Worcester voters on Tuesday approved a non-binding measure that would force private higher educational institutions to invest part of their endowments in the city.

The ballot question received 16,245 in favor compared to 5,476 against, according to unofficial election results.

The ballot measure calls for private colleges and universities to invest 0.5% of their endowments into a city fund designated to help “finance needed housing, economic and community development projects.”

The proposal was brought forward by Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty and District 2 Councilor Candy-Mero Carlson.

This proposal affects The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, College of the Holy Cross, Assumption University, Clark University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI).

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