STAFF REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
DATE: Regular Meeting of October 22, 2024
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
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff recommends that the Hercules City Council receive a report about Youth In Government Day, which will take place on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Hercules Parks and Recreation Department is once again collaborating with Hercules High School to bring Youth In Government Day to the City of Hercules. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
Youth In Government Day is an opportunity for local high school students to learn about city government, the various departments and projects they work on, and many of the careers associated with local government.
BACKGROUND:
In 2023, the City Council requested that staff organize and host a Youth in Government Day. The event's objective was to bring students from the local high school to City Hall to learn how local government operates.
Last year’s program opened with a short meet-and-greet with some of the elected officials, the City Manager, and some of the Executive Team. After hearing from city staff, the students were divided into smaller work groups and given the task of working on a budgeting exercise.
The exercise divided the City into several traditional services provided to the community. The students were given a bag of Titan Treasures (money) and instructions to fund every identified city service. Each group was then given an opportunity to explain how they funded each program and why they divided the budget the way they did.
After each group presented, a news bulletin arrived, and the students were forced to cut 20% of the budget while still funding every program and using all available money.
The exercise was a hit, as it allowed the students to discuss what they cut and the reasons for their decisions. It also led to a bigger discussion about making difficult decisions. The event also included a tour of various City Departments including Police and Fire. Students got to hear about projects in the City, including some that are in the works, some that have been completed, and others on the horizon.
Staff is currently working on the details for this year’s event but plans to follow a similar outline. Students participating in the Youth In Government Day will again be invited back to the City to join in on the City Council meeting at the end of the day and allowed to report on what they learned.
ANALYSIS:
The City of Hercules Parks and Recreation Department will host the second annual Youth In Government Day on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, in collaboration with Hercules High School. The goal is to share staff’s passion for local government with students and showcase the many career opportunities associated with working in City Government.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact on the City of Hercules.
ATTACHMENTS:
None