Jobs and Economic Development Group - May 9

A City That Works - May 9
Jobs and Economic Development Discussion Group at Klein JCC

There were 10 participants initially, which grew to 12.  We had a mix of ages – employed college graduate, middle-aged working class,  and many senior citizens. It was a Mayor Nutter love-fest. That fact alone enabled us to finally move from kvetching to conceding that he might have a shot at changing things. There was consensus that the city should be run more like a corporation and the group’s discussion validated many of the city’s proposed changes in operation and motivators.

There is frustration and lack of confidence about how people on a fixed income are going to be able to flow with economic change and an increased cost of living.  Newcomers are seen as presenting opportunities for the city, but only as long as existing residents are given the same advantages. Fair access to jobs and tax breaks dominated the conversation.

What does this goal mean to you?

• Equitable access to tax abatements for new and existing homeowners.

• More of a utility discount based on my fixed income.

• Opportunities for career training leading to solid, sustainable, mid-level jobs.

• Diversity of job opportunities brought about by the Casinos and their construction.

• An influx of growth industries coming to Philadelphia.

• A work environment that includes more of Philadelphia’s college graduates.

• Job security through retention measures and controls to ensure companies are treating existing employees fairly.

• Better city services available through the new income generated by the increased tax base.

• City Departments explaining their expenditures.

• A more livable, accessible city with many transportation options.

Performance Measures

• Tax abatements for property upkeep are available to fixed income homeowners. 

• New city revenues are earmarked to support utility costs for fixed income residents.

• Citizens have fair access to city jobs because nepotism has been eliminated.

• City Departments are accountable for having qualified employees.

• City Departments are responsible for explaining their expenditures.

• The city is doing a better job of collecting all its revenue due.

• There are fewer abandoned houses, as properties are successfully seized from absentee owners with unpaid taxes.  

• It’s more convenient and less expensive to be a Philadelphia commuter.

• Truancy reductions lead to more high school graduates able to be placed in jobs.  

• The city experiences an increased Medical Industry presence.

• Philadelphia is promoted nationally to convey a change in direction and positive energy.

• The number of retained college graduates is increased by 5 percent.

• New revenue is generated from increased recycling initiatives.

• Measure the number of existing homeowners taking advantage of tax-rebate programs.

• Measure improved collection of unpaid taxes.

• Measure reductions in commuter costs.

• The use of “park and ride” facilities is increased by 5 percent.

• Measure increased use of public transportation.

• Measure increased availability of para-transit services to and from the suburbs.

• Measure annual results of job placement efforts for high school graduates.

• The city increases internships available to college students.

• Local medical options for seniors are expanded. 

Customer Service Standards

• Provide public reporting of City Council expenditures every six months.

• Provide monthly public reporting of active staffing levels for Public Safety Departments.

• City cars will only be used while employees are on the job.

• Reasonable turnaround time to resolve L&I inspections / complaints.

• City Hall has a local presence with staff based in each neighborhood.

• City Employees have training in “quality circle” tools and operate under Management by Objectives (MBO).  

• City Services are easier to navigate and more user-friendly.

• An independent auditor is used to assess city service levels and adequacy of staffing levels.

• The Mayor’s Office initiates forums with small- and mid-sized businesses.

• Mayor Nutter participates in a call-in radio show or Channel 12 town hall meetings.

• The city expands its outreach to businesses in the surrounding area.

• The city strives to partner with Philadelphia universities and colleges to create more jobs.