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New York City Council
Oversight - Implementing the Green Economy Action Plan
Read summaries and jump into the video at the segment start.
Council staff opens the joint hearing of the Committees on Economic Development and Workforce Development, reminds attendees to silence devices and fill out appearance cards to testify.
Chair Maloney introduces the joint hearing, explains the Green Economy Action Plan was released in February 2024 by EDC and NYC Talent, identified 133,000 existing green jobs, and set a target of 400,000 green jobs by 2040. She notes no permanent EDC leader has been appointed and the new administration has not stated whether it will preserve the plan.
Maloney notes Congress stripped federal funding the plan relied on, and that the Center for an Urban Future found only 2,000 green jobs added since 2023, meaning the 400,000 target would not be reached until well into the next century at that rate.
Maloney highlights the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal as the most visible plan component, with Empire Wind projecting 13,000 jobs by 2035. She notes the federal stop order on Empire Wind in December and asks how EDC is preparing for possible construction halts.
Maloney addresses Congress rolling back clean energy tax credits, then pivots to building decarbonization as more than half of projected green jobs, dependent on Local Law 97 enforcement. She thanks committee staff and hands to Chair Won.
Chair Won acknowledges joined council members and outlines the plan's three workforce promises: green collar training centers in every borough, 12,000 New Yorkers trained in green jobs by 2040, and a $600 million investment in green career pathways. She questions whether the $600 million actually funds green training or is relabeled existing spending.
Won raises concerns about WIOA reauthorization folding workforce programs into block grants with $1.2 billion in cuts, and questions how the Mamdani administration's new $4.5 million green workforce pilot relates to the existing plan, asking whether the plan is being quietly shelved.
Committee counsel Alex Polanoff administers the oath to administration witnesses Sam Jung (EDC) and Douglas Perry (NYC Talent), who affirm to tell the truth.
Sam Jung, SVP of the Green Economy Team at EDC, introduces himself and Michelle Lamberti. He frames the green economy as a climate imperative and pathway to economic justice under Mayor Mamdani, citing extreme weather impacts on the city. He describes the GEEP as a roadmap projecting 400,000 green jobs by 2040 across construction, engineering, clean energy, and other sectors.
Jung clarifies that 70% of the 400,000 projected jobs are transitioning jobs that won't be trackable for years, and that the projection depends on local, state, and federal climate policies, public and private investments, and consumer preferences. He acknowledges federal rollbacks are having an impact but says EDC takes a forward-looking approach.
Jung highlights EDC's $7 million investment in CUNY green workforce training, $3 million Greenlight Innovation Fund award with Councilmember Feliz for the Bronx Green Job Center at Fordham, and the Solar One environmental education center ribbon-cutting at Stuyvesant Cove Park.
Jung describes the Maritime Career and Aviation Awareness Fair connecting 500 high school students with industry experts, the Waterfront Pathways program for MWBEs, and B-Source NYC helping local companies secure $13 million in offshore wind contracts, now expanding to building electrification.
Jung covers coastal resiliency projects including Lower Manhattan and Eastside Coastal Resilience, then describes the Brooklyn Army Terminal as a world-class climate innovation hub. Batworks will house the largest green workforce training facility in NYC at 30,000 square feet, with a temporary space launched in May and permanent hub completion in 2028.
Jung describes the Harbor Climate Collaborative (HCC) with Trust for Governors Island and Brooklyn Navy Yard, supporting emerging businesses and training students. He notes transportation accounts for 25% of city emissions and EDC is building sustainable alternatives.
Jung discusses the Brooklyn Marine Terminal as a hub for the Blue Highways waterborne freight network, the Hunts Point Marine Terminal vision plan, electric air taxi demonstration flights at the downtown Skyport, and the first community-driven freight-focused EV charging depot at Hunts Point.
Jung addresses construction emissions (70% of city emissions), the Mass Timber Studio initiative for low-carbon construction as part of Mayor Mamdani's housing plan, and circular design and construction guidelines encouraging material reuse and lifecycle planning.
Jung describes Spark Kips Bay as a life sciences and health tech hub with 95% material diversion from landfills, salvaging 76 tons of waste. He then covers Willets Point's transformation from a floodplain into a new neighborhood with 2,500 affordable homes, green roofs, new infrastructure, and the fully electric Etihad Stadium for NYCFC and the 2028 Olympics.
