1. Examining the Development of a Youth Master Plan, a Pilot Study for DeSoto, Texas
National Forum for Black Public Administrators
Executive Leadership Institute (ELI)
Donielle Suber
City of DeSoto, Texas Municipal Government
April 17, 2018

2. Background Facts DeSoto Demographics
Progressive, Inclusive & Innovative City
City Council Business Plan Goal #1 – Enhance the Quality of Life
Facts
Challenges and Issues youth face (e.g., bullying, peer pressure and self esteem)
Human and Civil Rights issues (e.g., poverty, homelessness and foster care youth)
Silo programs, services & activities – no connectivity

3. Purpose of a Youth Master Plan:
“The concept of a (youth) master plan is both a product and a process.”
- National League of Cities
Brings all youth programs, services and activities offered or available throughout the community under one umbrella, unifying the community’s efforts to develop and grow healthy young people.
Purpose of a Youth Master Plan:
An efficient use of resources, ability to reach youth on a larger scale and prevent waste or overlapping of efforts.
Establishes a sustainable long-term strategy for improving outcomes for children and youth. (National League of Cities)
Change how the community perceives youth, and vice versa. Change how the city and schools work with and for young people. (National League of Cities)
Strengthens the ability of municipal leaders to understand the local needs, set priorities, and develop strategies that drive future progress. (National League of Cities)

4. Pilot Study Survey (February 2018)
A small sample size of (20) youth were surveyed from:
DeSoto Youth Advisory Council
Random teens visiting the recreation facility
Gathered information relating to youth programs, services and activities from the perspective of adolescents
18 different demographic, closed- ended and open-ended questions

5. Survey Question:
What challenges do you face that you believe the community can help you address?

6. Survey Question: What are some things the community does not offer that you would like to see offered?
Programs and Activities
Surveys Checked
Percentage
Youth Social Clubs 5 7%
Academic Clubs
Mentoring/Career Readiness Programs and Services 4 6%
Skate Park, Skating and Ice Rinks 6 8%
Additional Recreational Facilities 2 3%
Night-time Entertainment 12
16%
Malls and Shopping 8
11%
Arts & Culture Events
Locally-Owned Choices 1 1%
Water Park/Indoor
Aquatic Center
Advanced Sports Programs
Amusement Park 10
14%

7. Survey Question:
When you become an adult, would you consider living in DeSoto?

8. Pilot Study Interviews (January - February 2018)
Amassed information from the perspective of municipal government employees about the youth master plan in their cities
4 municipal government employees were surveyed from:
Alexandria, Virginia
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Little Rock, Arkansas
Surprise, Arizona
Each city employee was asked 15 questions about their city’s youth master plan or departments dedicated specifically to youth initiatives.
Conducted one interview with a consulting firm

9. Findings & Recommendations
Key Finds (Survey and Interviews):
Address youth challenges and issues creatively
Community ownership
Communication and transparency
Youth involvement
Key Recommendations:
Modify JM Bryson’s steps for a strategic plan
Building relationships with the community
Broaden the scope of the youth master plan
Develop a youth master plan database

10. Update:
DeSoto City Council approved the initial funding to develop a youth master plan.

11. Assistant to the City Manager
Thank You
Donielle Suber
Assistant to the City Manager
City of DeSoto, Texas

12. Questions