Operating Engineers urge ‘Yes’ on Proposal N to restore neighborhoods, create Detroit jobs

DETROIT, Mich. – Operating Engineers 324 today endorsed Proposal N, a five-year plan to restore neighborhoods in Detroit and create local jobs, and urged Detroit voters to support the plan. Proposal N is on Detroit voters’ ballot for the upcoming General Election.

“Proposal N is a far-reaching, positive vision that can strengthen the future of Detroit neighborhoods, families who live in the city, and job opportunities for skilled trades apprentices and professionals in Detroit,” said Lee Graham, Operating Engineers 324 Labor Management Education Committee Director. “Proposal N’s benefits will be felt now and for generations. Operating Engineers 324 is excited to see Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan partner with community stakeholders to put together this proposal, which invests in the families who live and work in the city, and we strongly urge voters to say ‘Yes’ to Proposal N.”

If approved, Proposal N will save and renovate thousands of houses in Detroit neighborhoods, while eliminating thousands more that cannot be restored and rehabilitated. Under Proposal N, work on this citywide project will be done by Detroit companies and workers, with preference given to companies employing Detroiters as 51% or more of their workforce.

“Operating Engineers 324 has a long history of supporting and working in Detroit, including having our own Stationary Education Center right in the middle of Corktown,” said Operating Engineers 324 President Ken Dombrow.  “Proposal N is the latest in several initiatives that will have real, positive impact on the residents of Detroit, and put many others – including skilled trades men and women – to work.”

Proposal N also ensures accountability and oversight to the rehabilitation, restoration and demolition process in Detroit.