Res. No. 728

Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation that would create a linkage fee for large scale residential or commercial projects, and create a trust that would receive this fee to fund job training, education and employment programs.

By Council Members Farías, Louis, Brewer and Riley

Whereas, On June 22, 2023, the Center for New York City Affairs (CNYCA), a policy research institute at The New School, reported that 99 percent of the jobs lost during the pandemic have been recovered; and

Whereas, Not all of these jobs have returned to the same industries as before and there has been a notable shift in the type of industries that are experiencing growth; and

Whereas, According to CNYCA, some industries such as warehousing, delivery services, homecare, healthcare, and remote-work industries, like technology, finance and insurance, and professional services, have experienced job growth while industries like retail and jewelry have struggled to recover; and

Whereas, As the types of jobs available in New York City shift to new fields, the City will need to adapt to provide job seekers with the necessary skill sets and licenses to qualify for these new employment opportunities; and

Whereas, According to New York City Employment Training Coalition, the largest city-based workforce development association, New York City relies heavily on not-for-profit workforce development providers to connect New Yorkers to jobs, services and training to secure long-term employment; and

Whereas, New York State could help ensure that New Yorkers are equipped with the skills they need to succeed in these emerging industries; and

Whereas, A linkage fee is a fee that is charged by the local government on certain real estate developments, with the purpose  of generating local funding to address the additional needs that arise, such as job training programs, as a result of such development; and

Whereas, The New York State Legislature should pass legislation that would create a linkage fee to raise funds to offset the impacts of any residential or commercial construction that exceeds 100,000 square feet in a community; and

Whereas, This fee should be paid to a newly created trust that would be overseen by three trustees, an appointee by the Council, an appointee by the Mayor, and an appointee by the designated City office or agency of the mayor; and

Whereas, The trust should award its funds for the purposes of supporting job training, education and employment programs that would benefit the community living within a 2 mile radius of the job site; and

Whereas, This bill could be an important step to fostering inclusive growth and ensuring New York City residents benefit from economic development opportunities; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation that would create a linkage fee for large scale residential or commercial projects, and create a trust that would receive this fee to fund job training, education and employment programs.

JLC

7/6/2023

LS 12920