Workforce Education Training, Youth Development Committee Meeting - September 24, 2026

This committee meeting, chaired by Councilmember [Chair], was held to discuss five ordinances from the Department of Human Resources and a presentation from the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) on Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs). The HR Director and team presented each ordinance, leading to votes, amendments, and one hold. The OEO presentation provided an overview of CBA implementation and sparked discussion on equity and payment challenges for minority contractors. Note: The transcript indicates the meeting occurred on Tuesday, September 15th, but the provided metadata states September 24, 2026; this summary uses the latter date as instructed.

Discussion Items

Ordinance 466-2026 (COBRA Program)

• HR Director requested authorization to contract with WEX for COBRA administration at $1.45 per employee per month, not to exceed $49,999 annually, for one year with three one-year renewal options.
• Statistics: 785 termed employees eligible year-to-date, 203 selected, 62 currently enrolled.
• Councilwoman Stephanie House Jones moved to amend Section 2 to include a "not to exceed $49,999" clause; seconded and passed.
• An earlier amendment changing renewal options from two to three one-year terms was also adopted.
• Passed as amended.

Ordinance 752-2026 (FMLA Administration)

• Request to contract for FMLA administration at a cost of $350,000 (increase from $250,000) for one year with three renewal options. RFP in progress.
• Statistics: 1,193 open cases; program expanded citywide in May 2025.
• Councilwoman House Jones requested data by department, leave type, and gender to inform future paid family leave legislation.
• Councilman Time Shaw raised concerns about outsourcing leading to loss of internal expertise and ability to negotiate with vendors.
• Councilman Joe Jones pressed for information on minority-owned and local contractors used by HR, including their ownership and equity structures.
• Passed without formal amendment.

Ordinance 914-2026 (Fire Chief Assessment with PRADCO)

• Request to amend a contract with PRADCO for assessment of five fire chief candidates, increasing amount from $46,370 to $75,870. Work had already been completed.
• Original estimate assumed three candidates; five applied. An additional assessment step was added.
• Multiple council members (Joe Jones, Chris Harsh, Nikki Hudson, Tem Shaw) questioned the lack of an RFP, the firm’s minority status, and whether civil service had approved the process. Civil Service Director confirmed PRADCO was used previously for the last fire chief selection.
• Chair announced the ordinance would be held for further discussion; no vote taken.

Ordinance 751-2026 (Employee Assistance Program – EAP)

• Request to contract for EAP services at $250,000 (reduced from $300,000) for one year with renewal options.
• Utilization rates: 6.4% (2024), 9.5% (2025), 9.3% (2026 to June). Six free sessions per employee per event.
• Councilwoman House Jones requested an annual performance report to council before renewal.
• Councilman Joe Jones moved an amendment requiring a performance review prior to renewal; seconded and passed.
• Councilman Chris Harsh moved to add a "shall not exceed $250,000" clause in Section 2; seconded and passed.
• Passed as amended.

Ordinance 750-2026 (Training & Professional Development)

• Request to contract for organizational development, coaching, and training services at $100,000 (comprising $50,000 reallocated from EAP and $50,000 new funds) for one year with renewal options.
• Councilman Harsh expressed concern over reliance on consultants and moved two amendments: (1) require written notice to council of cooperative purchases, and (2) add "shall not exceed $100,000" to Section 2. Both seconded and passed.
• Chair encouraged council members to use this program for staff development.
• Passed as amended.

OEO Presentation on Community Benefits Agreements

• Director Tyson Mitchell, Assistant Director Michael Curry, and CBA Administrator Terrell Knight presented.
• Overview: 52 signed CBAs since 2023; $1.3 billion total construction; $259 million in city incentives (TIFs, abatements, loans, grants); $217 million in certified spend commitments ($89M MBE, $47M FBE, $80M CSB). Also 72 mentor-protégé relationships, 117 paid internships, 5,000+ intern hours.
• Councilman Joe Jones highlighted systemic issues: lack of minority participation across city departments, payment delays crippling small contractors, and need for a permanent fix.
• Director Mitchell discussed a new $5 million revolving loan program (ARPA-funded) for subcontractors on the airport project and plans to accelerate payments via ACH.
• Councilman Tem Shaw raised philosophical concerns about whether the incentives (e.g., $259M) are net beneficial, suggesting direct investment in local contractors might be more effective.
• Chair emphasized collective responsibility to ensure CBAs meet community needs.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 466-2026 (COBRA): Passed as amended.
• Ordinance 752-2026 (FMLA): Passed unamended.
• Ordinance 914-2026 (Fire Chief Assessment): Held for further discussion; no vote.
• Ordinance 751-2026 (EAP): Passed as amended (with performance review and not-to-exceed $250,000).
• Ordinance 750-2026 (Training): Passed as amended (with notification and not-to-exceed $100,000).
• OEO will provide additional data on FMLA and contractor equity, and schedule follow-up meetings on payment reform and CBAs.