The Vision

Transform This Office
Into a Tool for Economic Justice

Transform This Office
Into a Tool for Economic Justice

Subhead

The Vision: Transform This Office Into a Tool for Economic Justice

Christian isn’t guessing about what workers need — he’s lived the struggle.

As Chief of Staff for Atlanta City Council, he managed complex government operations and delivered results. His Master’s degree in Hospital Administration taught him how to run large-scale systems that serve vulnerable people.

As a prosecutor, he didn’t just process cases — he created second-chance programs that transformed lives. He learned a profound truth: you can’t prosecute your way out of poverty.

The Labor Commissioner’s office is where he can finally deliver the solutions he’s been fighting for: economic security for working families, so their kids don’t end up where he used to work.

This office needs more than a manager. It needs an advocate.

Portrait view of Christian Wise Smith standing on a city street

The Vision: Transform This Office Into a Tool for Economic Justice

Imagine if the Labor Commissioner used every tool available to actually fight for working families. Here’s what that looks like:

Five Bold Changes

1

Modernize the Unemployment System

  • Current Reality: Outdated systems, weeks of delays, confusing processes
  • Bold Leadership:
    • File for benefits on your phone in minutes
    • Get approved within 3-5 days, not 3-5 weeks
    • Multilingual support for non-English speakers
    • Text updates on your claim status
    • Real humans answering questions quickly

2

Transform Career Centers Into Opportunity Hubs

  • Current Reality: DMV-like waiting rooms with outdated technology
  • Bold Leadership:
    • Modern job-matching technology (like LinkedIn, but public)
    • Well-trained career counselors who know local employers
    • Partnerships with employers for direct hiring pipelines
    • Free professional development workshops
    • Childcare assistance for parents attending training

3

Create “Earn While You Learn” Programs

  • Current Reality: Can’t afford to train because you can’t stop working
  • Bold Leadership:
    • Paid apprenticeships in skilled trades
    • Employer-funded training with hiring commitments
    • Stipends for low-income people during training
    • Coordination with technical colleges and community partners
    • Clear pathways from training to good jobs

4

Build Second-Chance Hiring Initiatives

  • Current Reality: 1 in 3 Georgians with records face lifetime employment barriers
  • Bold Leadership:
    • “Second Chance” job fairs connecting people with willing employers
    • Training programs specifically for people re-entering society
    • Tax incentives for employers who hire people with records
    • Advocacy for “ban the box” policies
    • Prove that second chances work — with data

5

Use the Bully Pulpit for Living Wages

  • Current Reality: The Commissioner stays quiet while families struggle on poverty wages
  • Bold Leadership:
    • Publish data showing what families actually need to survive
    • Publicly recognize employers paying living wages
    • Advocate for minimum wage increases
    • Pressure corporations exploiting workers
    • Make economic security a priority issue