REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Examine Ways to Increase Local Hiring in Major Private Developments (Study Issue)
Report
BACKGROUND
At the February 7, 2014 Study/Budget Issues Workshop, Council prioritized a study issue to examine opportunities to encourage hiring of local residents for major private development projects (Attachment 1). The study described local residents as those living in Santa Clara County. The study was prompted by information indicating that some developers may be making heavy use of out-of-state workers, and/or housing out-of-state workers at unfinished project sites.
Staff advised Council that while the general concept behind "local hiring" programs and policies may seem simple and straightforward, it is a complex issue and a comprehensive study of related economic, land use, and social factors would be a significant and time-intensive undertaking. Staff further indicated that while it could certainly pursue such a study, neither NOVA nor the Office of Economic Development was in a position to do so this year within the current workload. A comprehensive analysis of a program seeking to require local hiring in major private developments would need to address at least the following:
* The legal parameters associated with promoting local hiring on private developments.
* The type of projects that would qualify for the local hiring requirement. The requirement could be based on the amount of public funds provided or the size of the project.
* Specific requirements in terms of the number or percentage of a developer's workforce that would need to be "local"? What part of the workforce would be impacted?
* Potential programs to ensure the availability of a local workforce (i.e., jobs training programs).
* Requirements for substantiating local hiring - how would a developer or contractor prove it was in compliance? How will the City monitor/regulate these development activities to ensure compliance?
* Processes for monitor...
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