Youth Bureau asks council for two full-time positions to build capacity and sustain programs

Daryl Francis, Youth Bureau director, told the council the bureau served hundreds of young people in 2026 and leverages roughly $212,516 in grants to run specific programs (including a $50,000 Investing Kids award and a $32,569 SRAEP award from the Westchester County Youth Bureau). He said grant funding is essential but often temporary; the Youth Bureau is seeking $163,841 to support two full-time staff positions that would help stabilize core services and expand year-round programming.

"If I have the staff, I could build the infrastructure around the youth bureau so that we're able to grow," Daryl said, arguing that permanent staff would improve grant compliance, data tracking and sustained outcomes. He recapped summer youth employment this year (32 youth hired for six weeks under a hybrid approach using grant and city funding) and described several youth programs including boating/boatworks, mentorship and workforce development.

Council members expressed support, asked about grant prospects (including WIOA and other three-year grants) and noted that the council would continue to seek funding opportunities to backfill positions if possible.