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A resolution requesting Mayor Freddie O'Connell create an advisory working group to explore and determine a coordinating model that supports a long-term sustainable Youth Policy and Strategic Plan and analysis of data that extends beyond mayoral administrations.
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WHEREAS, at the February 4, 2025, Metropolitan Council meeting, public input from youth and community leaders indicated an imperative need to focus on youth in Nashville and Davidson County; and
WHERAS, Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools provides support for youth success in the classroom and through extracurricular activities. Additional support from the Metropolitan Government and community through summer and after-school programs provides substantial assistance to Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools for youth success; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County has initiated and sustained several youth initiatives for the past 15 years, including the Nashville After Zone Alliance ("NAZA") and Power Youth, which have high potential to scale and serve more youth due to their strong partnerships with community organizations; and
WHEREAS, the newly established Department of Youth Safety will offer at-risk youth a vital bridge to pathways for youth and neighborhoods and is an essential step in creating a better future for Nashville's youth; and
WHEREAS, decades of research have proven that sustainable investment in youth development outside of school time generates short and long-term impacts by contributing to improved school outcomes and successful career and life paths while reducing youth justice issues by as much as 20%. Every dollar invested in youth programs in afterschool space saves at least $3 by increasing kids' earning potential, improving kids' performance at school, and reducing crime and juvenile delinquency; and
WHEREAS, improving the success of our youth is critical to provide social and economic opportunities for individual and community su...
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