Voters in Davidson County, Tenn., will decide on Aug. 6 whether the city will require construction crews for large public projects to use a minimum amount of local labor.
A proposed amendment to the charter governing Nashville and Davidson County would mandate that 40% of work hours on city- or county-funded construction jobs costing at least $100,000 be completed by residents. Labor unions support the proposal that more than 16,000 Nashville voters supported in a petition drive.
Opposing the measure are the outgoing mayor, several commercial contractors’ groups, the American Institute of Architects, and the local Chamber of Commerce.
Opponents have argued that because of an industry-wide labor shortage—including a projected shortage of nearly 18,000 workers in Nashville by the end of 2016—construction firms will have difficulty filling the proposed quota of local workers on every project.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Sep 7, 2017
More than half of Houston properties at high or moderate risk of flooding are not in FEMA flood zone
Properties outside of these zones are not required to carry flood insurance.
Codes and Standards | Sep 6, 2017
Seventy percent of contractors have trouble finding workers
AGC survey indicates that fewer companies may be able to bid on projects.
Codes and Standards | Sep 5, 2017
New CTBUH initiatives to investigate link between fire and façades
In wake of Grenfell tragedy, Council forms new workgroup.
Codes and Standards | Sep 1, 2017
U.S. markets with the largest hotel construction pipeline
New York has the largest hotel construction pipeline of any U.S. market.
Codes and Standards | Aug 30, 2017
Trump rescinds elevation requirements for federally funded buildings and infrastructure
Flood protection on subsidized housing, hospitals, and other public buildings rolled back.
Codes and Standards | Aug 30, 2017
Stormwater runoff mitigation pays off for some building owners
Rain gardens, green roofs, cisterns, and rainwater recycling add value.
Codes and Standards | Aug 28, 2017
Commercial properties address state carbon-reduction policies
EV charging stations, batteries, and microgrid technology are all part of effort to meet demand for cleaner power.
Codes and Standards | Aug 24, 2017
OSHA silica dust exposure enforcement begins Sept. 23
Vacuum dust collection, water-delivery systems, and respirators will be required.
Codes and Standards | Aug 18, 2017
Cool roofs may increase air pollution
California’s requirement for cool roofs on new non-residential buildings could promote smog.
Codes and Standards | Aug 17, 2017
Black market sales of OSHA training certifications plague New York City construction industry
Task force formed to get fake training cards off the streets and workers properly trained.