City officials on April 22 announced a $4.5 million, three-year pilot program aimed at expanding green jobs while strengthening New York City’s climate infrastructure.
The initiative, called Green Readiness Opportunities for the Workforce, or GROW, will be led by The Doe Fund in partnership with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, with support from the Gowanus Canal Conservancy and Public Works Partners.
The program will train New Yorkers for careers in green infrastructure maintenance, including residents with histories of incarceration, homelessness, or substance use. Training will combine classroom instruction, hands-on fieldwork and professional development focused on stormwater systems and environmental stewardship.
“Every New Yorker has a role to play in building a greener, more resilient city,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “This program opens the door for neighbors too often shut out of opportunities to lead the work of protecting our communities from climate change."
An 18-member crew will maintain more than 1,000 rain gardens in East New York and South Ozone Park. The curbside systems are designed to capture stormwater, with each capable of holding up to 2,500 gallons before filtering water into the ground and easing pressure on the sewer system.
New York City has installed more than 16,000 green infrastructure assets, including rain gardens, green roofs and permeable pavement, as part of broader efforts to reduce flooding and improve water quality.
“As DEP continues to expand nature-based stormwater solutions across New York City, this pilot will support Doe Fund workforce participants and invest in the care of the rain gardens that help manage rainfall and green our neighborhoods,” said DEP Commissioner Lisa F. Garcia. “Through this program, we’re creating access to good jobs and providing meaningful training in a growing field.”
Andrea Parker, executive director of the Gowanus Canal Conservancy, said the program expands access to technical training in green infrastructure maintenance and supports the development of climate-resilient neighborhoods.
