PRESS RELEASE: 2nd District Council Member Shané Darby to hold Two Town Hall Meetings to Discuss Proposed Ordinance with Local Skilled Laborers in Mind
Press Alert
Friday, May 19, 2023
2nd District Council Member Shané Darby to hold
Two Town Hall Meetings to Discuss Proposed Ordinance with Local Skilled Laborers in Mind
The 1st Town Hall meeting will start at 6:30 PM virtually on Zoom on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, and the 2nd Town Hall meeting will start at 6:30 PM on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the Police Athletic League in Wilmington.
Wilmington, DE – Shané Darby, Wilmington City Council’s 2nd District Council Member, is inviting members of the public to participate in one of two upcoming Town Hall meetings to discuss how constituents and the City of Wilmington can work together to create and support pathways to good-paying constructions jobs, through a newly proposed ordinance sponsored by Councilwoman Darby.
Councilwoman Darby is sponsoring (REV. 1) Ordinance 22-039, which requires developers and contractors working on residential and commercial construction projects within the City to participate in craft training programs, pay a minimum wage of $18, and certify non-debarment if the project is wholly or partially funded by an incentive from the City including subsidies in the form of tax abatements, donation of property or tax credits.
The ordinance can be read in its entirety by visiting the link here.
“I want to hear from the community about how residents should be benefiting from the development in their own city,” said Councilwoman Darby. “We have to even the playing field and make sure Wilmingtonians are part of development, getting paid well, and are skilled at the trade.”
The ordinance aims to impact city-funded construction work in the following ways:
1) Housing Wage: All workers in city-funded construction projects should earn the housing wage for the City of Wilmington.
2) Local Workers: A growing percentage of workers being paid to do construction work for the City of Wilmington should live in the city.
3) Craft-Skills Training: City-funded construction jobs should offer the opportunity to develop craft skills and increase future earning potential.
The Town Hall meetings will allow attendees to review and give feedback on the proposed ordinance before it is voted on by the Wilmington City Council.
How to Participate in the Town Hall Meetings
Members of the public have two dates to choose from and must register to receive the live stream link through Zoom.
- Virtual Town Hall Meeting
Date: Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Time: 6:30 PM to 8 PM
Online Link to Register: Click here. - In-Person Town Hall Meeting
Date: Thursday, May 25, 2023
Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Online Link to Register: Click here.
Address: 3707 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19802
Participants will be able to ask questions during the town hall. At the beginning of each meeting, Councilwoman Darby will explain how to submit questions.
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MEDIA INQUIRIES:Yesenia TaverasDirector of Communications, Wilmington City CouncilOffice: (302)576-2585Email: ytaveras@wilmingtonde.govCity Council Website: www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com