City of St. Petersburg Approves 6 Million for Resident Workforce Readiness and Development Program in Partnership with St. Petersburg College

ST. PETERSBURG, FL. (Jan. 9, 2026) - This week, St. Petersburg City Council approved a City Administration-recommended resolution for a three-year, $6 million workforce development program administered by St. Petersburg College. Through this partnership, the City and St. Petersburg College are launching the St. Pete Works: Employment & Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) Initiative. This new program is designed to support workforce readiness and development in the South St. Pete Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). The EDGE Initiative will focus on linking CRA residents with employment in the City's targeted industries, as well as providing training in technical and construction trades. The program is expected to launch in early 2026. 

"Developing and maintaining a qualified and robust workforce is a top priority for my administration, and I thank City Council for supporting a program that will benefit hundreds of St. Pete residents," said Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. "This program was intentionally designed to connect participants with the right resources, education, and support so they can fully focus on further developing their skills and completing their training. When we invest in our workforce, the whole community thrives. I'm proud that the City is continuing our commitment to workforce readiness and training through this program and thank St. Petersburg College for their ongoing partnership."

“Workforce readiness looks different for everyone,” said Dr. Tonjua Williams, President of St. Petersburg College. “For some, it’s a degree; for others, it’s short-term training, a certificate or skill development that leads directly to employment. This partnership reflects St. Petersburg College’s commitment to meeting people where they are and supporting them in every aspect of their journey toward meaningful careers. Workforce readiness today requires more than job training alone. By combining education with wraparound support services such as transportation assistance, technology access, digital and AI literacy, food security and mental health resources, we are helping individuals remove barriers, build confidence, and achieve long-term economic mobility.”

"This program represents a major commitment by our City, thoughtfully designed in a way to directly support residents seeking new careers with our business community seeking ready to go workers," said Chris Steinocher, President/CEO for St. Pete Chamber of Commerce. "These are the smart economic development investments that continue to rise our city to the top as one of the hottest destinations for business.”

The City of St. Petersburg issued RFP-25-284 on August 15, 2025, for workforce training, job placement, and career advancement programs to expand employment opportunities and boost earnings for unemployed and underemployed residents in the South St. Pete CRA.

The RFP sought a three-year program that connected CRA residents to family-sustaining employment. The City also encouraged joint proposals to enhance services, expand reach, and facilitate a more holistic approach to workforce development.

A motion to award the contract to St. Petersburg College was issued on October 29, 2025. In addition to meeting the RFP requirements, St. Petersburg College's proposal demonstrated extensive collaborative relationships that will support the overall success of the program and its participants. To support program participants, St. Petersburg College will also offer wrap-around services including transportation assistance, technology access, mental health support, and more.

Since 2020, the City has contracted with St. Petersburg College to facilitate the St. Pete Works program. St. Petersburg College placed 433 individuals in employment, helped more than 300 participants earn industry-recognized credentials, and provided more than 500 participants with support services that improved retention and completion.

More information on this program and a copy of the presentation given during the City Council meeting is available starting on page 48 of the January 8 City Council agenda: https://cms5.revize.com/revize/stpete/2026-01-08%20Agenda%20Packet%20w.%20AddsDeletes.pdf?t=202601021102440&t=202601021102440

Recordings of City Council meetings are available on the City's website: https://www.stpete.org/connect_with_us/stpete_tv.php