Meeting_Body
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
MAY 21, 2026
Subject
SUBJECT: ROOM TO WORK PROGRAM UPDATE
Action
ACTION: RECEIVE AND FILE
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
RECEIVE AND FILE status report on Metro's Room to Work Program.
Issue
ISSUE
Metro's Room to Work Program is now in its fourth year of operations providing career access and support to communities with historical economic and social barriers to employment. Room to Work's focus has grown from supporting formerly unhoused individuals with a pathway to training and employment in the transportation industry, starting with part-time Custodian roles, to also supporting veterans, justice-impacted individuals, and others facing barriers to employment. This report provides an update on the program's progress to date, outlines its strategic direction moving forward and its alignment with key Metro priorities.
Background
BACKGROUND
This pilot program helps address two agency priorities: Workforce shortages and reducing the number of people experiencing homelessness who are sheltering on the Metro system. Launched as a pilot in June 2022, the program partners with community organizations and Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC) to employ participants as part-time custodians for 24 months, with structured training and support. Additional collaboration with community-based organizations (CBOs) and Transportation Workforce Readiness Training (TWRT) partners strengthens career readiness through enhanced screening, soft skills training, and case management. Since its launch, 149 participants, including veterans, justice-impacted individuals, and those facing other employment barriers, have secured roles at Metro.
Room to Work is designed to ensure that the main program user, Metro's Facilities Maintenance Department within the Operations cabinet, has access to a trained workforce from within communities. As noted in Attachment A, the program is customer-centered, inclusive, and enhances Metr...
Click here for full text