sf.citi member companies,
I hope you all are doing well this morning.
I’m writing you today to provide you with an update on Mayor Breed’s and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development’s First Source Hiring Program (FSHP) changes, what this means for sf.citi member companies, and our recommended next steps for engagement.
Overview
In 2001, the City of San Francisco mandated that the FSHP apply to employers who have been awarded a city contract in excess of $50,000. After a tumultuous fiscal year and especially as we approach 2021, Mayor Breed has allocated additional funds toward this program in order to see its expansion throughout San Francisco. That said, the FSHP will now also apply to employers who operate in buildings that are over 25,000 square feet and that were built under permits issued since 2001.
For context, FSHP imposes hiring obligations by referring qualified San Francisco residents for entry level positions as they become available. As the program is currently in the process of being expanded, it will likely apply to most, if not all, tech companies and large employers. The definition of “entry-level” will encompass those with bachelor’s degrees and up to two years of relevant work experience. We have spoken directly with OEWD and they have promised a slow and judicial approach in its roll out of the program, especially as they are beginning to lay the infrastructure for additional companies to participate. While companies are not obligated to hire FSHP applicants, companies will be required to review San Francisco-based applicants first. We have also been informed that some companies have already been identified in the expanded definition, although this will likely not be retroactively punitive.
Impact
Efforts to broaden the program are being done at a time when Supervisor Mar’s “Return to Work” legislation is also being upheld. Our concern is that these mandates could potentially hasten remote work. Also, while OEWD has communicated they do not intend to hamper economic recovery, this would inevitably impose additional bureaucratic hurdles for companies in their hiring processes.
Engagement
As a next step, we recommend attending OEWD’s webinar on Thursday, November 19th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. – you may register here. The webinar will cover FSHP hiring obligations and requirements, and you will be able to share your feedback on how to make the program as efficient and valuable as possible.
Keeping in mind that the Mayor is a strong proponent of this program, it’s important that we respond with constructive feedback while maintaining our support for a thoughtful and collaborative program design. It is important to have multiple companies in attendance to show we are interested in collaborating and that there is consensus by the tech and business community in terms of our priorities and voice in this matter.
Please let us know if you have any questions and we will be sure to update you on what transpires at the meeting. As always, thank you for your continued membership.
Jen
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