Creating and Ensuring a Strong Workforce

All of our residents deserve the opportunity to take part in our revitalization. As our city grows, we must make sure District residents have access to the jobs we are creating. First and foremost, this requires making sure our people have the appropriate education and are prepared to be successful in these jobs.

We can also make clear to businesses doing business with D.C. government that hiring D.C. residents is a priority. At the same time, we should ensure that the businesses who have invested in our city have the appropriate resources to support their growth here.

When I am Mayor, we will make D.C. a place of welcome for all residents and businesses alike through:

CHANGING THE WAY THE GOVERNMENT ASSISTS OUR CITIZENS IN JOB PREPAREDNESS

•  Drive a total overhaul of government services in the area of workforce, business and employment services in order to create supportive organizations that assist residents ages 20-50 in accessing and qualifying for a career

•  Ensure access through community centers to government-sponsored training and technical assistance our residents need to take the next step in their career progression

•  Expand workforce support programs, including access to child care subsidies

•  Create a joint apprenticeship and vocational workforce council, chaired by the Mayor with representatives from the labor, business and education communities, that leads the strategic reinvestment in our city's workforce

WORKING WITH CRITICAL PARTNERS TO ENSURE UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO JOB TRAINING

•  Partner with our community and faith-based organizations to provide life skills and other training to residents

•  Promote the role of technology centers and university research parks in employment and job development.

•  Create 21 st century apprenticeship opportunities with craft, construction and trade unions to take advantage of the District's growing construction of commercial buildings, condominiums and residences

•  Expand “lifelong learning” programs to commit additional resources to reduce adult illiteracy in the District

ENGAGING THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY THROUGH OPPORTUNITY AND LOCAL INCENTIVES

•  Provide incentives to employers to hire District residents

•  Strengthen our local and small business opportunities for District residents through incubator programs, grants, targeted tax relief and other real assistance

•  Redesign government services to work for local and small businesses