The City of Kankakee, IL has been chosen as one of three cities nationally, to benefit from the partnership of the National League of Cities (NLC) and Samaschool, a non-profit focused on preparing low-income populations to succeed as independent workers through digital skills training and a connection to internet based jobs that pay a living wage.

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“Gig Economy” is the term many business and economics writers have increasingly used as a shorthand to refer to the new workplace realities characterized by a greater number of freelancing professionals engaged in independent contractor relationships with employers. Such arrangements are often characterized by greater flexibility, but also fewer employee benefits and protections.

As the state of the economy and work continues to evolve, workers will need support in preparing for employment opportunities that exist in a global economy.  During this exclusive opportunity, the city of Kankakee will receive one-on-one support in the areas of Gig Economy planning, coaching and an implementable working strategy. 

 

Mayor Chasity Wells-Armstrong noted the significance of the designation for Kankakee. "I am pleased with being selected by Samaschool to participate in this initiative.  The Department of Labor data indicates that within the next decade, half of all working Americans will be engaged in some type of freelancing.  It is important to me that the city of Kankakee leads with best practices and serves as an advocate to ensure that independent workers have protections such as a minimum wage, understand the IRS implications of self-employment, and have access to workforce training that promotes success in the digital space.” 

 

For the City of Kankakee, next steps will include connecting with Samaschool to review the project process and timeline, establish the working area related to the Gig Economy and refine the partnership goals over the next quarter.  Mayor Wells-Armstrong was recently elected to serve on the Executive Board and appointed to the Community & Economic Development Committee of the National League of Cities (NLC).

 

For more information, contact Mayor Wells-Armstrong’s office at (815) 933-0500.  Visit the City of Kankakee’s website at citykankakee-il.gov.

 

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