Title
Reducing Racial Disparities in Employment in the City of Saint Paul and Ramsey County and Establishing a Blue Ribbon Commission.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul has a responsibility to respond to the changing demographics in the City and Ramsey County, and strives to improve outcomes for diverse populations by reducing disparities and ensuring that public services are culturally sensitive and responsive to the needs of these populations; and
WHEREAS, there is substantial evidence indicating that there are significant and persistent racial disparities in employment outcomes and opportunities for communities of color in Ramsey County; and
WHEREAS, local stakeholders in the areas of business, education, workforce, and economic development have the perspective and expertise to contribute knowledge and to propose strategies to help reduce this gap; and
WHEREAS, the Ramsey County Workforce Investment Board (“WIB”) is mandated under the federal Workforce Investment Act to oversee publicly-funded workforce programs in Ramsey County, which can involve convening and coordinating community partnerships to meet workforce needs; and
WHEREAS, the WIB has established the reduction of racial disparities as a priority investment for Ramsey County; and
WHEREAS, the WIB is requesting support from the Saint Paul City Council and Ramsey County Board to participate in convening a Blue Ribbon Commission to recommend strategies and action steps to reduce racial employment disparities in Ramsey County; and
WHEREAS, the WIB, with support from the Saint Paul City Council and the Ramsey County Board, intends to convene a Blue Ribbon Commission to recommend strategies and action steps to reduce racial employment disparities in Ramsey County; and
WHEREAS, the Blue Ribbon Commission will reside under the leadership of the Ramsey County WIB and will be comprised of members appointed by the WIB, the City of Saint Paul, and Ramsey County; be jointly staffed by the WIB, the City of St. Paul and Ramsey County; engage the private sector to identify strategies for reducing racial disparities in employment; coordinate with other employment disparity reduction efforts in the metro region; and report back with recommendations to the WIB, the City of Saint Paul, and Ramsey County by October 15, 2011. Now, Therefore, Be It
RESOLVED, the Saint Paul City Council hereby endorses the convening and leading by the Ramsey County Workforce Investment Board of a Blue Ribbon Commission to recommend strategies and action steps to reduce racial disparities in employment within Ramsey County. And Be It Further
RESOLVED, the Saint Paul City Council hereby requests that City staff provide in-kind staff support to the Blue Ribbon Commission. And Be It Finally
RESOLVED, the Saint Paul City Council hereby requests that the WIB return to the City Council with proposed details on the mission, charter, and member appointment process of the Blue Ribbon Commission.