REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: SUMEET MALHI, Director
Personnel Services Department
BY: SUSAN CHUDY, Program Administrator
Personnel Services Department
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the 2025-2026 California Volunteers Youth Service Corps Grant:
1. ***RESOLUTION - Authorizing the acceptance of Grant Funding from California Volunteers Youth Service Corps Program Grant in the Amount of $2,608,201 for the One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps Program and Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Sign All Necessary Implementing Documents (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
2. ***RESOLUTION - Adopting the 45th Amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution No. 2025 - 179 to appropriate $2,608,201 for the new One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps Program from the 2025-2026 California Volunteers Youth Service Corps Grant (Requires 5 Affirmative Votes) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
3. ***RESOLUTION - Adopting the 44th Amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution No. 2025 - 179 to appropriate $946,500 of carryover funding from the 2023-2024 #CaliforniansForAll Youth Service Corps grant (Requires 5 Affirmative Votes) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council accept the 2025-2026 California Volunteers Youth Service Corps Grant for the One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps Program (“Program”), adopt the 45th Amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution (AAR) No. 2025 - 179 appropriating $2,608,201 and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the Grant Agreement and sign all related documents on behalf of the City.
Additionally, approval of this item will adopt the 44th Amendment to the Annual Appropriations Resolution (AAR) No. 2026 - 179 to appropriate carryover funding not expended from the $3,186,147 awarded via the 2023-2024 #CaliforniansForAll Youth Service Corps awarded in FY 2025 approved by City Council on April 24, 2025.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Youth Service Corps is a Governor’s initiative administered by California Volunteer in partnership with cities statewide. The City of Fresno (“City”) has operated the One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps Program since Spring 2022 and has received with $14.2 million in funding over the course of the program to provide recruitment, training, mentorship, and paid work experience to prepare young residents for long-term career opportunities with wrap around services to remove barriers to employment. On February 26, 2026, the City was awarded $2,608,201 by California Volunteers to continue this program.
BACKGROUND
The One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps Program launched in Spring 2022 and has seen significant success over the course of the program from California Volunteers and the State of California. Designed to expand access to meaningful employment, the program focuses on identifying youth with the greatest need, providing job training and wraparound supports, and preparing members for long term career pathways within the City of Fresno or partner organizations. Since its launch, the program has met and, in many areas, exceeded the goals outlined in the original application. As of March 5, 2026, a total of 568 members has or are currently employed within the program. 90% met two or more of the eligibility criteria established by California Volunteers: 65% identify as low income, 19% are justice impacted, 25% have experienced mental health challenges and/or substance abuse, 7% are current or former foster youth, and 1% have experienced homelessness. To date, the City of Fresno has hired 28 program members as permanent employees.
Authorized through the federal Serve America Act (2009) and Executive Order S-24-06, California Volunteers is the State Service Commission for California. California Volunteers engage Californians in service, volunteering, and civic action to tackle our State’s most pressing challenges and lift-up all communities.
As part of Mayor Dyer’s vision for ‘One Fresno’ with specific initiatives related to youth investment and economic development, a workforce development program that invests in the next generation of city workers and leaders is essential. This program is a good economic investment and creates opportunities that seek to achieve financial mobility for our most vulnerable populations. The program assists us in this goal by providing the necessary resources, such as part-time employment, to achieve inclusive investment in our youth, and ultimately our journey toward realizing ‘One Fresno’.
• Prioritize outreach to youth ages 16-30 who demonstrate the highest need for employment and career development opportunities.
• Create entry-level employment pathways within City of Fresno departments that support long-term career mobility and advancement.
• Reduce or eliminate barriers that prevent vulnerable youth from accessing training, employment, and career opportunities.
• Deliver comprehensive career readiness training, case management, and mentorship through worksites and city departments.
• Equip members with skills, experience, and professional tools needed to succeed in future employment with the city or external organizations.
• Ensure members earn a living wage to promote economic stability and support full engagement in the program.
The City will partner with local Community Based Organizations (“CBO’s”), selected through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process, that specialize in serving the program’s target populations. CBO’s support recruitment, training, case management, and wrap around services. Some also serve as worksites and employers of record, expanding the range of employment opportunities available. These partnerships allow the program to meet diverse members’ needs related to education level, work experience, and career interest.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 this item does not qualify as a “project” and is therefore exempt from the CEQA requirements.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not considered based upon conditions of state funding.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding is distributed on a reimbursement basis. Participant salaries will be fully funded through the grant, though departments will bear minimal overhead expenses associated with hosting a Youth Jobs Corps Program position. Personnel Services as the host department will incur some costs that are not allowable by the State, such as interest charges consistent with the City’s pool interest fee.
Attachments:
Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of $2,608,201 in Grant Funding
Grant Agreement
45th Annual Appropriation Resolution 2025-179
44th Annual Appropriation Resolution 2025-179