Authorizing the Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network, in partnership with City Council and the Veterans Advisory Commission, to conduct a comprehensive study on veteran employment in the City of Philadelphia and its impact on the local economy.

WHEREAS, There are roughly 75,000 veterans living in Philadelphia with service spanning World War II until the present, men and women, of all races, religions, ethnicities, gender-identifications and physical abilities; and

WHEREAS, Veterans have served our Country and offer great leadership and talents to our City, and also deserve equal employment opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Numerous Philadelphia businesses have shown interest in hiring local veterans by participating in veteran job fairs, roundtable discussions, shadowing opportunities, and other similar initiatives; and

WHEREAS, The City has in place a number of employment resources for veterans such as the Philadelphia Office of Human Resources, Civil Service Preference, ESGR Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network, Veterans Advisory Commission, and others. However, there is a lack of comprehensive and shared data on veterans' employment challenges, needs of area employers, utilization of veteran tax credits, and other information to evaluate the benefits and effectiveness of veteran employment initiatives in the City; and

WHEREAS, A comprehensive study on veteran employment will aid transitioning veterans to gain better access to the vast network of resources available in the City; and

WHEREAS, The Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network (GPVN) is a non-profit organization whose primary mission is to assist veterans find work through career service, programs/initiatives, mentorships, networking and job leads; to educate employers in the greater Philadelphia area on how to hire our local veterans; and to offer veteran professional leadership and veteran entrepreneurship programs; and

WHEREAS, In order to prepare for and further support the growth of veteran employment and resources in Philadelphia, it is imperative that the leaders in this industry share their experiences and expertise with the City so that Council can be as helpful as possible in assisting this vital segment of our economy; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby authorizes the Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network, in partnership with City Council and the Veterans Advisory Commission, to conduct a comprehensive study on veteran employment in the City of Philadelphia and its impact on the local economy.

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