Luster National Inc. Headquarters in Bakersfield

CityBuild Named to 2007 Top 50 Innovations in American Government Awards

Bakersfield, CA, April 23, 2007

CityBuild, the ground-breaking City of San Francisco construction training program, was recently named one of the “Top 50 Programs in the 2007 Innovations in American Government Awards” competition. The Innovations in American Government Awards is a program of the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

The CityBuild program was born out of a workforce development research project headed by Dr. Laura I. Luster for the San Francisco Housing Authority (SFHA). Her report identified key issues requisite to the design and implementation of a resident training and apprenticeship program for all SFHA construction and rehabilitation projects. Subsequently, Dr. Luster and the SFHA collaborated with the City of San Francisco, construction trade unions, the community college and a consortium of community-based organizations to create the CityBuild Academy, a state-of-the-art pre-apprenticeship training facility.

The CityBuild Academy was established to fill a critical gap in the City’s construction workforce delivery system. The Academy introduces residents to careers in construction skilled trades, and provides basic construction training and preparation for entrance into union apprenticeship programs. CityBuild Academy is now training its fourth cycle of residents who will graduate later this year. CityBuild began as a pilot program with two city projects; the program is now involved with over 80 city and privately sponsored projects. To date CityBuild has placed over three hundred local residents in union construction jobs.

“CityBuild is an innovative program that utilizes San Francisco’s ingenuity to connect its hard-working residents with work,” said San Francisco Mayor Newsom. CityBuild is now a semifinalist for the Innovations in American Government Awards and is eligible to win one of the seven $100,000 grants, which will be announced in the fall of 2007.

The Ash Institute advances excellence in governance and strengthens democratic institutions worldwide. Through its research, publications, leadership training, global network, and awards program, the Ash Institute fosters creative and effective government problem-solving and serves as a catalyst for addressing many of the most pressing needs of the world’s citizens.

The Luster Training and Community Development operating unit provides a wide variety of support services to clients. Luster has developed particular expertise in assisting clients to conceptualize and bring to reality innovative training programs linked to specific projects. The operating unit works closely with clients to facilitate effective interaction with community-based organizations, government agencies and educational institutions. In designing and implementing programs, attention is focused on building partnerships that produce results. For additional information contact: Robert Luster rluster@luster.com.

For more information on Luster National, Inc, go to www.luster.com.