Zero of 35 construction projects tracked by the city met a local hiring requirement.
An executive order issued by Mayor Mike Duggan requires certain construction projects supported with public funding to ensure at least 51% of the workforce are Detroit residents.
The Civil Rights Inclusion and Opportunity Department monitors construction projects through a publicly available dashboard that shows the percentage of hours on each project. It found only 32% of construction hours were worked by Detroiters in 2024.
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The number dropped even lower (14%) when excluding members of local trade unions that participate in Detroit’s Skilled Trade Employment Program.
The order applies to projects that receive at least $3 million in financial assistance from the city, and contracts with the city valued at $3 million or more.
Developers and contractors who fall short must pay a fine used to support workforce training programs. City budget documents show nearly $1.9 million was collected in 2024.
A budget report from the Detroit Economic Solutions Corporation shows the city faces significant challenges in developing a skilled workforce.
Training programs offered through Detroit At Work seek to connect residents to apprenticeships but many people lack the math and reading skills required for programs and nearly half lack reliable transportation.
Many apprenticeship programs require candidates to demonstrate a 10th-grade level or higher in reading and math. According to a budget report, Detroit At Work participants average a 6.6 grade level in math and a 7.8 grade level reading.
Union apprenticeships require sponsoring employers who agree to hire them when training is completed, but some residents lack professional networks needed to connect with employers.
Detroit is losing the Skills for Life, JumpStart and Learn to Earn adult education programs by June. The ARPA-funded programs paid residents to obtain their high school diploma and job certifications, reenter the workforce or learn to read.
Detroit needs new housing, commercial spaces, businesses. There aren’t enough people living within Detroit city limits who are qualified to do construction work. This fact is hard to work around.
EXACTLY 💯!!
So what, we just stop building because they can’t find enough people who can at least READ?!?!
RIDICULOUS!!