Study: DC Can Improve Transparency and Accountability of Taxpayer-Subsidized Projects

The District of Columbia can improve its transparency and accountability standards for development projects receiving taxpayer subsidies, according to a study released last week by Good Jobs First. The study was commissioned by the Baltimore Washington Laborers and Public Employees District Council, which represents more than 6,500 construction craft laborers and service contract employees in the region. “The District should build upon existing economic development best practices by embracing commonsense transparency and accountability measures,” said Thomas Cafcas, a Good Jobs First senior analyst and the author of the report... 

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“Economic development projects receiving taxpayer subsidies should be delivering high-quality, good-paying jobs for District residents,” said Orlando Bonilla, Business Manager for the Baltimore Washington Laborers and Public Employees District Council. “It is important for the District to adopt measures that set standards for these projects, and ensure that these standards are met.” The Good Jobs First study, entitled A Better Deal for the District: Enhancing Economic Development Transparency & Accountability in Washington, D.C., found that the District has embraced a number of economic development best practices, but others remain to be adopted.