Biden just named Philadelphia a ‘Workforce Hub’. Here’s what it means for you

As a part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda that was announced in April 2024, Philadelphia has been designated as one of four new Workforce Hubs.

This initiative aims to ensure that all Americans can access the numerous job opportunities generated by federal programs such as the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. The focus will be on training and connecting workers to high-quality jobs, particularly in the construction and infrastructure sectors.

The program emphasizes Geographic and Economic Hiring Preferences (GEHP) to enhance job accessibility for residents in economically disadvantaged areas. GEHP establishes hiring goals for apprentices and journeypersons from these regions, aiming to create economic opportunities and family-sustaining careers.

According to a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) report, such hiring preferences are vital for diversifying the local workforce and spreading the economic benefits of infrastructure investments.

The primary objective of GEHP in Philadelphia is to benefit local workers, contractors, and communities. By focusing on Priority Zip Codes, the initiative seeks to open career pathways for individuals facing employment barriers. It’s expected to provide contractors with a trained workforce to meet the demands of upcoming infrastructure projects. The program is also designed to ensure that the workforce mirrors the demographic diversity of Philadelphia.

A Priority Zip Code is defined as any U.S. zip code with 42% or more of its population earning at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. GEHP will apply to selected City public works contracts, including those managed by the Streets Department, Water Department, and the Airport. Contractors will be required to meet specific goals in their hiring practices to promote inclusivity and economic growth.

The hiring goals under GEHP include at least 30% of apprentice project work hours and 20% of journeyperson work hours performed by workers from Priority Zip Codes. These goals aim to increase workforce diversity, provide economic opportunities for marginalized communities, and ensure that the benefits of federal infrastructure investments are broadly shared.