Washington, D.C. — Today, the mayors of Seattle and Richmond joined the Center for American Progress Action Fund to discuss the ways in which cities can build power and raise standards for their workers in the wake of rapid technological and societal change and decades of mounting income inequality.
“We are living through the most disruptive era since the Industrial Revolution,” said Mayor Jenny A. Durkan of Seattle. “Long-term jobs are giving way to gig work, and real wages have barely budged for workers. For many Americans, owning a home is out of reach. The transition is threatening the fabric of our country, and we must change course. I’m grateful to the Center for American Progress Action Fund for continuing this important dialogue on how America’s mayors can best support our workers and protect our disappearing middle class.”
“Workers have always been the backbone of American cities,” said Mayor Levar Stoney of Richmond, Virginia. “Progressive cities like Richmond have started to walk the walk, through initiatives such as its Living Wage Certification Program, but we can’t stop there. We have a broader responsibility to create a culture that empowers and advocates for workers, both inside and outside of city hall.”
The event was recorded, and an archived version of the live stream can be viewed here later today.
For more information or to speak to an expert, please contact Julia Cusick at [email protected] or 202-495-3682.