STAFF REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
DATE: Regular Meeting of October 24, 2023 TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Dante Hall, City Manager
SUBMITTED BY: Christopher Roke, Parks and Recreation Director SUBJECT: Youth In Government Day
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Hercules City Council receives this report about our first Youth In Government Day that will take place on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Hercules Parks and Recreation Department has partnered with Hercules High School to bring a Youth In Government Day to the City of Hercules. The event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. The Youth In Government Day will be an opportunity for local High School students to learn about City Government, the various City departments and the projects they work on, as well as learn about many of the careers associated with local Government.
BACKGROUND:
In April of 2023, Council Member Grimsley suggested discussing a Youth in Government Day as a future agenda item. The idea of holding a Youth In Government Day was meant to bring High School Students to City Hall so they can meet City officials and learn about all of the opportunities in City government as well as to learn how the City operates.
The day will open with a meet and greet with some of the elected officials, the City Manager and the Executive Team, followed by an exercise called the DYNO Community Challenge. The exercise will have students rank and fund a wide variety of City services. After a discussion, students will be asked to make budget cuts of 25% which will lead to deeper discussion and better understanding about making difficult decisions.
After the game, the group of students will be escorted throughout the City Hall complex from Department to Department, and take a tour of other City facilities and parks. Students will also hear about projects, including some that are in the works, some that have been completed, and others that are on the horizon. Students will return to school before the start of afternoon classes.
Participants in the Youth In Government Day will be invited back to attend the City Council meeting that same night. A select group of students will be given an opportunity to report about the day and what they learned.
ANALYSIS:
Staff anticipates the Youth In Government Day becoming an annual event in partnership with Hercules High School. The event will likely continue to be held at the first meeting in November, so participating students could use this on their college applications.
FISCAL IMPACT OF RECOMMENDATION:
There is no fiscal impact to the City of Hercules.
ATTACHMENTS:
YIG Agenda
DYNO Community Challenge
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