Jobs and Economic Development Discussion Group with YIP

A City That Works - May 29, 2008

This discussion had seven participants, all young men, professionals early in their careers, most living or working in Philadelphia. A vibrant discussion ensued around building opportunities for college graduates as Philadelphia’s next generation of entrepreneurs and creating a connection to the workforce already based in Philadelphia’s communities. This group felt strongly that the city would succeed in its Jobs & Economic Development goals by partnering to leverage Philadelphia’s imported and native talent. Finding ways to direct Philadelphia’s at-risk youth into desirable careers is also an important objective for the city to achieve.

Without statistics, the group was unable to predict the right target industries for Philadelphia’s future. They instead produced a set of standards that allows for the city’s industry focus to continuously respond to changing economic factors over time. By assessing trends in emerging industry and educational choices, Philadelphia can better respond to the employment and industry preferences of its college graduates.  -- Moderator Joan Davis

What does this goal mean to you?

• The evolution of entrepreneurs is supported through learning opportunities on the topic of business-development strategies.

• Unions have increased trade training opportunities.

• I can find procurement opportunities with the city on public-access resources; e.g. UrbanPhilly.com

• There are more store fronts and small businesses across the city.

• Philadelphia has small-business opportunities in creative media industries.

• New entries in software / technology fields are supported by City Economic Development Programs.

• Professional organizations encourage networking of minorities.

• Key success indicators for the city’s programs include ethnic demographic factors.

• College graduates are finding good jobs in their field in Philadelphia.

• More college graduates stay in Philadelphia as entrepreneurs starting up businesses.

• There is government support for college graduates, enabling them to maintain a reasonable standard of living while they are transitioning into employment; e.g. job placement, housing subsidies, student-loan deferrals.

• The tax rate is stable while the city increases revenues.

Performance measures (What success would look like)

• Measure increasing percentage of start up businesses.

• Measure success in attracting emerging industries.

• Measure the tax contribution from newly licensed businesses, and track it by industry for new target markets.

• Evaluate the success of college transition programs, special industry training, etc., by tracking the origins of entrepreneurs starting businesses.

• Measure increasing enrollments in job training / certification programs, and evaluate the contribution of these programs by mapping hire rates and salaries attained by trainees.

• Measure increasing percentage of teenagers that are employed.

• Measure increasing participation rate of college students contributing to community programs, with a focus on developing new business start-ups in the community.

• Target 60 percent of college graduates taking their first professional position in Philadelphia.

• Target improvements in the rate of college graduate retention by 5 percent each year for five years.

• Evaluate the city’s success in attracting the right businesses based upon education / training trends; i.e. map job opportunities to education choices.

• Target a stable or reduced tax rate to individuals and businesses, with increased city revenues.

Customer-service standards

• Process new business licensing within 30 days.

• Provide advisory services for new businesses; a liaison guides the prospect through each step.

• Respond to industry demographics related to businesses entering and leaving Philadelphia.

• Ensure equitable access to tax breaks for those in need; eliminate preferential treatment.

• Ensure consistency between the fields students choose and the city’s economic development focus.

• Proactively work with education centers to assess the reasons graduates within different majors / industries leave the city.

• City resources target encouraging college students to work in the communities.

• The city will post procurement opportunities on public-access resources.