Job, Training and Business Opportunities Through Section 3. Development, Testing, and Demonstration of Mechanisms for Achieving Optimum Feasible Employment and Training as Required by Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968

摘要

This 1977 executive summary for work performed for HUD under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968 outlines observations about (1) what types of Section 3 activities cities and urban counties are undertaking, (2) why these activities have not had an encouraging impact, and (3) what actions HUD can take to remedy the problem. Section 3 of the 1968 Housing and Urban Development Act is intended to encourage recipients of HUD money -- such as cities and urban counties -- to provide training and employment for lower - income residents and opportunities for area businesses when HUD funds are spent in a community. Based on site visits and telephone conversations with Equal Opportunity (EO) staff in 14 HUD Area Offices, contract researchers found that few recipients were responding explicitly to Section 3 and that some were still unaware of Section 3 and its objectives. Of the 21 sites visited, only 4 had begun Section 3 activities, although additional planning had started as a result of technical assistance and manual demonstrations. Researchers also found that the overall impact of Section 3 on the creation of new job opportunities has been low. Uncertain Federal funding, a high number of professional positions covered by Section 3, and emphasis on brick - community and mortar - community projects have prevented low - income persons from filling possible jobs. Local public bid laws have often limited flexibility in providing business opportunities to small contractors. Linkages with other public employment programs (CETA, EDA, WIN) are not widespread. City officials described Section 3 regulations as costly and lacking in clarity. Recommendations for change include (1) reestablishing a HUD Section 3 task force to decide on the priority of Section 3 in national programs, (2) soliciting recipient feedback on Section 3 Draft Regulations, and (3) reformulating Section 3 policies and programs to agree with current HUD urban economic development initiatives. Further recommendations are presented. Three tables listing sample employment positions, activities influenced by technical assistance and the recipient's manual, and means for reducing or eliminating the barriers to Section 3, are provided. (Author abstract modified).