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Economic Equality and Fairness

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Economic Equality

Recent Legislation

Creating Economic Equality and Fairness


All DC residents, regardless of their background or neighborhood, should have equal opportunities to access economic development and improve their quality of life. Residents have told Councilmember Brown all across the city that they want to see the opportunities in the neighborhoods as they have seen downtown. The DC Fiscal Policy Institute study clearly showed that more work needs to be done to provide all Districts residents with economic opportunities.


Councilmember Brown is working hard to ensure that promises made by developers for jobs and business opportunities are promises kept. Brown introduced landmark legislation to create a Compliance and Enforcement Agency within the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. The legislation was co-introduced by eleven of his Council colleagues.


The “Compliance and Enforcement Agency Establishment Act of 2007” (B17-503) is the culmination of feedback from numerous public hearings, District residents, business owners, and major project development tours.


Once established, the Compliance and Enforcement Agency will be responsible for monitoring and enforcing requirements as it relates to development projects involving land, which Councilmember Brown calls “the people’s land.” He wants to maximize the benefits to DC residents and DC small businesses when public land is at stake.


The point of this legislation is not to create another level of bureaucracy. It is to ensure that promises made to the District are kept, including jobs for DC residents, local small business participation, environmental standards and affordable housing requirements.


Providing Vocational Education


Councilmember Brown believes that a vocational education can provide new higher paying job opportunities for youths and adults living in the District. He authored the Vocational Education Feasibility Act of 2007 (B17-370), which requires the Mayor to conduct a feasibility study on establishing a facility for adult vocational education to be completed by 2009. The bill would require the study to include the following analyses:


  1. •An assessment of vacant buildings and facilities appropriate for vocational training in the District;

  2. •Statistical data on the rate at which adults have entered into vocational careers as compared to professional careers in the last 10 years, regionally and nationally; and

  3. •An analysis of the employability and earning potential of certified vocationally trained adults in the workforce in the District.


In order to benefit from billions of dollars in economic development over the coming years, District residents need to be trained in skilled crafts such as engineering, plumbing, construction and other important trades.


Councilmember Brown championed the effort to enhance vocational education for District residents. He authored the amendment to the School Modernization Funds Resolution of 2007 to provide $30 million in funds to build Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering Academy (picture above right). He also wants to take expand career development programs for adults.


Councilmember Brown also authored the Vocational Education Commission Establishment Act of 2007 (B17-24). The commission would analyze the current state of vocational education in the District and complete a detailed review of vocational education programs that were offered to District residents in the past. The commission would offer a complete an assessment of the current need for establishing a comprehensive vocational education program in the District to renew opportunities for residents.


Other Important Economic Initiatives


  1. •NCRC/AWC Reorganization Clarification Emergency Acts (A17-71/A17-126/A17-152)

  2. •Telecommunications Competition Amendment Act of 2007 (B17-332)

 

Economic Equality and Fairness