What Is Measure JJJ and Why Does It Matter?

If you live in Los Angeles or are looking to understand how public works projects can support local communities, it’s time to get familiar with Measure JJJ. Whether you’re a job seeker, policy enthusiast, or someone who wants to see real change in your city, this guide will break down what Measure JJJ is, how it supports Transitional Workers, and how it ties into broader efforts to build an inclusive workforce in L.A.

The Basics: What Is Measure JJJ?

Measure JJJ, also known as the “Build Better L.A.” initiative, was passed by Los Angeles voters in November 2016. Its goal? To ensure that city-funded or city-assisted housing development projects provide:

• Good-paying, union-backed jobs

• Local hiring preferences

• Opportunities for disadvantaged residents

At its heart, Measure JJJ is about using development as a tool for economic justice. It’s not just about building structures — it’s about building stronger communities through fair employment and housing access.

What Is a Transitional Worker?

One of the most important parts of Measure JJJ is the Transitional Worker Program. These are individuals who may have faced barriers to steady employment but are ready to work and want to contribute.

According to the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, to qualify as a Transitional Worker, you must live within a 5-mile radius of the project site in an Economically Disadvantaged Area or Extremely Economically Disadvantaged Area. In addition, you must meet at least two of the following criteria:

• Be homeless or formerly homeless

• Be a custodial single parent

• Receive public assistance

• Lack a high school diploma or GED

• Have a criminal record or justice system involvement

• Be chronically unemployed

• Be emancipated from foster care

• Be a veteran

• Be a low-hour apprentice (with less than 15% of the required hours completed)

This definition helps identify individuals who can benefit most from a stable, supportive job opportunity — people who are often overlooked in the traditional hiring process.

Why It Matters

Hiring Transitional Workers isn’t just a checkbox. It’s a commitment to uplifting our neighbors. These are individuals who have lived through real challenges — poverty, incarceration, housing insecurity — and who bring resilience and motivation to their work.

Measure JJJ ensures that these workers are prioritized on city construction projects. Not only does this reduce unemployment, but it also strengthens the workforce with people who are deeply invested in their communities.

The Certification Process

For a worker to be classified as Transitional under Measure JJJ, a certifying individual (usually a supervisor or HR representative) must verify their status. They must confirm that the individual meets the criteria and lives within the City of Los Angeles. This information is documented on the Transitional Worker Certification Form, which must be available for city audit upon request.

This step ensures transparency and accountability — two key pillars of any successful public program.

How the City Keeps Track

The City of Los Angeles, through the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Contract Administration, monitors compliance with Measure JJJ on a project-by-project basis. Contractors are required to submit forms, hiring logs, and wage documentation to ensure workers are paid fairly and hired in line with the city’s policies.

This isn't just red tape — it’s how the city keeps its promises to the voters and the community.

Why Developers and Contractors Should Care

If you’re a contractor or employer working on a public project in L.A., hiring Transitional Workers is not only a legal requirement — it’s also a chance to be a changemaker.

By giving someone a job, you can help them secure housing, support their children, or start anew after a challenging period in their life.

Plus, projects that meet or exceed these local hire goals often receive smoother approval processes and are seen as partners in building a better Los Angeles.

Build Better, Together

Measure JJJ represents a bold step toward equity and inclusion in Los Angeles. It’s more than policy — it’s about real people, real jobs, and real opportunity.

Whether you’re part of a hiring team, a city resident, or someone just learning about Transitional Workers, you’re now part of a bigger conversation. A better L.A. starts with informed decisions, intentional hiring, and investments that benefit everyone.