New Coalition Wants To Help DC Residents Find 'Good Jobs'

WASHINGTON, DC — The Hire Local DC Coalition, a new program established by the Federal City Council and the D.C. Chamber of Commerce, wants to help residents find “good jobs" that can support a family in the District of Columbia.

The Chamber of Commerce and Federal City Council presented plans for the coalition Thursday at the “Building the Local and Multi-Racial Talent Pipeline” meeting. The coalition defines a “good job" as one that pays at least $65,000.

“As we work through the details, we are confident that once the program is in place, we will be able to create career pathways for the residents of this great city,” Angela Franco, president and CEO of the D.C. Chamber of Commerce, said Thursday in a statement.

Hire Local DC will encourage local businesses to hire D.C. residents, facilitate the process of hiring D.C. residents and coordinate collaboration among employers.

“Good jobs are plentiful in the Washington area, but DC residents are not securing nearly enough of them. Many employers and organizations are working hard to fix this problem, but their efforts are not coordinated and they face barriers and challenges along the way,” said Anthony Williams, CEO and executive director of the Federal City Council and the former mayor of D.C.

The Federal City Council is a local nonprofit composed of business and other leaders that works to make the city more business-friendly.

Hire Local DC is currently recruiting partners to join the effort as the program is developed.

Members of the Coalition include Apartment and Office Building Association of Washington DC; District of Columbia Building Industry Association; Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Greater Washington Partnership; and Hotel Association of Washington DC.

The coalition’s government partners include DC Water; Department of Employment Services; Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development; Deputy Mayor for Education; Office of the State Superintendent of Education; and Workforce Investment Council.