Why should local governments connect with young
people?
Empowering youth to participate in local government
decision-making and generating interest in public sector careers
is critical to sustain local government in the future.
According to the Children Now Score Card
- California is a diverse state where 1 in 3 persons are young
people.
- 4.9 million Californians are 18-25 years old.
California local government and public sector workforce is
rapidly changing. Per the 2019 Sacramento Region
Innovative Pathways to Public Service, Workforce Needs Assessment
Report:
- 24% of employees in the public sector are eligible to retire
in the next decade
- 10% of California’s public sector jobs are in local
government
What programs and opportunities should local
governments consider?
Rural, suburban and urban communities have
unique staffing needs. This toolkit is a resource for local
government policy-makers and staff to better understand how to
connect with the next generation of employees, leaders and change
agents. The toolkit includes recommendations, best practices and
examples of local governments working with young people to
promote authentic youth civic engagement in municipal services,
local decision-making, civics education, and workforce
development programs that advance equity. Empower Youth
can help guide local agencies in successful engagement
initiatives with, to, for and by youth.
How can local governments engage and connect
with young people?
How and what we communicate with the next generation impacts
their perception of local government. By learning about the
priorities and interests of young people, local agencies can
refine their communication strategies, messages and outreach
tactics to tap into this pool of talent and help them build
stronger connections to and interest in local government careers
and civic life.
