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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
25-266
IN THE COUNC IL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
October 1, 2024
To recognize workforce development and skilled labor as a cornerstone of building and
sustaining a robust local economy, advancing the quality of life in the District of
Columbia, and strengthening communities and public safety, and to declar e the month of
September 2024 as Workforce Development Month in the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, the DC Council seeks to designate September 2024 as Workforce
Development Month in the District of Columbia;
WHEREAS,
despite historic numbers of unemployment in April 2020 where
approximately 23 million Americans were unemployed at rates exceeding the aftermath of the
Great Recession, persistent diligence and collective efforts substantially decreased
unemployment numbers to approximately 7.1 million nationwide as of August 2024;
WHEREAS, in April 2020, the District of Columbia’s unemployment rate was 11.2%, i s
presently reduced by more than half as of July 2024 at a rate of 5.5%;
WHEREAS, the backbone of the District of Columbia is its workforce, which spurs
economic growth and development while attracting businesses and investments, thereby
maintaining our competitive edge in the global economy;
WHEREAS, a robust workforce sustains the retention of local talent and attracts skilled
professionals on both national and international fronts , ensuring a continuous supply of skilled
labor vital to a thriving local economy;
WHEREAS, workforce education and training promotes employee retention, high
performance, diversity, and wellness; all essential to fostering healthy workplaces and bolstering
employee and management relations;
WHEREAS, a vigorous workforce improves the quality of life for District of Columbia
residents and empowers workers to secure competitive compensation, leading to higher wages,
enhanced public health, and overall higher standards of living;
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WHEREAS, e mployment security positively impacts employment rates and creates
diverse employment opportunities, encouraging autonomy and social mobility within the
workforce;
WHEREAS, e mployment opportunities stimulate social stability, crime reduction, and
lower poverty rates to build meaningful relationships and develop safer and stronger
communities;
WHEREAS, Workforce Development Month, celebrated each September by the National
Association of Workforce Boards, celebrates the labor and dedication that workers preserve to
make the District of Columbia the premier city to work and conduct business.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Workforce Development Month Recognition Resolution of
2024”.
Sec. 2. The Council recognizes the value of the District of Columbia’s workforce and
declares the month of September 2024 as “Workforce Development Month", as a confirmation
of the District's dedication to developing its workforce, increasing employee retention, and
protecting the welfare of all workers in the District.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.