HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-387-06.20.2022Prepared by Jonathan Grieder, Ward 2 Council member, City of Waterloo, 715 Mulberry Street,
Waterloo, IA 50703, 319-291-4323.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-387
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A COMMISSION ON
OPPORTUNITY FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND YOUNG
ADULTS IN WATERLOO.
Whereas, a lack of opportunity for any person in our community robs our entire
community of its potential greatness; and
Whereas, a lack of opportunity negatively impacts a person's health, decision -making, and
could potentially lead to illegal or destructive behavior; and
Whereas, studies have shown that the formative years of a person's life from birth to early
adulthood are critical to the long term success and well-being of a person; and
Whereas, the City of Waterloo will encourage opportunities for social advancement,
housing, economic prosperity, and educational achievement; and
Whereas, the City of Waterloo will support organizations that empower our children and
youth; and
Whereas, the city of Waterloo will create a platform where providers can publish
opportunities to lift up our community, especially youths and children.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF WATERLOO,
IOWA, as follows;
1. That Mayor shall be asked to convene a Commission on Opportunity for Children, Youth
and Young Adults in Waterloo of at least 7 members, but no more than 12 members.
These appointments should represent the broad diversity of our community. These
appointments shall be made in consultation with City Council.
2. This Commission shall be composed of community members from a variety of
backgrounds including, but not limited to, education, law enforcement, youth services,
housing, entrepreneurship, public health, nonprofit organization, and community wellness.
3. This Commission shall be tasked to complete the following:
a. Compile a comprehensive list composed of groups, organizations, and individuals
with a mission to provide economic, social, educational, needs based, or career
opportunities in Waterloo.
b. Identify existing barriers within Waterloo including, but not limited to, economic
means, education, early childhood development, employment, public health,
violence, and housing.
c. Identify programs, groups, or policies that are already in place to expand
opportunities and evaluate their effectiveness.
d. Research programs, community activities, and government actions that can be
taken to increase opportunity across Waterloo.
e. Compose and submit a Report on Opportunity for Children, Youth, and Young
Adults in Waterloo that shall discuss the current barriers to opportunity in our
community, organizations that are working on expanding opportunities in our
community, current policies to expand opportunities and their effectiveness, and
policy recommendations to expand opportunities in Waterloo.
f Policy recommendations should be placed within two categories:
i. Policies to address short term outcomes due to lack of opportunities for
children, youth, and young adults including such policy areas, but not
limited to, drug addiction, homelessness, gun violence, and population loss
with Waterloo.
ii. Policies to address long term outcomes to expand opportunities for
Resolution No. 2022-387
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children, youth, and young adults including such policy areas, but not
limited to, economic means, education, early childhood development,
employment, public health, and housing.
4. The Commission shall also have two City Council Liaisons appointed by the City Council.
These liaisons shall serve as non -voting ex officio members who will provide regular
updates on the proceedings of the Commission to the full City Council.
5. The Commission, once convened, shall within 6 months return to the Waterloo City
Council with their preliminary findings on Opportunities for Children, Youth and Young
Adults in Waterloo.
6. The Commission, once convened, shall submit a final report to the Waterloo City Council
their findings on Opportunities for Children, Youth and Young Adults in Waterloo.
7. At the next appropriate City Council meeting, after submission of the final report, the
Commission's policy recommendations will come up for public debate and vote by the
Waterloo City Council.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 20t'' day of June 2022.
Quentin Hart, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kelley Felchle, City Clerk
SEAL
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