It’s possible to mandate that any jobs created through state or local programs to promote renewables be good jobs, with living wages, and that these jobs be local or created by minority-owned companies.
Policy Support:
State level certification of approved contractors, or development of structures where local community organization partners serve as party to vet contractors and enforce agreements for work done in their local area.
Build Capacity?
Establishes useful precedents around who benefits from public energy and infrastructure policy; opens up possibility for cooperation with labor around creation of good, green jobs.
Risk & Drawbacks?
Business development that is conditional on state subsidies can be fragile. Inclusive mandates for contracting may require additional wrap-around support to develop business capacity or job readiness in marginalized communities.
Inspiring Examples:
Green Jobs — Green NY: This New York State program makes available on-bill financing mechanisms for energy improvements, and includes statewide CBA that partners with local “constituency-based organizations” on outreach and job creation, making sure the work is done by companies creating high-quality jobs that are connected to workforce development pipelines.
