RESOLUTION No. 36278

Implement the Citywide Bureau Work Experience Program for disconnected youth (Resolution)

WHEREAS, young people under age 24 make up approximately thirty-one percent of the population of the city of Portland;

WHEREAS, Eight Percent of Portland families earned less than fifty percent of poverty level in 2000; and twenty-six percent of 18 to 24 year olds lived in poverty in 2002;

WHEREAS, 37,000 young adults in Oregon were “disconnected” in 2002, disconnected meaning not enrolled in school, not working, and lacking a degree beyond high school;

WHEREAS, 1997 and 1999 National Survey of America’s Families shows that seventeen percent of poor teens had jobs, compared with 38 percent of youth in more “well-to-do” families;

WHEREAS, a part-time job at $7.05 an hour can generate more than $7,050 in gross earnings over the course of a year, approximately thirty seven percent of the poverty line income for a family of four ($18,979 in 2003);

WHEREAS, the City of Portland can benefit from strong relationships between its employees and the youth in the city they serve.

WHEREAS, the City has a role in ensuring our young people have increasing opportunities;

WHEREAS, minority youth are disproportionately represented in unemployment statistics;

WHEREAS, the City of Portland has a history of investing in young people through funding of recreational and after school activities, youth employment programs, and creating seasonal job training, work experience, internship and job shadow opportunities;

WHEREAS, work experience programs have been established by the Bureaus of Transportation, Water Work & Portland Parks & Recreation as proven models;

WHEREAS, the City recognizes that positive beginner job experiences can help foster a strong individual work ethic;

WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that it must play the leadership role in modeling Work experiences for our youth, thereby encouraging private businesses to do the same;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: the City of Portland hereby supports the Citywide Bureau Work Experience Program.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, City Bureaus are responsible for reports on Work Experience Programs for disconnected youth to the Bureau of Human Resources on an annual basis.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, The Bureau of Human Resources will report to Council on the status of Work experience programs in City Bureaus on an annual basis.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Bureaus can refer to guidelines attached herein as developmental benchmarks.

Adopted by the Council, December 15, 2004

Commissioner Francesconi GARY BLACKMER

Prepared by: Malik Bell Auditor of the City of Portland

11/28/04 by /S/ Susan Parsons

Deputy

BACKING SHEET INFORMATION

AGENDA NO. 1470-2004

ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION/COUNCIL DOCUMENT NO. 36278