Council advances workforce agreement and highlights neighborhood beautification as Love Your Block enters Year 2

Councilmembers approved a package of items that included early consideration of a community workforce agreement and related economic‑development actions, and they heard staff updates on neighborhood improvements.

During presentations, staff and volunteers highlighted the Kendall Drive beautification project, which the mayor and council recognized for volunteer labor and donated materials. Love Your Block staff reported Year 1 outcomes: 11 completed community projects, more than 400 volunteers, roughly 24,000 pounds of trash removed, and 41 installed features (murals, landscaping, benches). Year 2 will focus on Route 66 with applications open Feb. 14–Mar. 31 and project awards to be announced around Earth Day.

Council also heard testimony and endorsements from labor groups and building‑trades representatives supporting a community workforce agreement (CWA) to create local hiring pathways and pre‑apprenticeship opportunities. Several councilmembers and community organizations said a CWA would help ensure development projects deliver local jobs and training.

Councilmembers approved items 19–22 together after discussion about aligning new initiatives with the council’s strategic goals and ensuring coordinated follow up. The votes were unanimous for the grouped motion.