RichmondBUILDA Model for Addressing Local Priorities &

Creating Career Pathways into the Green Industry

City of Richmond -

#2 ranking in California as the most violent city (per capita)

#11 in the country (City Crime Rankings)

50%-60% High School Drop Out Rate High Schools rank #1 on the

Academy Performance Index (10 being the highest)

49%-56% H.S. exit exam success rate

RichmondBUILD Academy

Pre-apprenticeship Construction Skills (Green Building Standards)

Energy Efficiency Solar Technology & Installation Solar Thermal Electrical

RichmondBUILD Academy

YouthBUILD (w/Green Careers component)

EPA Brownfields Job Training (Haz Mat, Asbestos, Lead, Mold, Site Assessment)

Environmental Literacy Clean Energy Leadership Vocational English As a Second

Language (VESL being developed)

Richmond BUILDClassroom Time!

Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficiency

Pressure & Flow Testing

Solar Installation Training

Solar Installation Training

“Live” Solar Installation“

“Live” Solar Installation

“Live” Solar Installation

“Live” Solar Installation

Live Installation

Contributing Partners

Workforce Investment Act 15% Employment Training Panel Chevron Adult Education ADA Corporate sponsors (Home Depot, PG &

E, Bay Cities…) Redevelopment (Tax Increment & Bond

funds) Richmond Housing Authority Housing Department (CalHome & CDBG) Solar Richmond Rising Sun Energy Center

Local Policies that Support Workforce Development in

the Green Industry

Waive Building Permit fees on each Solar Install

Solar Thermal Rebate Program

Commitment to create Internships in Energy Efficiency & Wastewater/ Storm Inspector classifications

Collaboration with ARRA Projects

Neighborhood Stabilization Program

Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant

HUD Capital Projects - Housing Authority

DOT Infrastructure projects

Program Outcomes

80% Job Placement rate

75% Job Retention rate

$16+ an average starting wage for graduates

Over 40 graduates have secured Solar Installation & Green Collar Jobs

Received local & national recognition

Awards & Recognitions

2008 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award

2009 Harvard Innovations in Government Award (semi-finalist)

2009 Conservation Champion Award- Senator Barbara Boxer

Richmond BUILD -A Working Community is a

Thriving Community