Evesham Township expands use of Project Labor Agreements for Public Works Contracts to support local workers

In a continued show of support for skilled labor, Mayor Jaclyn Veasy and the Evesham Township Council passed a resolution at their latest meeting to require Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) for significant public works contracts.

This decision marks a significant step in the Township’s mission to prioritize a skilled local workforce, ensure high-quality construction, and promote long-term economic stability. Under the new resolution, a PLA will be a mandatory requirement in bid specifications for qualifying projects.

The resolution aligns with recent legislative updates at the state level. Previous New Jersey law restricted PLAs to projects exceeding $5 million—a threshold many Evesham Township projects did not reach. However, a January 2026 amendment empowers municipalities to mandate these agreements at lower cost thresholds. Following this update, Evesham Township policy will now apply these requirements to projects with a cost of $200,000 or greater.

By integrating PLAs into the bidding process for these projects, Evesham Township aims to secure several key advantages for its residents:

• Labor Stability: Minimizing potential delays caused by labor disputes or shortages.
• Skilled Workforce: Guaranteeing that projects are handled by qualified, highly trained professionals.
• Safety and Timeliness: Ensuring that public infrastructure is completed on schedule and meets the highest safety standards.
• Fiscal Responsibility: Maximizing the value of taxpayer dollars through increased project efficiency and superior workmanship.

Township leadership views this move as more than just a policy change; it is an investment in the people of Evesham and the surrounding region. By utilizing PLAs, the Township ensures that local labor takes priority, fostering a more inclusive and robust local economy.

"This resolution reflects our commitment to a stronger, more inclusive Evesham," Mayor Jaclyn Veasy said. "By supporting a skilled local workforce, we’re building more than just infrastructure. We’re building the future of our community with high-quality workmanship that will stand the test of time."