The unemployment rate within the Model Cities area has been consistently twice as high as that of the city as a whole, while the median family income has been far below the regional level. Thus the ability to acquire wealth-a steady job, good credit ratings, savings, insurance-has been severely limited for MN residents. Education has been also a factor in unemployment; inner-city schools have lower standards, and many children drop out of school. Some MN residents have consistently lacked enough training for jobs. Yet little has been done to develop positive ways to provide employment for jobless MN residents and to attract new or expanded business into the areas.

The answer isn't simply more jobs. Ironically, the demand for workers in Kansas City is higher by far than the supply. The demand, though, is for skilled employees. Therefore, jobs which unemployed residents have a chance to get and hold are needed. The labor force's skills must be improved through vocational training.

Minority-owned business, small stores and factories, the number of summer jobs-all suffer from these harsh economic realities.

The factors which have contributed to the MN's run-down condition can be identified as unsatisfactory market conditions, inability to obtain investment capital, physically obsolete buildings, absentee ownership of property, and the general deterioration of the area because of vandalism and crime.

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examinations; access to legal services; referral services to other CEP programs; and immediate job placement for those not wishing training.

Model Cities' First Action Year projects will generate about several hundred jobs. To insure that this employment opportunity has the highest possible effect on the MN. Model Cities has created a unique job clearinghouse system.

To assure that MN residents have access to new job opportunities, each NPG office will have an up-to-date list of each opening, its salary, and its requirements. OAs seeking staffs will supply to applications to the NPG offices, and NPG staffs will help arrange interviews for job applicants.

Model Cities staff members will keep track of residents interviewed for jobs and positions filled, so that HUD's requirement of maximum employment of MN residents is carried out.