Jung discusses the Hunts Point produce market redevelopment as a fully electric facility delivering healthy food to working families while addressing Bronx environmental justice. He closes with the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal as the nation's largest offshore wind hub, 98% complete, with 2,500 union workers and first power expected by year-end.
Douglas Perry, Executive Director of NYC Talent, introduces himself and Stephanie Cloakie. He describes the city's workforce ecosystem of 120+ programs across 28 agencies, the federal investment context under Biden's infrastructure laws that motivated the GEEP, and NYC Talent's role in aligning workforce strategy with employer demand.
Perry describes federal policy rollbacks including House Resolution 1, executive orders, and tariffs that rescinded EV tax incentives and accelerated wind and solar credit phase-outs. He then introduces REMAKE, NYC Talent's new industry partnership for sustainable infrastructure, bringing together stakeholders across manufacturing, construction, transportation, utilities, and water systems.
Perry describes REMAKE's seven industry roundtables with 35+ businesses, a labor market intelligence webinar series on energy auditors and managers, and the PINC program placing nearly 1,500 participants into union or prevailing wage careers since 2024. He also covers the community hiring initiative with 275+ procurements valued at $14 billion.
Perry discusses Project Labor Agreements covering $9 billion in cumulative project value, the most capital construction work ever, with community hiring goals embedded. He notes $1 million in baseline funding for construction pre-apprenticeship starting in FY2025 secured with SBS.
Perry covers NYC Cool Roofs program expansion with $550,000 in new state grant funding, DCAS fleet workforce EV safety training for 300+ city employees, youth apprenticeships funded by Robin Hood Foundation with a new Youth Apprentice Civil Service title, Future Ready HVAC and building decarbonization pathway at 11 high schools serving 400 students, and Inside Industrial career exploration tours for 350+ students.
Maloney asks whether the Mamdani administration plans to continue pursuing the GEEP and which commitments will be funded in the upcoming budget. Jung responds that EDC views the plan as a generational commitment, citing the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal as spanning three administrations. He says current initiatives are funded through existing allocations and EDC will work with OMB for new initiatives.
Maloney asks if the Mamdani administration's framing of green economy around climate and labor policy integration has shifted the plan's focus. Jung says EDC takes an 'all of the above' approach supporting both union and non-union jobs, and welcomes the emphasis on union jobs. Perry adds the PINC program has placed nearly 1,500 people into union pathways.
Maloney asks for the current estimate of green jobs and growth rate. Jung gives an economic snapshot showing unemployment down to 5.4%, 44,500 private sector jobs added over the past year. He explains the GEEP defined the green economy across eight sectors and 21 subsectors, and that the 400,000 projection is contingent on four factors. He notes 70% are transitioning jobs that don't lend themselves to year-by-year tracking.
Jung provides specific numbers: 68,000 jobs in clean energy occupations in 2021 growing to 75,000 by 2024. In 21 focus occupations largely in building efficiency, growth was 8.6%. He mentions Willets Point generating 14,000+ jobs, the Batworks 30,000 sq ft facility, Bronx Green Job Center, and $10 million CUNY investment.
Won asks how Local Law 97 compliance will proceed without federal, state, or city funding and how it affects promised green jobs. Jung says DOB reports 90% compliance with the first milestone and EDC supplements with workforce and business development support.
Won asks how many jobs LL97 is creating and presses for a breakdown of the 400,000 projection. Jung cites 8.6% growth in 21 focus occupations but cannot provide an exact job count. Won asks the team to look up the number and demands a breakdown of how the 400,000 forecast was constructed.
Perry explains the 400,000 was a projection based on information at the time including enormous federal investments that did not follow through. Won presses for which funding levels and jobs-per-funding estimates were used, arguing the projection should be recalculated given current realities.
Won asks which specific industries and growth cycles were used in the forecast methodology, saying the public deserves to know so they can calculate a realistic number. Perry says it's too early to know whether the city is on track, suggesting 2030 as a benchmark year to reassess, given the shift from Biden to Trump administration policies.
Won asks what percentage of the 400,000 are transition jobs. Perry confirms 70% are transitioning existing jobs and 30% are net new. Won asks when the forecast will be corrected given federal and state cuts, and Perry says the plan recommends looking to 2030, noting it's too early just two years in.
Won asks for a clear breakdown of the $600 million allocated for green career pathways. Perry clarifies the $600 million reflects FY24 funding for the broader Youth Action Plan, not exclusively green economy. Won presses for how much is specifically for green workforce development, and Perry says they would need to work with partner agencies to break it down.
