City approves 20-year lease to Workforce Connections for Civic Plaza office space

The City Council voted May 21 to approve a long-term lease of city-owned office space to Workforce Connections, the regional workforce development board.

Economic development staff told the council the proposed agreement covers 16,435 square feet on the fourth floor of Civic Plaza Building 2 and is a 20-year lease with an option to extend. Dina Babsky, director of Economic and Urban Development, said the space is being designed for Workforce Connections and that move-in is scheduled for Sept. 1. Babsky reported the total lease amount for the full term as “almost $12,000,000.”

Workforce Connections’ leadership attended the hearing. The executive director, Jaime Cruz, described the lease as a long-term commitment and said the organization is pleased to be downtown and partnering with the city. Board chair Jerry Merritt and deputy director Irene Bustamante Adams also spoke in support.

Council members described the arrangement as a long‑term partnership that will create synergies with city tenants and other downtown uses. Councilwoman Diaz moved approval of the resolution finding the proposed lease in the public interest; the motion passed.

Staff said the space will be built to Workforce Connections’ specifications and will support the local workforce-development mission. The lease term and financials were presented in summary during the hearing; detailed lease documents will be executed consistent with the council’s approval.

No public opposition was recorded during the hearing. The council’s vote authorizes staff to finalize the lease and proceed toward the scheduled move-in date.