The U.S. Department of Transportation has changed its rules in favor of local hiring: a pilot program will even encourage it. Minorities traditionally barred from high-paying construction work stand to benefit.
A recent Justice Department ruling has prompted the U.S. Department of Transportation to "change its own rules to permit local projects receiving federal assistance to use local preferences in hiring employees. At the same time, the department is launching a one-year 'hire local' pilot program to encourage transportation agencies to set up programs that give preference in hiring to local residents, low-income workers and veterans."
Not everyone is sold. Sandy Smith writes that the construction trade's union-centric culture has been slow to incorporate certain kinds of people. "One other obstacle the advocates said needed to be overcome is the reluctance of some in the construction trades to recognize the untapped value in this potential workforce. Some contractors and union officials worry that there won't be enough qualified candidates in low-income communities, for instance."
The rule change may begin to change that perception, garnering real benefits for minority communities: "construction remains one of a relative handful of fields that offer the opportunity for high-paying skilled work to those without college degrees."
The public has until May 6 to comment on the proposed change.
FULL STORY: DOT Rule Change Lets Transportation Dollars Stay in Local Communities
Trump Administration Kills Obama Era Local Hiring Program
The U.S. Department of Transportation quietly killed an Obama Administration program that would have been the only federal level local hiring initiative.
Boston Working to Keep Construction Hiring Local and Diverse
The city of Boston is working to ensure that a diverse collection of residents are benefitting from the fruits of the city's current building boom.
Competing Land Use Initiatives on the November Ballot in Los Angeles
Move over "Neighborhood Integrity Initiative." The "Build Better LA" initiative will compete for the soul of the city in the November election.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)