Number
141217
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. DAVIS
Title
Substitute resolution endorsing Milwaukee Youth Council Resolution Number 1401 relating to retail opportunities for Milwaukee youth.
Analysis
This resolution endorses Milwaukee Youth Council Resolution Number 1401, which urges the Common Council to support strategies, policies, programs and developments which promote positive social and shopping experiences for Milwaukee area youth.
Body
Whereas, According to a 2009 study by the Harvard Family Research Project, high-quality out-of-school activities for middle and high school-aged youth are important for keeping children and youth safe, developing their social skills and reducing juvenile crime; and
Whereas, Due to youth curfews and the general decline of places like Capital Court, the Grand Avenue Mall and other major commercial corridors, it has become difficult for Milwaukee youth to find legitimate venues for positive social and shopping experiences; and
Whereas, The Common Council has traditionally supported strategies which promote active youth engagement and positive social development, including the Milwaukee Children's Zone (Resolution File Number 140227, adopted November 5, 2014) and the Milwaukee Jobs Act - Mayor's Earn & Learn Program (Resolution File Number 120312, adopted July 24, 2012); and
Whereas, Milwaukee Youth Council Resolution Number 1401 reinforces the rights of all children and youth, including the right to:
1. A safe and healthy environment, including access to community amenities which promote positive social development.
2. A healthy mind, body and spirit, enabling youth to maximize their potential and contribute to their community.
3. Freedom from mistreatment, abuse and neglect.
4. A voice in matters that affect them.
; and
Whereas, The participation of youth in policy discussion and decision-making is an important component of local government, providing fresh ideas and different perspectives to decision-makers; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Common Council endorses Milwaukee Youth Council Resolution Number 1401; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Common Council resolves to find creative and positive alternatives to restrictive community policies on youth activity, including alternatives which:
1. Create new, structured and safe places for local youth to socialize with peers and participate in community events and opportunities, including alternative shopping activities or experiences.
2. Provide outreach services and decision-making capabilities to youth, including opportunities for positive youth engagement and empowerment in areas negatively affected by disorderly youth behavior.
3. Ensure youth have adequate and convenient transportation to and from youth-oriented activities or events.
4. Modify public places to discourage disorderly behavior and encourage youth to gather where they will not disturb others.
5. Establish and more equitably enforce fair rules of conduct for youth.
; and, be it
Further Resolved, That all City officials, departments, boards and commissions are directed to take all such actions and to provide such assistance as may be needed to carry out the intent and purpose of this resolution.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB156094-1
Andrew R. VanNatta
11/14/2014