Maloney echoes the need for revised numbers, then asks about SBMT construction status and jobs created. Jung explains the federal, state, and local government roles in offshore wind, confirms SBMT is 98% complete, and details lease protections including a construction guarantee, lease guarantee through 2054, a $20 million penalty clause, and reimbursement-based city capital.
Jung provides job numbers: 2,500 unique union workers on site, 200 assembly jobs, and 60 permanent O&M jobs. He then addresses the future offshore wind pipeline, noting federal obstruction has halted new permitting and procurements, but EDC is working with NYSERDA on pre-development RFPs and supporting projects like CHPE bringing 1,250 megawatts of Canadian hydropower.
Maloney asks about contingency plans if the federal court reverses and about the reduced scope from three offshore projects to one 810 MW project. Jung clarifies the stop work orders never affected SBMT construction given its onshore nature. On ROI, he emphasizes the lease guarantee ensures Equinor pays rent and EDC is actively helping find other maritime uses for the site.
Maloney asks about the Empire Wind power price increase from $118 to $155 per megawatt hour and who bears the cost. Jung says the cost is shared across all New Yorkers at $1-2 per month on electricity rates, with NYSERDA's evaluation criteria being 70% price, 20% local content, 10% feasibility. Perry adds that SBMT is the largest infrastructure investment in 50 years and the city remains bullish on wind long-term.
Councilmember Thomas-Henry asks how NYC Talent tracks community hiring goals. Perry explains a digital labor compliance tool is being implemented for construction contracts to collect workforce data, while professional services contracts use Workforce One and HRA Business Link for tracking.
Thomas-Henry asks how low-income communities are identified for community hiring targeting. Perry explains it's rooted in state legislation targeting zip codes where 15%+ of the population is below federal poverty guidelines, plus NYCHA housing, and the city publishes a list of qualifying zip codes.
Thomas-Henry asks where the 11 schools with the Future Ready HVAC and building decarbonization pathway are located and how many per borough. Perry says he would need to get back with the specific school list.
Thomas-Henry asks how many of the five planned green collar training facilities (one per borough) are currently open. Jung provides status: Brooklyn Batworks (30,000 sq ft, late 2028), Bronx Fordham Green Job Center (12,000 sq ft, end of year), Manhattan Solar One (6,500 sq ft, already open), Queens Queensborough Community College (timeline TBD), Staten Island College of Staten Island (timeline TBD).
Thomas-Henry asks how many MWBE businesses are currently qualified to participate in green initiatives. Perry does not have the number and says he will need to get back with the information.
Thomas-Henry asks about mentor-protégé programs to help MWBEs build capacity for green economy work. Jung describes Construct NYC, EDC's MWBE construction capacity building program with designed on-ramps to EDC procurements, and Waterfront Pathways, funded by Equinor to help MWBEs enter offshore wind and waterfront construction.
Councilmember Hanif asks how the city ensures people with disabilities are included in the green economy vision and whether there are specific goals or benchmarks. Jung says the Windscape learning center was developed with disability advocates for accessible materials, but there are no codified goals. Perry notes NYC Talent houses the Center for Workplace Accessibility and Inclusion but does not currently slice green economy data by disability.
Hanif raises economic insecurity for people with disabilities and asks whether MOPED (Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities) has been involved in green economy planning. Perry says NYC Talent works closely with MOPED across all disability work but is unsure of their specific involvement in the GEEP development. Hanif recommends MOPED be brought in.
Hanif asks how many New Yorkers have been connected to green economy occupations against the 12,000 target. Perry says approximately 1,500 through PINC, 350+ through pre-apprenticeship, 17 youth apprentices at city agencies. Hanif notes these numbers are nowhere near 12,000 and asks how the gap will be closed by 2040.
Hanif asks for updated figures on the NYCHA Clean Energy Academy, noting 39 residents had completed the 16-week program as of December 2023. Perry does not have the updated numbers and offers to follow up.
Won returns and asks if the team has updates on the $600 million breakdown. Perry says they looked into it but need to work with partner agencies, as the $600 million reflects FY24 funding across multiple youth programs like DYCD's Advance and Earn, not exclusively green economy. Won presses on whether the $600 million is specifically for green career pathways as the plan stated.
