Philadelphia council expands Future Track program to support youth job placement

In a recent meeting of the Philadelphia City Council's Committee on Streets and Services, significant discussions centered around community engagement, job creation, and strategies to combat illegal dumping in the city. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Future Track program, which aims to provide young residents with job opportunities and skills development.

The Future Track program has been a focal point for the council, with officials noting its success in offering gainful employment to participants. Over the past decade, the program has helped individuals transition from cleaning alleyways to more active roles in city services, including monitoring and enforcement. Last year alone, 36 graduates secured full-time positions with the city, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in preparing young people for the workforce.

Council members expressed a strong commitment to expanding these opportunities, emphasizing the importance of providing Philadelphia residents with jobs that can lead to sustainable livelihoods. The discussions also touched on the need to mitigate service interruptions as the city faces workforce retirements, ensuring that new hires can step in seamlessly.

Another critical topic was the issue of illegal dumping, particularly in vacant lots. Council members discussed the importance of maintaining these areas to prevent them from becoming dumping grounds. The city is currently managing 13,000 lots and aims to expand this initiative further. Transforming vacant lots into usable community spaces was highlighted as a proactive measure to deter illegal dumping.

Additionally, the council explored the potential for collaboration with the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) to create abatement plans for lots undergoing demolition. This would help stabilize these areas and prevent them from becoming hotspots for illegal dumping.

The meeting concluded with a focus on improving street lighting as a deterrent to illegal dumping, with plans to install 100,000 LED lights across the city. This initiative aims to enhance visibility in vulnerable areas, making it more difficult for illegal activities to go unnoticed.

Overall, the discussions underscored the city's commitment to fostering job opportunities for its youth while addressing pressing community issues like illegal dumping. As the council continues to explore these initiatives, the Future Track program stands out as a vital resource for empowering Philadelphia's young residents and enhancing the city's overall quality of life.