REPORT TO THE CITY OF FRESNO YOUTH COMMISSION
August 5, 2020
FROM: Jose Espinoza, Program Coordinator
Youth Leadership Institute
BY: Marco Martinez, Senior Deputy City Clerk
City Clerk’s Office
SUBJECT
Title
Updates, discussion and actions pertaining to the COVID-19 Pandemic in relation to matters concerning youth issues, including, but not limited to back-to-school education materials, equipment, and resources
Body
RECOMMENDATION
The Fresno Youth Commission approved a Town Hall Report detailing recommendations and actions to assist youth in the City of Fresno during the COVID-19 Pandemic. It is recommended the Youth Commission continue to make recommendations to City officials in relation to youth impacts during the pandemic.
BACKGROUND
The Fresno Youth Commission hosted a virtual Town Hall on May 6, 2020 to provide a safe space for youth of the City of Fresno to interact, ask questions, and make recommendations to government officials in regards to issues important to youth in relation to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Over 65 members of the public participated in virtual Town Hall.
At the Town Hall, the commission directed the Community Engagement Ad Hoc Committee to create a Town Hall report and to forward the report to City officials. However, given the success of the Town Hall and the high participation of youth, a special meeting is convened to further discuss the recommendations and ideas shared at the Town Hall before the report is sent to City Officials.
On May 15, 2020, the Community Engagement Ad Hoc Committee finalized the Town Hall Report. The report summarizes the Town Hall and provides the City with recommendations to better serve youth in the City of Fresno during the pandemic. The report was sent to City officials on May 15, 2020.
Recently, several commissioners met with Councilmember Soria to discuss and offer budget recommendations. Those recommendations will be discussed on June 9, 2020 with the entire commission.
On June 9, 2020, the commission created the COVID-19 Ad Hoc Committee to research and make recommendations in regards to ways that COVID-19 funding should be used at the city level in order to create youth jobs. Sgt. of Arms Lopez, and Commissioners Gamble and Vergara joined the ad hoc committee.
On June 22, 2020, the commission approved a proposal which was submitted to the city councilmembers and the Mayor’s Office.
As the new school year approaches, youth needs in relation to remote and on-site classes should be discussed.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference for any awards given by City officials as a result of any of the adopted actions will be determined by City officials.
FISCAL IMPACT
The requests may have impact to the City’s General Fund or other City Funds, as determined by City officials.