Res 0396-2022

Whereas, Freelancers can be categorized as full-time independent contractors, temporary workers employed by staffing firms, gig economy workers, project-based workers, self-employed business owners, and people working in a mix of these areas and in traditional employment; and Whereas, the third week in April is traditionally celebrated as National Freelance Business Week according to the Freelance Business Conference, the premier conference for the American freelance industry; and Whereas, According to a 2019 report by the New York City Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, freelance work is most prevalent in New York City's media and entertainment sectors, including 68% of journalism and digital media workers; 67% of music and performing arts workers; 60% of marketing or advertising workers; 52% of film or television workers; and 54% of publishing workers; and Whereas, Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, freelance work has grown more popular and is reinventing the way individuals work by merging with sectors of traditional permanent employment, such as web design, business consulting, and accounting; and Whereas, A 2021 study by Upwork, a digital marketplace for independent contractors, found that 59 million Americans performed freelance work in 2021, representing 36%-or more than one-third-of the entire U.S. workforce; and Whereas, Freelancers are diverse professionals, with 48% of American freelancers identifying as women, and 52% as men; 16% identifying as Hispanic, 12% African American, and 5-10% Asian, according to a 2022 report by Forbes Magazine; and Whereas, Freelance workers contributed $1.3 trillion in annual earnings to the U.S. economy in 2021, $100 million more than in 2020; and Whereas, The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the working landscape by demonstrating the value and autonomy of remote self-employment; and Whereas, According to Upwork, amid the uncertainty of COVID-19, freelancers found that they are benefiting from income diversification, adjustable schedules, and location flexibility, while companies discovered that freelance professionals inject new skills and capabilities into an organization; and Whereas, As businesses look to a post-COVID-19 future, companies will increasingly rely on freelancers as essential contributors to their operations; and Whereas, Freelance workers make significant contributions to the New York City economy; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York recognizes April as Freelancers Appreciation Month in New York City. EA 8/17/22 LS 5877