Akron to Require Contractors in Sewer Project to Hire City Residents (Ohio.com)

Plusquellic wasn’t willing to say what percentage Akron’s program will start at Monday, except to say that it would be higher than San Francisco’s initial 20 percent and would be under its ultimate goal of 50 percent. The decision on Akron’s initial hiring requirement will be made before the $10.5 million Rack 15 project is bid in early August, with the percentage included in the bid specifications. That percentage will be boosted incrementally over the next seven to 10 years.

We cannot have 50 percent out of the box,” Plusquellic said. “We have to have a spot we start at and inch the bar up.”

Akron City Council passed resolutions Monday supporting the establishment of a local hiring program for the sewer project and a contractor qualification evaluation program that goes beyond the sewer overhaul. The evaluation program includes requirements that contractors and subcontractors hire Akron residents and pay city income taxes.

“We are sending a message that, if you come to Akron, you will be held to a higher standard,” said Council President Garry Moneypenny, comparing this to how people slow down to avoid getting a ticket in Cuyahoga Falls. “You are going to employ our residents.”