First Source a long time coming

Once upon a time, a pair of Providence city councilors found out that moving forward a progressive agenda was much more difficult than they thought would be the case. (Note: This is one of those dodgy older links that is highly irregular. Suffice it to say, it concerns a 2004 story I wrote in the Phoenix about how Miguel Luna and David Segal ran into a lot of frustration while trying to make progress in bringing First Source to fruition.)

The duo, along with groups like DARE and RI Jobs With Justice, worked to move the ball forward. And now, a few years later, the Cicilline administration, along with the council and RI legislators (although David Segal, one of the prime movers in getting this going, is not mentioned in the mayor's news release), are encouraging Providence residents to apply for hotel jobs:

PROVIDENCE – Mayor David N. Cicilline joined City Council Majority Leader Terrence Hassett and Rhode Island Senator Steven M. Constantino to encourage Providence residents to apply for future jobs at the new Renaissance Providence Hotel which is scheduled to open in the spring. 

Providence residents receive preference when applying for those jobs under the provisions of the City’s First Source ordinance, an economic development tool designed to encourage developers to employ Providence residents when they enter into Tax Stabilization Agreements with the City of Providence.

Mayor Cicilline praised the Department of Planning and Development for taking the First Source ordinance, which sat dormant since its passage in 1985, and creating a meaningful and comprehensive employment initiative. 

 “This is an example of the shared benefit of new investment in our city not only transforming an eye sore and growing our tax base, but ensuring that the tremendous momentum underway in our city results in good jobs for our residents,” said Mayor Cicilline.  “The City’s Department of Planning and Development has worked hard over the past several years to implement a more comprehensive First Source ordinance that makes developers partners in our efforts to create new employment opportunities.”

. . . .

The City of Providence has mailed information about the jobs openings to nearly 600 residents on the First Source list and placed several advertisements in local newspapers.  Workforce Solutions of Providence and Cranston will be conducting a job fair in partnership with the City of Providence and NetworkRI.  Those interested in applying for positions at the hotel or to register for an upcoming job fairs should contact NetworkRI at (401) 462-8928.