability.
San Antonio City Council voted Dec. 11 to extend the term and change the composition of the SA Ready to Work advisory board and to approve a slate of appointments, while directing program changes intended to improve job placement outcomes.
City staff told the council the board, established in December 2020, currently sunsets on Dec. 31, 2025, and the Economic and Workforce Development Committee recommended extending the board term to Dec. 31, 2030 and adding seats for training providers, higher education and organizations serving residents with high employment barriers. The ordinance approved by council included appointments and residency waivers for specified members.
The council also accepted staff recommendations to tighten program focus: a working group will meet Dec. 16 to identify underperforming occupations, the full advisory board will make recommendations Jan. 20, and staff said the incumbent worker training (IWT) will be eliminated for future awards. The city manager reported the change will save roughly $3,000,000.
Supporters and partners who addressed the council said Ready to Work supplies critical local talent pipelines. Romanita Matabarera of Greater SATX and Ali Bukhari of GuideHouse said workforce programs were a key factor in recruiting employers to San Antonio. Representatives from Project QUEST, Alamo Colleges and numerous employers described placement and training outcomes the program has produced.
Participants and graduates urged continuation. “Ready to Work turned that around,” said Shamika Ellison, who described completing training and an apprenticeship and being hired full time by YWCA San Antonio. Opponents argued the program has not met voter expectations; Jack Finger called it “a large resounding flop,” citing unmet placement promises.
Council members acknowledged both the program’s successes and shortcomings. The mayor and several councilmembers said data show progress for many participants but that placement rates and return on investment must improve. Staff and board members described steps already underway: eliminating IWT for future awards, marketing higher-performing occupations, strengthening employer alignment, and improving reporting on placements, wages and completion rates. The working group and advisory board are tasked with producing specific occupation-level recommendations and performance changes early next year.
The council motion to approve the ordinance, appoint the recommended board members, and implement the program pivots carried; the transcript does not record a roll-call vote tally.
Next steps: a working-group meeting Dec. 16 to review occupations, advisory-board recommendations on Jan. 20, and staff memos and committee updates to the council documenting changes and performance measures.