Won asks how the Mamdani administration's $4.5 million GROW pilot from DEP overlaps with the $600 million in existing green career pathways. Perry clarifies the $4.5 million is new, separate funding to train 20 participants in managing rain gardens in East New York and South Ozone Park, not part of the $600 million Youth Action Plan.
Won asks whether the $600 million will continue to be funded in the next fiscal year starting July 1. Perry says it was a point-in-time reflection of FY24 and he cannot guarantee all programs will continue at the same levels. Won presses on whether the overall GEEP will be funded, and Perry says the budget is not yet finalized but expects stable funding for Talent's green economy portions.
Won asks about Talent's portion of green economy funding. Perry says since 2024 they've driven $13 million to green economy work. Won asks how much is city funding and whether the green economy is a priority of the mayor. Perry says the administration is committed to environmental and economic justice under Deputy Mayor Julie Hsu. Won asks for the total FY27 funding amount and Perry says they need to work with OMB.
Won expresses surprise and frustration that despite the hearing being planned for weeks and the mayor's claimed priority, every question about specific numbers has gone unanswered. She notes the plan commits to training facilities in every borough and asks how many are open today.
Won asks about training facility status and capital funding. Jung confirms only Solar One in Manhattan is currently open, with Batworks (Brooklyn, late 2028), Bronx Green Job Center (end of year), and CUNY campuses in Queens and Staten Island (timelines TBD). Won asks about capital funding allocations; Jung says investments were opportunistic rather than strategically budgeted, with Batworks receiving $100 million, Bronx $3 million, and CUNY $10 million.
Won asks how many people have been trained at Solar One (Jung doesn't have the number but says CUNY campuses will train 6,000 annually once open). Won notes only one facility is open, the 12,000 apprenticeship target is far from being met, and the Center for Urban Future found only 2,184 net new green jobs in 2023. She asks if EDC accepts this figure.
Jung says EDC hasn't seen the CUF figure and it doesn't align with their methodology. He says EDC has trained about 300 people across its programs. Perry provides additional numbers: approximately 2,300 adult workers and 750 young adults served through green economy programs, including 1,500 through PINC, 150+ through Cool Roofs, 375+ through pre-apprenticeship, 300 city employees through DCAS EV training, and 350+ students through Inside Industrial.
Won asks if the city is on pace toward the 12,000 apprenticeship target and about current energy storage capacity. Perry says approximately 900 of the 1,500 PINC participants are apprentices, with 17 youth apprentices at city agencies and 12 more starting this fall. He emphasizes community hiring and PLAs as future pathways to scale apprenticeships.
Won asks EDC and NYC Talent to walk through each of the seven marquee initiatives from the plan with original targets, current status, timelines, and revised metrics. Perry provides a detailed response on community hiring, noting 280+ procurements valued at $14 billion, but does not have specific targets for each initiative.
Won asks EDC and NYC Talent to commit to outlining total funding and updated job projections annually. Perry says they're happy to share data but notes the 400,000 was a projection, not a goal, and the methodology is complex. He mentions a legislatively mandated climate plan coming next year. Won presses for a commitment to annual updates, and Perry says they need to work with colleagues. Won reiterates that only 2,184 net new green jobs have been added since 2023, calling it abysmal for $600 million spent.
Maloney asks about updated NYCHA Clean Energy Academy participant numbers (last reported 39 in December 2023), internship and job placement data from training programs, and green economy job vacancies in city agencies. Perry does not have the specific numbers but offers to follow up, noting over 100 active youth apprentices at city agencies with 17 in green economy roles.
Maloney asks about AI and tech industry threats to green economy jobs given energy demands expected to double by 2030. Perry notes MOCEJ is coordinating with state entities on data center loads. Jung says NYC's data centers are not at hyperscaler scale, and that 70% of green economy jobs are transitioning trades involving physical work that can't be displaced by AI.
Maloney asks about the strength of the city's electric grid amid increasing demands. Jung cites a NYISO reliability report showing narrowing reliability margins and shares concerns about securing reliable, low-cost energy. He notes EDA has supported 400+ megawatts of clean technology deployment and sees battery storage as viable for addressing both reliability and extreme heat risks.
Maloney asks how EDC coordinates with city agencies on grid modernization. Jung says EDC participates in MOCEJ-led interagency working groups, bringing infrastructure development perspectives to conversations about large loads and policy objectives.
