PEN hosted a special event highlighting how local governments use procurement as a powerful lever to expand access to high-quality jobs.
Building on the momentum of PEN’s previous webinar, this project showcased spotlights on real-world procurement implementation stories from Cleveland, OH; Pittsburgh, PA; and San Antonio, TX. Over the past year, these cities piloted innovative procurement strategies designed to both strengthen vendor job quality and create inclusive pathways to good local jobs for residents. Our session featured reflections from city leaders on the opportunities, challenges, and lessons learned, including how:
- Cleveland, OH revitalized its long-standing Fair Employment Wage Ordinance, so that jobs created by city investments pay service workers a living wage.
- Pittsburgh, PA pioneered commitments through its Regional Workforce Equity Agreement framework to expand hiring of disadvantaged workers and apprentices on city contracts and create pathways to quality jobs.
- San Antonio, TX integrated employer commitments from it’s Ready to Work program on city contracts to connect trainees with quality jobs and increase economic mobility opportunities.