Spokane City Council Votes to Support Public Dollars for Public Benefit
Washingtoner/10302092

~ During Monday's Legislative Session, the Spokane City Council made a significant decision to support a new ordinance titled "Public Dollars for Public Benefit." The ordinance, numbered 36723, aims to promote training and career opportunities for individuals in the construction trades by creating a community workforce agreement. It also prioritizes hiring residents from economically distressed areas and directs the city's Finance Department to execute a project labor agreement for public works projects estimated to cost $5 million or more.

According to Lisa Gardner, the City Council Communications Director, this ordinance is a crucial step towards not only developing the city's infrastructure but also strengthening its workforce. Council Member Paul Dillon, who co-sponsored the ordinance, stated that by focusing on local residents and investing in training, they are preparing the community for long-term success.

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The council's decision encourages other boards such as the Spokane Park Board, Spokane Library Board, and Spokane Public School Board to adopt the community workforce agreement and priority hire program. These agreements are known to prevent waste, maximize public benefits, and ensure equity while providing measurable advantages to workers, communities, and taxpayers.

Council Member Zack Zappone, who also co-sponsored the ordinance, expressed his pride in encouraging priority hiring practices for contractors. He believes that this will provide quality pay and benefits for workers while ensuring that public dollars benefit the local economy first and foremost. Zappone added that these public works projects will provide Spokanites with living wages that reinvest in their local economy.

The labor movement has been at the forefront of fighting for better wages and working conditions for workers. With this new ordinance in place, it is clear that the city council is committed to supporting these efforts and ensuring that public funds are used effectively to benefit both workers and the local economy.

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