Bill Summary – FastDemocracy

ENROLLED ORIGINAL

                               A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION

                                             25-266

                   IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

                                         October 1, 2024

To recognize workforce development and skilled labor as a cornerstone of building and

       sustaining a robust local economy, advancing the quality of life in the District of

       Columbia, and strengthening communities and public safety, and to declare the month of

       September 2024 as Workforce Development Month in the District of Columbia.

      WHEREAS, the DC Council seeks to designate September 2024 as Workforce

Development Month in the District of Columbia;

       WHEREAS, despite historic numbers of unemployment in April 2020 where

approximately 23 million Americans were unemployed at rates exceeding the aftermath of the

Great Recession, persistent diligence and collective efforts substantially decreased

unemployment numbers to approximately 7.1 million nationwide as of August 2024;

       WHEREAS, in April 2020, the District of Columbia’s unemployment rate was 11.2%, is

presently reduced by more than half as of July 2024 at a rate of 5.5%;

       WHEREAS, the backbone of the District of Columbia is its workforce, which spurs

economic growth and development while attracting businesses and investments, thereby

maintaining our competitive edge in the global economy;

        WHEREAS, a robust workforce sustains the retention of local talent and attracts skilled

professionals on both national and international fronts, ensuring a continuous supply of skilled

labor vital to a thriving local economy;

       WHEREAS, workforce education and training promotes employee retention, high

performance, diversity, and wellness; all essential to fostering healthy workplaces and bolstering

employee and management relations;

       WHEREAS, a vigorous workforce improves the quality of life for District of Columbia

residents and empowers workers to secure competitive compensation, leading to higher wages,

enhanced public health, and overall higher standards of living;

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       WHEREAS, employment security positively impacts employment rates and creates

diverse employment opportunities, encouraging autonomy and social mobility within the

workforce;

       WHEREAS, employment opportunities stimulate social stability, crime reduction, and

lower poverty rates to build meaningful relationships and develop safer and stronger

communities;

       WHEREAS, Workforce Development Month, celebrated each September by the National

Association of Workforce Boards, celebrates the labor and dedication that workers preserve to

make the District of Columbia the premier city to work and conduct business.

        RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this

resolution may be cited as the “Workforce Development Month Recognition Resolution of

2024”.

        Sec. 2. The Council recognizes the value of the District of Columbia’s workforce and

declares the month of September 2024 as “Workforce Development Month", as a confirmation

of the District's dedication to developing its workforce, increasing employee retention, and

protecting the welfare of all workers in the District.

       Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.

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