Download the Green Jobs Policy (PDF)

In the last year, Seattle’s unemployment rate has doubled; it is harder than ever to find a job that pays a living wage. We are also facing the threats of a deteriorating Puget Sound, changing climate, and dwindling resources. But within these crises lies a tremendous opportunity. By facilitating the growth of our green economy, we can provide family wage jobs, more effectively utilize our limited natural resources, and clean up the environment that we all rely upon.

Seattle already has a national reputation for environmental leadership, but we must build on that foundation if we are to meet the challenges ahead. I will follow the examples of national leaders such as the Apollo Alliance and Green for All by bringing together leaders from business, labor, workforce development, and sustainability. By working collaboratively, we can take advantage of the innovation, business savvy, and strong environmental and social justice ethics in Seattle.

Clean Up Puget Sound

The impact of street runoff is well documented, carrying thousands of tons of pollutants into Puget Sound each year. Over the past decade, the City of Seattle has been a leader in pioneering low impact development practices, but we need to move these techniques beyond the pilot stage if we are serious about protecting the Sound. Investing in these facilities will not only provide good paying construction and trades jobs, but will also lower our long-term infrastructure costs.

• Require low impact development techniques for all new right-of-way construction.
• Develop a public-private partnership program to build out porous pavement sidewalks and raingardens to fulfill the city’s promise to bring sidewalks to all neighborhoods.
• Allow buildings with green roofs a reduction in stormwater utility rates.
• Partner with our community colleges to develop the workforce to build and maintain these improvements.

Lead the Green Economy

As President Obama has noted, the race to lead in clean energy will define global economies in the coming century. We need to make Seattle a leader in this sector and ensure that clean energy is a significant driver of job creation and wealth generation in our region. The private sector is absolutely essential to this endeavor. The city is already beginning to do some work to pull R&D together with job creation and help figure out how to bring clean technologies to market - this is the Seattle blueprint for a green economy. As Mayor, I will continue the focus on technology transfer, particularly in the area of smart grid technology.

• Support and follow through on the Office of Economic Development’s blueprint for clean energy.
• Coordinate implementation of the plan across all city agencies, and work with partners in the private sector, other governments, and research institutions throughout the state.
• Provide incentives for rapid deployment and actively pursue opportunities to fund smart grid technology, distributed renewables, electric vehicle infrastructure, and energy efficiency.
• Expand the work of the Seattle Climate Action Partnership, and link it to this economic development initiative.

Create Demand For Green Collar Jobs

As Mayor, I will pursue direct public sector investments in activities that create green jobs while pursuing incentives that drive private sector investments into the green economy. Green jobs are in diverse sectors: transit, green building, energy efficiency, urban agriculture, and green goods and services.

• Increase investment in public transit service and infrastructure.
• Seek additional Federal and State grants to weatherize residential properties.
• Plant more trees, create additional green space, and manage storm water with green roofs and other green infrastructure.
• Provide technical assistance and support for private investment in renewable energy, efficiency, green building, alternative vehicles, and green space.
• Provide incentives for private building owners to invest in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and green buildings.

Education and Workforce Development

I will promote a green-collar job training partnership between workforce development organizations, business and industry representatives, labor unions, community colleges, and government agencies. This job training partnership will match industry demand with workforce training. There should be a clear job and training paths in this sector, from entry level through advanced skill certification. A comprehensive green-collar job-training program will provide a pathway out of poverty while greening Seattle.

• The green-collar job training partnership must be strategically aligned to maximize outreach to low income communities and communities of color, extending an open invitation to participate in the green economy.
• Successful short-term green job programs can help build a broader constituency for more ambitious clean energy initiatives in the future.

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