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Subcommittee backs resolution to join Summer Jobs Plus push, seeks private-sector support and funding
Summary
Supervisors and the youth commission asked the mayor to launch a local Summer Jobs Plus campaign to expand paid summer internships and jobs for disconnected youth; the resolution includes targets and a near-term funding ask (about $2.25 million) and was moved forward out of committee with amendments.
SAN FRANCISCO — The Budget and Finance Subcommittee advanced a resolution asking Mayor Lee to launch a local Summer Jobs Plus initiative, securing private- and public-sector funds and coordinating city infrastructure to expand summer employment opportunities for disconnected young people ages 16 to 24.
Supervisor Olague, a sponsor of the resolution, said the local effort responds to President Obama's January call for Summer Jobs Plus and seeks private sector partnership alongside city programs. "This resolution supports the mayor's work and also calls out specific metrics and goals for the program that will serve as targets for measuring outcomes," Olague said on the record.
Jason Elliott of the mayor's office said the mayor would announce the local Summer Jobs Plus launch the following morning and that the city had been working with United Way of the Bay Area and private-sector leaders. The youth commission's presentation included statistics the commission highlighted as urgent: commissioner Nicholas Persky said San Francisco has a youth unemployment rate that is "the lowest in more than 60 years" for youth and reported a 33% unemployment rate among youth who want employment.
The resolution sets fundraising and placement goals; the sponsor's remarks cited a target of raising some $2,250,000 to support placements and an aspirational goal of creating thousands of paid internships and summer jobs (whereas language referenced up to 5,000 positions in a partnership model). Youth-serving organizations and program coordinators told the committee they turn away hundreds or thousands of applicants each year for lack of slots and urged financing and targeted supports so disconnected youth can access quality work experiences.
The committee accepted sponsor amendments and moved the item forward with a recommendation to the Board "without objection." Supervisors and advocates urged continued work with DCYF, OEWD and service providers to ensure supports such as mentoring, training and work-permit assistance are available so placements become meaningful and sustainable.
Clarifying details: sponsors asked that private-sector contributions be directed to DCYF to fund wages and supports; one presenter said $2,250,000 would fund about 900 positions (wages plus support). The committee requested that DCYF provide a budget for the proposed use of funds.
