Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution expresses support for the City’s participation in the DreamUp Wisconsin competition, sponsored by Schmidt Futures. An interdisciplinary group, involving City staff and other community partners, has identified childcare and out-of-school-time (OST) programs as a sector that is closely aligned with the goals of DreamUp Wisconsin and is developing a response to Schmidt Futures’ call for proposals. No additional City appropriation is required for development of an initial proposal. City costs associated with the project will be included in future operating budgets subject to Common Council approval.
Title
Expressing support for the City’s involvement in the development of a response to the Dream Up Wisconsin request for proposals.
Body
WHEREAS, Schmidt Futures has announced the Alliance for the American Dream Initiative, known locally as DreamUp Wisconsin, through which it is seeking proposals from community groups to increase the income of Dane County households; and,
WHEREAS, there is clear evidence to demonstrate that dramatic disparities in academic achievement and economic mobility impact many families in our community; and,
WHEREAS, there is a strong commitment in Madison to a network of programs, activities and organizations that are focused on providing quality child care and out-of-school-time (OST) experiences to children and families as a means to promote opportunities and more equitable outcomes for children and families here; and,
WHEREAS, each year, the City expends substantial amounts of time, energy and local financial resources to support the network of childcare and OST providers, whose services are relied upon every day by tens of thousands of Madison families; and,
WHEREAS, despite this ongoing commitment, quality child care and OST opportunities remain unavailable to many children and families within Madison; and,
WHEREAS, one of the key factors preventing child care and OST providers from meeting the demands for their programs and activities is the difficulty they face in recruiting and retaining a diverse, qualified workforce; and,
WHEREAS, an interdisciplinary group, involving City staff and other community partners, has identified this critical sector as one that is closely aligned with the goals of DreamUp Wisconsin and is developing a response to the Schmidt Futures’ call for initial proposals; and,
WHEREAS, this proposal has the potential to leverage private and public dollars to increase investment in the child care and OST workforce, build the capacity of these programs, expand access to meaningful opportunities for more of Madison’s children and families, and provide high quality developmental programs for all children,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Madison Common Council does hereby express support for the City’s participation in the DreamUp competition.