Authorizing City Council to retain a consultant to conduct a comprehensive labor market analysis.

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