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San Diego Community Power directs staff to craft project labor agreement policy
Summary
The Community Power board voted to direct staff to develop policy recommendations requiring project labor agreements (PLAs) on agency projects, following presentations by board members and several union representatives who urged PLAs for local hiring, apprenticeships and job quality.
San Diego Community Power’s board on Nov. 13 directed staff to return in February with specific policy recommendations that would require project labor agreements on Community Power projects and establish workforce ‘guide rails.’ The motion, moved by Director Ila Rivera and seconded on the floor, passed by roll call after public testimony from construction‑trade representatives.
The proposal, introduced by Chair Lisonbee Bremer and Council Member/Director Ila Rivera, frames PLAs as a tool to ensure clean‑energy investments deliver high‑road labor standards, local hiring and apprenticeship opportunities. Bremer told the board the goal is to ‘‘invest in higher labor standards right here in San Diego County’’ so workers who build projects can afford to live locally.
Union speakers at public comment described practical benefits they attribute to PLAs. David Johnson of Ironworkers Local 229 told the board PLAs deliver local hire and family benefits. AJ Estrada of the San Diego County Building Construction Trades Council said PLAs can set measurable local‑hire goals and improve project accountability. Christina Marquez of IBEW Local 569 said apprenticeships and tuition‑free training under PLAs can create career pathways for historically underserved communities. Efrain Lopez of Laborers Local 300 urged adoption for consistent wages, pensions and health insurance.
Directors who spoke in support cited the potential to raise regional job quality, preserve apprenticeship pipelines and improve project reliability. One director recorded a dissenting vote during the roll call (Director Fisher), but the motion carried. The board’s direction asks staff to develop detailed policy language and return with a proposed ordinance or resolution in February for formal action.
The board and public speakers repeatedly framed this item as direction for staff rather than immediate contract or procurement changes. Staff are expected to consult with building trades and other stakeholders while drafting the policy. The board did not adopt a final PLA requirement at the meeting; it approved only the staff direction to draft and return with specific recommendations.
