Committee recommends two nominees to the Ready to Work advisory committee

The Workforce Development & Economic Committee interviewed a slate of applicants for the Ready to Work advisory committee and voted to recommend two nominees to the City Council.

Staff described the advisory body as a 13-member panel representing employers, community organizations and program participants. Jimmy Nieto, assistant to the secretary, told the committee that the ordinance creating the panel was approved Dec. 11, 2025, and that outreach produced 15 submissions, 12 of which were eligible for consideration.

Candidates who gave two-minute statements included Michael Peña, who described his union and manufacturing experience and said the city faces shortages in electricians, plumbers and welders. “I’m looking for a position here in the committee of ready to work,” Peña said during his remarks.

Bárbara Acosta said her work mentoring young people and supporting small-business owners positions her to help bridge community needs and access to jobs. “Mi prioridades incluyen el fortalecer los problemas de jóvenes apoyando iniciativas, promover el crecimiento de negocios pequeños y unificar más al vecindario,” she said.

After interviews, the committee made a voice-motion to recommend appointments to the City Council through May 31, 2029. The motion named Michael Peña for the employer/commerce seat and Bárbara Acosta for the employer seat representing people with high barriers; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote (tally not recorded in the meeting transcript).

The committee chair thanked applicants and urged those not selected to remain engaged with city advisory opportunities.

Next steps: the committee’s recommendations will be forwarded to the City Council for final appointments.