eements have proven to be an excellent mechanism to promote the hiring of unemployed and under-employed City residents. These agreements have proven their effectiveness in targeting construction employment and training opportunities to mitigate the harm caused by geographically concentrated poverty. Construction contracts financed in part or whole with City funds are subject to the State’s prevailing wage laws, or in some instances, the Federal Davis-Bacon wage statute, each of which provides covered workers with greater wages and benefits than otherwise required by law. Increasing access to employment opportunities where prevailing wages are paid is one way for the City directly to combat poverty and stimulate economic reinvestment. In addition, having the opportunity to work on a contract or project with City financial assistance affords workers valuable experience which can be used to garner future employment. The City has an interest in expanding the field of competent construction workers to address the problems associated with a significant local unemployed, under-employed and unskilled workforce. The City serves this interest by expanding the opportunities workers have to be referred for employment by private contractors who receive financial assistance from the City. Further, many unemployed and under-employed City residents are interested in working in and learning a construction trade. Young people constitute a significant portion of this City’s unemployed and under-employed residents. Experience indicates that unemployment and under-employment contribute to devastating social burdens, including a sustained large population of unskilled workers, increased crime and increased need for costly social services. The City, as a principal provider of social support services, has an interest in promoting an employment environment that protects such limited resources. In creating a program that helps link contractors with potential construction workers, the City serves this interest and provides greater opportunities for employment on Proposition HHH funded construction contracts.