Council begins public conversation on project labor agreements; administration raises threshold concerns

Councilmembers used the Jan. 13 work session to start a public conversation about project labor agreements (PLAs) and whether the county should adopt a code requirement for them.

Sponsor Councilman Smith described the item as an opening for public debate over PLAs and their role in county construction projects. Smith said the county historically restricted PLAs but later removed the ban and he wanted a public discussion about the county’s stance, potential thresholds, and best practices.

Beth O’Connell (DPW chief engineer) said the county has about 67 capital projects currently over $10 million. Procurement officials noted administrative support would be required to manage PLAs at scale; Susan Harreld of Central Services estimated 1–2 additional staff may be needed to administer the process and supporting software.

Administration representative Ethan Hunt said the administration would not support a moratorium on MPDUs or anything that would slow delivery of moderately priced dwelling units, and he flagged practical complications if the county requires PLAs for projects above $10 million. "We would want to look at raising the threshold," Hunt said, noting a federal-level threshold of $35 million and estimating that raising the threshold would reduce impacted projects to about 17.

Administration staff also raised legal considerations — including IRS rules on employment relationships and potential procurement complications — that would require changes to contract templates and procedural work. Councilmembers discussed forming a work group or ad hoc committee that includes procurement, DPW and council representatives to develop a refined approach.

No binding action was taken; councilmembers agreed to continue public, transparent conversations and indicated there would likely be amendments (including on the dollar threshold) if the council pursues PLA requirements.