WHEREAS, The Great Recession and the dramatic rise in unemployment that came with it both increased overall demand for workforce services and changed the demographics of those needing to be served; and
WHEREAS, A comprehensive labor market analysis can help position Philadelphia to compete in the global economy for the best economic development opportunities. In the short term, the workforce analysis will:
Document the current strengths and weaknesses of the workforce
Quantify labor supply and quality
Quantify hidden labor resources, displaced worker pool
Identify unmet training needs
Define emerging employment trends and economic opportunities
Identify roles, programs and areas of specialized research for higher education
Provide a vision that allows K-12 educators to address workforce needs and trends, particularly those that relate to the area's economic development targets
Assist existing businesses in finding qualified workers
Help workforce agencies match workers with jobs and training programs
Guide training providers in preparing the workforce for existing and emerging employment opportunities
Long term, this workforce analysis can provide a plan to transition the workforce to the emerging economy which requires higher skills; now, therefore,
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA,
THAT The Council is hereby authorized to retain a consultant to conduct a comprehensive labor market analysis.
FURTHER RESOLVED, THAT the Chair of the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development is authorized to select a consultant in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 17-1400 of The Philadelphia Code, except that Council's contract with the consultant shall be executed by and at the discretion of the Council President.
End