There were 6,678 volunteer hours recorded in the 3rd Quarter, bringing the year-to-date total to 19,101 volunteer hours. Because volunteer hours fluctuate on a seasonal basis, staff recommends that volunteer hours in the 3rd Quarter should equate to 26% of the total target value. The total target value equated to 25% because there were 6,678 volunteer hours in the 3rd Quarter, and the annual target value is 26,242. For this reason, the status color for this measure is yellow as it is steadily trending upwards towards the annual target value.

The largest impacting factor for this quarter’s volunteer hours was the absence of a major volunteer opportunity during the 3rd quarter (i.e. an Eggstravaganza, Christmas Tree Lighting, etc.). However, despite the absence of a major event, staff saw an increase in volunteer hours at Animal Services by 370 hours. This is likely due to an increased number of student volunteers who are now available due to the summer break.   

Looking ahead, this measure has the potential to meet the annual target of 26,242 volunteer hours; however, there are several factors that may prevent this from occurring. There will not be any major volunteer events in the 4^th Quarter (i.e. a large special event). Additionally, unlike Fiscal Year 2017, there will not be any one time major events; such as the Super Bowl, that heavily increase the number of volunteer hours.

Staff is continually promoting new and existing volunteer opportunities through several platforms including social media, the city’s volunteer website, and the volunteer database.