Jobs and Economic Development Task Force

The Jobs and Economic Development Task Force organized in response to the declining economic conditions in the city of Milwaukee. Considered at one time to be an "economic powerhouse," Milwaukee now ranks as one of the poorest cities in the U.S. and has figures for African American male unemployment topping 50% in some sectors.

On August 16, 2007, the Jobs and Economic Development Committee launched a jobs initiative entitled “The People’s Campaign.” The campaign was rooted in the faith-filled vision that God has created us and called us to live in communities that are just and equitable, and in the effort to secure jobs for unemployed and underemployed residents.

Through the persistent efforts of MICAH and the Good Jobs and Livable Neighborhoods Coalition, the MORE (Milwaukee Opportunities for Restoring Employment) Ordinance was adopted on March 25, 2009. The MORE Ordinance creates standards intended to increase the economic benefits, particularly job opportunities, accruing to Milwaukee residents as a result of development projects that receive $1 million or more in direct financial assistance from the city to private developers or construction contractors. It increased the Emerging Business Enterprise (EBE) level of construction participation from 18% to 25% and the Residence Preference Program (RPP) requirement from 25% to 40% of worker hours; required prevailing wage standards; increased the apprenticeship ratio; and required local first source employment giving City residents first consideration for both new and replacement employment opportunities. A local business enterprise advantage was also specified. On October 11, 2011, the Good Jobs and Livable Neighborhoods Coalition and MICAH celebrated another MORE-related victory with the passage 14-1 in the Common Council of an ordinance calling for 25% of all contracts for public works by the City of Milwaukee to be awarded to people of color, women and small businesses.

Building on the success of the MORE Ordinance, the MICAH Jobs Committee is currently addressing three issues: 1) Exclusion of minority workers and contractors from major construction projects; 2) Need for training, and addressing roadblocks (such as felony convictions) that affect many minorities seeking work; and 3) Lack of transportation to worksites for growing numbers of central city residents.