has been the opening of Rivers Casino. Since its inauguration over a year ago, the casino has become a major entertainment destination and economically impacted the city. Mayor Glover speaks enthusiastically about the casino’s success: “The Rivers Casino Portsmouth has created an entertainment destination within our city and the region. It’s not just about gaming but fine dining and diverse entertainment opportunities that attract visitors and residents alike.” The casino has generated significant revenue, enabling the city to fund local schools and provide residential tax relief for residents. “The financial benefits have been substantial,” Glover notes.“We’re now able to meet 100% of our schools’ funding requests and offer tax relief to our citizens.” The casino has also created approximately 1,300 jobs, contributing positively to the local economy. Donahue elaborates, “The casino is on track with its employment targets, continuously working to maintain a full staff. The jobs created span various roles, from hospitality to security, providing diverse employment opportunities for our residents.” ADVANCEMENTS IN EDUCATION Portsmouth’s commitment to education and workforce development is evident in its innovative programs aimed at preparing students for successful careers and providing continuous learning opportunities for adults. Saleh highlights the city’s efforts in this area: “We work closely with Portsmouth Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, organizing industry tours and events like ‘Hire Our Grads,’ where students can secure jobs before they even graduate.” The initiatives have led to a significant increase in student employment after graduation. “We’ve seen a 70% increase in students being hired after graduation,” Saleh reports. This success is largely due to the exposure and opportunities we provide throughout the school year.” The city also funds residents’ training programs, expanding maritime, healthcare, IT, and trade opportunities.“Our training is fully funded, providing residents with certifications that lead to careers 263 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08 PORTSMOUTH, VA
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