OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH PROCLAMATION.DOC

Maricopa County
PROCLAMATION
“Opportunities for Youth Collaborative”
October 2015
WHEREAS, the prospects of youth, ages 16-24, throughout Maricopa County and the City of Phoenix are central
to the successful expansion of the Valley’s economy, and according to Measure of America the number of
“disconnected” youth, 16-24 year olds not working or in school, in the Greater Phoenix area, grew to over 90,000
over the past three years; and
WHEREAS, decreasing the number of disconnected youth, is an urgent priority, both to put thousands of youth
on the path to full economic self-sufficiency, and to boost our county’s overall productivity and prosperity; and
WHEREAS, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has adopted strategic plan measures regarding county
high school graduation rate, employment levels, and per capita income as indicators of regional growth and
economic development; and
WHEREAS, Maricopa County is committed to improve the quality of life through efficient delivery of outstanding
public services, and identified economic development, education and enhancing the quality of life for low-income or
at-risk individuals and families as priorities in the quality of life; and
WHEREAS, the local collective impact “Opportunities for Youth” collaborative, has committed to achieving an
11% opportunity youth rate in Maricopa County by 2020, by mobilizing public and private cross-sector participation,
mapping and aligning activities, and committing to shared measures of monitoring progress toward the goal; and
WHEREAS, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has committed to provide best-in-class regional services,
while coordinating with other local jurisdictions and community–based entities to consolidate services and avoid
duplication.
NOW, THERFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT MARICOPA COUNTY does hereby join the City of
Phoenix in a call to action to have a significant positive impact on the number of disconnected youth in our
community by encouraging local and national partnerships with public and private organizations, employers, and
concerned individuals in order to advance the work of the County, the City and our local collective impact
“Opportunities for Youth” collaborative.
We resolve to support and enhance our commitment to long-term coordinated collaboration; pooling and leveraging
of talent and resources; and the organization of services involving reengagement centers, career connections,
educational momentum, and positive youth development.
DATED this ___ Day of _____________, 2015
___________________________________
Steve Chucri, Chairman, District 2
___________________________________
Denny Barney, Supervisor, District 1
___________________________________
Andrew Kunasek, Supervisor, District 3
___________________________________
Clint Hickman, Supervisor, District 4
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Steve Gallardo, Supervisor, District 5
_____________________________
Constance Copeland, Deputy Clerk of the Board