Racine Works Program
Racine Works Program (RWP)
City of Racine Ordinance Section #46-41
The Racine Works Program (RWP) connects qualified trade workers who are underemployed or low-income residents with job opportunities on City-funded public works and water utility projects.
City-funded projects over $100,000 are subject to the RWP ordinanceA law passed by a local government, which requires that 20% of all contractor and subcontractor labor hours be performed by RWP-certified workers.
Connecting Workers and Contractors
Qualified workers who become RWP certified are added to the official RWP worker roster, which is used to refer candidates to contractors for open construction positions.
Certification Process
RWP Certification Eligibility
To qualify for RWP certification, applicants must meet the following:
- Residency Requirement – You must reside in the City of Racine or in a Racine Water Utility service area* (only for water utility projects).
- Qualified trade worker – You must be a pre-apprenticeship graduate, apprentice, skilled laborer or journeyman in a trade (carpentry, plumbing, electrical, cement finishing, ironwork, CDL, etc.).
- Underemployment Status – You must be underemployed, meaning you worked less than 1,200 hours in the past year or meet HUD low-income limits: HUD Income Guidelines
Applying for RWP Certification
Apply using the web form: RWP Online Application
Solicita a través del formulario web: Solicitud de RWP
Or submit the following materials to purchasing@cityofracine.org:
- RWP Certification Application (Solicitud de RWP)
- List of Required Documents (Pruebas Requeridas)
RWP certification does not expire but becomes invalid if you move outside of city limits. If you move from the City to a water utility service area, your certification remains valid only for water utility projects and vice versa.
If you are not yet trained but interested in pursuing a trade, see our List of Local Training Programs.
Information for Contractors
Contractors awarded City-funded projects over $100,000 must comply with RWP requirementsA thing that is needed or wanted., including:
- Submitting monthly payroll reports to purchasing@cityofracine.org. Contact us if you need the reporting template.
- Hiring RWP-certified workers to meet the 20% labor hour requirement.
If you need RWP-certified workers for your project, contact Purchasing to submit a Job Request Form and receive a list of available referrals.
If you have Racine workers who you think may qualify for certification, please refer them to us to screen them for RWP eligibility.
Contact Purchasing
262-636-9366
*Racine Wastewater Utility service area: Mount Pleasant, Caledonia, Sturtevant, Elmwood Park, North Bay, Wind Point. RWP-certified labor hours from service area residents only count for water utility projects.
