REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
August 4, 2026
FROM
BRADLEY GATES, Director, Workforce Development Department
SUBJECT
Title
Travel Request for Workforce Development Board Members to Attend the National Association of Workforce Boards, Workforce Impact Summit in Washington, DC
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Approve travel for three Workforce Development Board members to attend legislative meetings at the 2026 National Association of Workforce Boards Workforce Impact Summit in Washington, DC, from September 28, 2026 through September 30, 2026, with travel initiating on September 27, 2026 and concluding October 1, 2026, at a total estimated cost of $10,773.
(Presenter: Bradley Gates, Director, 387-9856)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Create, Maintain and Grow Jobs and Economic Value in the County.
Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies and Stakeholders.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The total estimated cost of travel and attendance at the 2026 National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB), Workforce Impact Summit in Washington, DC (Conference) is $10,773, or $3,591 per traveler, which will be funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Estimated travel costs are outlined in the following chart:
|
Category |
Expense |
Amount |
|
Airfare |
$724 x three members |
$2,172 |
|
Lodging |
$281/night (including taxes) x four nights = $1,124 x three members |
$3,372 |
|
Registration |
$995 x three members |
$2,985 |
|
Meals |
$23 Breakfast x four; $26 Lunch x four; $38 Dinner x four = $348 x three members (per the General Services Administration per diem rates) |
$1,044 |
|
Airport Parking |
$30/day x five days = $150 x three members |
$450 |
|
Contingency |
$50/person per day x five days = $250 x three members (taxes, tips, taxi, etc.) |
$750 |
|
|
Total Cost |
$10,773 |
Sufficient appropriation and revenue have been included in the Workforce Development Department’s (WDD) 2026-27 budget (571-2260).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
WIOA is the federal law that provides funding for local workforce development and job training programs. Under the law, local workforce development areas are overseen by local Workforce Development Boards (WDB). San Bernardino County (County) is a local workforce development area and has a 19-member WDB, appointed by the Board of Supervisors (Board), who are responsible for the oversight of how WIOA funds and programs are implemented in the County.
Attending the NAWB Workforce Impact Summit will allow WDB members to participate in visits with federal legislative members and their staff to advocate for workforce programs and cultivate relationships at the federal level. WDB members will network with workforce professionals and leaders in government, labor, and education. As WIOA is currently under consideration for federal reauthorization, it is imperative that the WDB proactively educate members of Congress on the impacts WIOA programs are making for businesses and job seekers in the county. These advocacy efforts are consistent with the County's Legislative Platform, specifically Section 6.8, which prioritizes support for workforce development initiatives and the reauthorization of the WIOA to ensure continued investment in workforce training, employment services, and economic opportunity for residents and businesses.
Section 13.0618 of the County Code requires Board approval of travel and expense reimbursement for members of all County boards, commissions, and committees.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Sophie A. Curtis, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on June 30, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Eduardo Mora, Administrative Analyst, 387-4376) on July 15, 2026.