Agenda Date: 01/28/2020
Subject:
Title
Next Generation Advisory Committee
Body
|
Prepared By: |
Kathleen Osher, Manager of Innovation & Performance Excellence |
PURPOSE:
Determine the best approach for representing, encouraging, and engaging emerging generations in the City of Littleton and provide guidance on the Next Generation Advisory Committee (NGAC).
PRESENTATIONS:
Staff Presenter(s): Kathleen Osher, Manager of Innovation & Performance
Excellence
Additional Presenter(s): N/A
SUMMARY:
The City of Littleton is fully committed to representing, encouraging, and engaging emerging generations in the city. The NGAC was created in 2018 for a limited two-year pilot. The committee was commissioned by city council to support the city’s vision statement with thoughtful, considerate and insightful recommendations, suggestions and feedback, on matters of city policy that directly impact the attraction and retention of young residents and employees.
The committee has 11 individuals from Littleton Public Schools, Arapahoe Community College and young residents, ages 17-34, who live or work in the city. Seven members of the committee were appointed to serve one-year terms and four members were appointed to serve two-year terms. The membership of the committee has dwindled to five active and very dedicated members. Only one of the active members has been appointed for a two-year term. Recruitment is scheduled for March - April and new appointees will be selected and begin their term in May 2020.
The active members developed a workplan for 2020 that includes three initiatives: recruitment of new NGAC members; planting trees throughout the city in celebration of Earth Day 2020 in partnership with the Littleton Garden Gang; and engagement of young residents, ages 17-34, who live or work in the city at community events. City council is scheduled to discuss the continuation of the committee beyond the limited two-year pilot in late summer/early fall 2020.
PRIOR ACTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS:
Creation of a NGAC was discussed at the March 27, 2018, June 5, 2018 and January 8, 2019 study sessions. A resolution approving creation of the NGAC passed on February 5, 2019, which required a sunset and re-evaluation in December of 2020.
ANALYSIS:
Staff Analysis
Given the lack of continuity of membership in 2020, staff would like council direction on how to successfully represent, encourage, and engage emerging generations in Littleton.
The NGAC was originally structured to minimize staff time. This required the committee to record its meeting notes, draft its work plan, and be self-directed with guidance from the staff and oversight from the council liaison. It is now anticipated the committee will require significant staff support; estimated at 0.25 FTE, to help recruit and onboard new committee members.
Council Goal, Objective, and/or Guiding Principle
The NGAC supports the ENGAGED guiding principle.
Littleton will remain ENGAGED and civic-minded in all matters affecting the direction and
priorities of city government and the community. Stakeholders will participate in transparent
processes and take responsibility for maintaining a respectful and productive dialogue. Meaningful interactions much involve committed elected officials, informed residents, and other partner organizations and agencies interested in Littleton as it is today and will be tomorrow.
Fiscal Impacts
If council directs the NGAC continue in 2020, committee members have requested $1,000 to help support their workplan and committee initiatives. Staff support is anticipated at 0.25 FTE.
Alternatives
Staff has also made the commitment to offer a new program in 2020 that will build on the discontinued Littleton Leadership Academy. Littleton 101 will debut in Fall 2020 with a competitive application process for 25 participants. Littleton 101 is still under development by staff. Council will receive a full description during its March 24 study session. Littleton 101 could be an opportunity to deliver on the city’s commitment to represent, encourage, and engage emerging generations by recruiting applicants age 17-34.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends recognizing and thanking members of the NGAC at an upcoming council meeting, canceling recruitment for new members, and encourage existing members to apply for Littleton 101. Staff further advises encouraging recruitment for Littleton 101 to secure 30 percent of applications from young residents, ages 17-34, who live or work in the city. This recommendation would dissolve the NGAC.