Laserfiche WebLink
Orange County WDBs PY 2025-28 Unified Local Plan <br /> <br />27 | Page <br /> <br />C. Coordination of Rapid Response and Layoff Aversion Activities <br /> <br />The WDBs actively support statewide rapid response efforts by providing services to <br />businesses facing layoffs and offering outplacement support to dislocated workers. Rapid <br />response teams work closely with businesses and affected employees to facilitate a <br />smooth transition and minimize disruptions. The teams become aware of large layoffs <br />through California's Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) system, <br />while smaller layoffs are identified through AJCC partners, chambers of commerce, <br />industry associations, and local news sources. <br /> <br />Once notified, rapid response teams, which include WDB staff, EDD representatives, <br />education and training providers, and community-based organizations, coordinate <br />immediate support. The three WDBs collaborate on regional rapid response events when <br />a layoff affects multiple areas within Orange County, ensuring consistency and efficiency. <br />If businesses in neighboring workforce areas are impacted, the local boards work with <br />adjacent WDBs to provide coordinated assistance. Affected workers are connected to <br />career services, job placement support, unemployment insurance information, and <br />retraining programs through on-site and virtual rapid response events. Workers also <br />receive guidance on navigating health benefits, rolling over retirement plans, and <br />accessing available public resources. <br /> <br />In addition to responding to layoffs, the WDBs implement layoff aversion strategies <br />designed to help businesses retain workers by identifying at-risk companies and providing <br />early intervention. Using business intelligence tools such as EconoVue, the boards <br />proactively assess financial distress indicators and intervene with targeted support. <br />Employers receive guidance on cost containment strategies, including accessing tax <br />incentives, restructuring operations, reducing overhead expenses, and participating in <br />employer-driven training initiatives that help retain employees while adapting to shifting <br />industry demands. The Santa Ana WDB further supports businesses by partnering with <br />the local Chamber of Commerce, conducting business needs assessments to identify <br />early warning signs and develop retention strategies. <br />The WDBs also participate in Southern California Rapid Response Roundtable meetings, <br />fostering regional collaboration and sharing best practices. These meetings enable <br />workforce partners to refine strategies for layoff aversion, improve employer engagement, <br />and align services with economic trends. Moving forward, the WDBs will continue <br />strengthening rapid response and layoff aversion efforts by enhancing coordination with <br />businesses, economic development agencies, and education partners, ensuring that <br />Orange County remains resilient in the face of workforce disruptions while providing <br />comprehensive reemployment support for displaced workers. <br /> <br />D. Services and Activities Available under WIOA Title I Adult and Dislocated <br />Worker Programs <br /> <br />The WDBs provide a comprehensive range of employment and training services for adults <br />and dislocated workers through the America’s Job Center of California (AJCC) system. <br />These services support job seekers at various skill levels and career stages, helping them <br />EXHIBIT 2