Single Page | 
Multiple Pages
Home > BizTimes Daily > Archives > March 25, 2009
Milwaukee Council approves wage ordinance for commercial projects
Published March 25, 2009 - BizTimes Daily
Previous | 12 of 12
The Milwaukee Common Council today voted 8-7 to approve an amended ordinance that creates wage standards and city resident hiring requirements for commercial developments that receive at least $1 million in financial assistance from the City of Milwaukee.
The heavily debated ordinance was discussed for more than two hours on the Council floor during today's regular meeting at City Hall.
The approval means several changes are now in effect for development projects receiving at least $1 million in city assistance.
Specifically, public works projects and developments receiving at least $1 million in city assistance - including projects getting tax incremental financing (TIF) monies - are now compelled to create jobs and apprenticeship opportunities that employ local residents, and must also give consideration to local business enterprises.
Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, the primary sponsor of the ordinance, praised colleagues for their help in crafting and ultimately passing the measure.
"This is a groundbreaking ordinance that will ensure that Milwaukee receives a public return on a public investment while also making sure that the jobs created will help sustain families and communities," Hamilton said. "I’ve been amazed by the thoughtful and at times critical input by my colleagues, but it helped make the ordinance better and stronger in the end."
Co-sponsors of the ordinance were Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderwoman Milele Coggs, Alderman Willie Wade, Alderman Joe Davis Sr. and Alderman Bob Bauman.
Supporters of the proposal, including labor unions, argued that the ordinance will help ensure family-supporting wages for people hired to work on building commercial developments, hotels, stores and other businesses.
Critics of the bill, including many commercial Realtors, say the ordinance imposes unnecessary restrictions, extra costs and impediments to development during the recession.
