At their regular city council meeting March 24, Austin City Council voted to mandate fair chance hiring procedures, reduce residential Austin Energy bills and institute a living wage for city contractors.

Fair Chance Hiring

The Fair Chance Hiring policy, also referred to as “ban the box,” prohibits most private employers from inquiring about a job applicant’s criminal history prior to extending a job offer. The policy applies to businesses with 15 or more employees. It does not apply to positions for which a federal, state or local law—or a legally mandated insurance or bond requirement—disqualifies an individual based on criminal history. After the law has been in effect for one year, employers found in violation will receive a fine of up to $500. For a first-time violation, the city may issue a warning if the employer attends a training session about the policy, according to the ordinance. Similar policies have been adopted by seven states, 27 cities and the District of Columbia, according to the National Employment Law Project.

Austin Energy Bills

Beginning in April, residential customers will see a 11.3 percent drop in their Power Supply Adjustment charge, resulting in an average monthly saving of $3.56, according to a city press release. "This won't solve all the world's problems, but saving $3.56 a month sure isn't bad news,” Jason Stanford, Mayor Steve Adler's communications director, said in a statement. “We're working on big changes to bend the affordability cost curve and dramatically modernize mobility in Austin. With all that's going on, it can be easy to miss the small stuff, however good the news is. And in an affordability crisis, smaller monthly utility bills is good news.”

Living Wage

Around 60 area residents signed up or spoke in favor of two proposals related to how the city compensates its contractors and subcontractors. Council approved the policies which means construction workers contracting with the city will be paid no less than the city living wage of $13.03/hour. A living wage will also be instituted for city subcontractors and for those performing work on city property or city vehicles. Mayor Steve Adler said the living wage policies address the city’s most vulnerable residents, many of whom are facing affordability challenges.