San Antonio’s Ready to Work Program Aims to Assist Laid-off Federal Employees
Amidst ongoing federal layoffs, San Antonio’s workforce development initiatives, including the Ready to Work program, are mobilizing to provide assistance to affected employees. City officials are optimistic that these local resources can help ease the transition for those losing their jobs.
Potential Impact of Federal Layoffs
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is initiating job cuts, though the exact number of impacted workers in San Antonio remains unclear. However, with the city’s reputation as both Military City, USA, and Cyber City, USA, the layoffs could significantly affect the local workforce, as highlighted by Mayor Ron Nirenberg during a recent press briefing.
Understanding the Workforce Landscape
As reported by Workforce Solutions Alamo, the San Antonio-New Braunfels area’s civilian labor force stands at about 1.2 million, with federal non-military employees making up nearly 2.9% of this total. Currently, the unemployment rate in the area sits at 3.4%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Ready to Work Program Activation
In light of these challenges, Mayor Nirenberg has directed the leaders of the Ready to Work program to establish strategies to assist local workers impacted by the federal workforce changes. Additionally, Workforce Solutions Alamo has reopened a hotline previously used during the pandemic to connect unemployed individuals with necessary resources. Laid-off federal employees can call 210-224-4357 to access this help.
New Program Proposal: RAFT
City Council members Manny Pelaez and Adriana Rocha Garcia have proposed a Council Consideration Request aiming to create a new program called Re-employment Assistance for Federal Talent (RAFT). This initiative seeks to streamline the application and hiring process for city positions funded by federal grants, which may become vacant due to layoffs.
Rocha Garcia emphasized the significance of the local federal workforce, noting that there are approximately 38,000 non-military federal employees in the San Antonio area. “We’re here to support; we’re here to help,” she stated.
Employer Engagement
Local employers are already expressing interest in hiring displaced employees. Mike Ramsey, executive director of the city’s Workforce Development Office, revealed that over 550 companies have begun reaching out to the Ready to Work program to connect with skilled laborers facing layoffs. Notable employers include H-E-B, Credit Human, UTSA, Caterpillar, VIA, and Baptist Health System.
Additional Support Services
The Ready to Work initiative can provide various services to displaced workers, including:
- Job search assistance
- Compensation claims support
- Rental assistance
- Stabilization services
Future of Ready to Work
As the Ready to Work program prepares for potential increases in demand, it is important to note that it will cease collecting city funding at the end of December 2024. However, it is expected to effectively utilize its allocated budget through 2029. To date, the program has supplied nearly $240 million in public funds, facilitating job placements for 1,928 participants and enrolling over 10,649 individuals in training programs.
Despite criticisms regarding its pace of progress, the program’s original goal of assisting up to 40,000 people has been adjusted to focus on the intake and training of fewer applicants, aiming for sustainable long-term support.
Conclusion
The current wave of federal layoffs presents a challenge for many in San Antonio, yet local programs like Ready to Work are poised to play a crucial role in providing meaningful assistance. As city officials and community leaders mobilize resources, they remain committed to supporting the unemployed and underemployed populations in their community.
