---

The Asbury Park City Council will host two Workforce Development meetings next week.

The public participation meetings will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Asbury Park Senior Center, located at 1201 Springwood Avenue and from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at City Council Chambers, located at 1 Municipal Plaza.

“We want to hear the public’s concerns, what the issues are, and if they have any suggestions,” Councilwoman Yvonne Clayton said. “This is an opportunity for us to bring forth a workforce development program.”

City Manager Michael Capabianco has said that the city is looking to identify sectors of the population to target, barriers to employment, and the needs of the local business economy.

“The last plan was done approximately 15 years ago and sat on a shelf,” Capabianco has said. “This will be a living document to guide the City towards the reduction of unemployment and the elimination of barriers to employment.”

Capabianco said Thomas P. Miller and Associates has been hired to complete the city’s Workforce Development Plan for a total cost of $119,400.

The city’s unemployment rate is 4.40 percent, with a job growth rate of 2.35 percent, according to Sperling’s Best Places data. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 40.30 percent.

Last year, the city’s unemployment rate was at 5.70 percent, with a future job growth prediction of 35.10 percent. The per capita income is $24,282, which includes all adults and children. The median household income is $32,459.

In a written statement officials said the two public community input meetings will help the Mayor and City Council better understand local priorities and workforce-related needs for the entire community. The Council is committed to producing a plan that has actionable goals and improves outcomes for workers, job seekers, employers, and the local community.

————————————————————–

Follow the Asbury Park Sun on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.

---