D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray said Wednesday that his effort to promote job creation by using the District government as an intermediary between prospective employers and workers has created 3,000 jobs. Ultimately, Gray said he hopes his One City One Hire program generates 10,000 jobs. Gray said that 40 percent of those hired are residents of Wards 5, 7 and 8, sections in the city’s eastern half with high unemployment rates. The citywide unemployment rate has long been one of the nation’s highest. Updated figures are due to be released on Friday. — Alan Blinder
