Council Partners with James Irvine Foundation to Address Poverty

Almost half of all California workers are struggling with poverty. Recognizing the inequities and challenges this poses for low-wage workers and California’s economy, the Bay Area Council is partnering with the James Irvine Foundation to address the problem. A key part of Irvine’s strategy is hearing from employers about ways they can create more opportunities for low-wage workers.

That’s why the Council’s Workforce of the Future Committee, alongside the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, this week (April 17) partnered with the Irvine Foundation to convene the first of two roundtable discussions with employers in the Bay Area, including Silicon Valley. Representatives from 14 companies participated. A second roundtable is scheduled for May 9. Input from the discussions will be included in a report that captures best practices and lessons learned. For more information on the Workforce of the Future’s role in this effort and ways to engage with the Committee, please contact Senior Vice President Linda Bidrossian.

To learn more about the Irvine Foundation’s vision for increasing workforce opportunities for low-wage workers, please read The Role of Employers in Creating Shared Prosperity.