A community benefits agreement (CBA) is a legally binding contract between developers and local community groups. This agreement outlines the benefits that the developer will provide to the community in exchange for permission to build on a particular site. A CBA can include a range of community benefits, such as affordable housing, local hiring preferences, and infrastructure investments, among others.
In some cases, unions may also be part of the negotiation process for a CBA. This is where a community benefits agreement union (CBAU) comes in. This type of union represents the collective interests of the community and helps negotiate a CBA that benefits everyone involved, including the developers.
One of the key benefits of a CBAU is that it helps to ensure that developers are held accountable for their promises. By having a union representing the community, developers are more likely to follow through on their commitments because they know there is a larger group of stakeholders holding them accountable.
Another benefit of a CBAU is that it can help to build trust between developers and community members. By working together to negotiate a CBA, both parties are able to understand each other`s needs and concerns. This can lead to more open communication and a better working relationship.
Additionally, a CBAU can help to ensure that the benefits outlined in a CBA are distributed fairly and equitably. Unions have experience working with employers to negotiate fair wages and benefits, and this experience can be applied to negotiating community benefits as well. This ensures that the benefits are distributed in a way that benefits the entire community, not just certain individuals or groups.
In short, a community benefits agreement union can help to ensure that CBAs are negotiated fairly and implemented effectively. By representing the interests of the community, these unions can help to build trust between developers and community members, hold developers accountable, and ensure that the benefits outlined in a CBA are distributed fairly and equitably. Overall, a CBAU is an important tool for building strong, healthy communities.