Maloney asks whether a permanent EDC president has been appointed and about the timeline. Jung says there is no permanent president, but interim president Jeannie Pak has kept EDC laser-focused on delivery, citing Batworks temporary space opening, solar awards, and a microgrid RFI. He does not know the timeline or interview status for a permanent appointment.
Maloney asks about morale at EDC without a permanent president. Jung says EDC staff are motivated by their mission of creating economic opportunities. Perry adds that staff love interim President Pak, an EDC veteran who knows the work, and that the organization has not felt a lack of direction. Maloney asks if the interim title hinders long-term vision; Perry says no, citing public grocery and insurance captive projects. Maloney concludes by stressing the importance of installing a permanent president.
Maloney transitions to public testimony, reminding attendees of decorum rules, two-minute time limit per speaker, and procedures for submitting written testimony within 72 hours.
Greg Morris, CEO of the NYC Employment and Training Coalition, introduces his organization's network of 220 workforce providers serving hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers. He notes the difficulty of getting budget and outcome answers in workforce development, stresses the need for a permanent EDC president, and introduces the workforce providers who will testify.
Carrie Fallhaber of Jobs First NYC describes the Green Economy Network of 200+ organizations that has trained 7,000+ New Yorkers for green jobs since 2023. She offers three recommendations: establish a workforce authority within City Hall, strengthen coordination between schools and industry, and make industry a full partner in implementing the GEEP.
Angela Nuri-San, founder of Green Launchpad, co-leads an employer-led workforce coalition representing 2,400+ clean energy professionals. She urges treating workforce as a business competitiveness issue rather than a social obligation, noting most green economy companies are small contractors without HR departments. She calls for sustained employer-provider partnerships and measuring success by retention, not just enrollment.
Dr. Christopher Malone of the Consortium for Worker Education submits a 10-point green workforce acceleration strategy, highlighting six: scale pre-apprenticeship pipeline, align investments to LL97 implementation, create a public-facing green workforce dashboard, strengthen Workforce One centers, invest in worker supports like childcare and ESOL, and advance a near-term workforce surge strategy.
Jonathan Spooner of Stacks and Jewels describes how nonprofits operate major real estate portfolios with energy as their second largest expense. He proposes a coordinated funding program for building automation that creates a workforce pipeline while redirecting energy savings back into social services, asking the committee to champion the initiative.
Cindy Manzanares of Green City Force describes their AmeriCorps program for young adults 16-24 from public housing. She proposes a NYC Climate Corps and recommends funding holistic green workforce pathways, prioritizing NYCHA residents, creating funded bridge programs into apprenticeships, using public sites as training sites, and tracking equity outcomes.
Jake Douglas Boren of the HOPE Program describes training New Yorkers overcoming homelessness, incarceration, and other barriers for green construction and building operations careers. He calls for requiring developers and contractors benefiting from city subsidies to partner with community-based training programs as a condition, and for investing in social enterprise models.
Sofia Oliveira-Ritchie of Andromeda Community Initiative describes their free construction and green construction training for New Yorkers facing barriers, having trained 1,200+ individuals. She calls for stronger connections to employers and labor partners, expanded dedicated funding for green construction training, and continued publishing of green economy labor market data.
Travis Prew of Fordham University describes the Bronx Green Job Center as a collaborative model with educational partners, community agencies, and CBOs. He notes the Bronx lags in solar and EV infrastructure despite being the greenest borough, and urges a citywide investment strategy requiring collaboration and a centralized workforce authority.
Michaela Crater of Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation describes 40 years serving industrial companies in Sunset Park, Red Hook, and Gowanus, placing 2,000+ New Yorkers in jobs since 2017. She urges using existing industrial infrastructure for climate solutions, noting SBIDC has engaged 500+ businesses and referred 140 to offshore wind contractors, with 70% being MWBEs.
Stephen Levin of Solar One describes their K-12 education, green workforce development, and renewable energy programs. He notes their LIC training center graduates 800 individuals annually with 3 certifications each. He recommends the city focus on engaging building management firms with green workforce providers and unions like 32BJ and Local 3 to ensure training meets employer needs.
Vinnie Thong, a 15-year-old student at Queens High School for the Sciences, testifies about the importance of youth internships and green jobs in NYC public schools. He urges sustaining Future Ready programs and expanding sustainability initiatives across all schools, noting that today's students will be in their 30s when the GEEP's full effects are realized.
Council staff notes two additional Zoom registrants who did not testify, and concludes the hearing.