What you should know
- 18-Member Crew Will Maintain More Than 1,000 Rain Gardens in East New York and South Ozone Park
- Program Builds Pathways to Careers in Stormwater Management and Green Infrastructure
NEW YORK — To celebrate Earth Day, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Lisa F. Garcia today announced a $4.5 million, three-year pilot program with The Doe Fund to train New Yorkers for green jobs and expand the City's workforce supporting green infrastructure.
The program will prepare New Yorkers — including those with histories of incarceration, homelessness or substance abuse — for careers maintaining critical infrastructure that reduces flooding and protects local waterways.
Known as GROW, or Green Readiness Opportunities for the Workforce, the initiative combines classroom instruction, hands-on training and career development to prepare crew members for green careers in managing stormwater infrastructure. An 18-member crew will maintain 1,035 rain gardens in East New York, Brooklyn, and South Ozone Park, Queens. The Doe Fund will manage the program, with support from Gowanus Canal Conservancy and Public Works Partners.
"Every New Yorker has a role to play in building a greener, more resilient city," said Mayor 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. I look forward to this collaboration between DEP and The Doe Fund and the green jobs and greener streetscapes we'll see as a result."
"As we confront climate change and the severe weather it brings, sustainability and resilience must be written into the infrastructure we advance and the jobs we champion," said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. "This partnership represents the inclusive, climate-ready future our city requires, and I look forward to seeing the green careers of these 18 New Yorkers grow through this program and beyond.
"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."
Typical curbside rain garden
Rain gardens — planted curbside systems designed to capture stormwater — can hold up to 2,500 gallons of rainwater, allowing it to filter into the ground instead of overwhelming sewers. New York City has installed more than 16,000 green infrastructure assets, including rain gardens, green roofs and permeable pavement, to reduce flooding and sewer overflows.
In addition to maintaining rain gardens, GROW participants will receive training and professional development to prepare for long-term careers in the green and water sectors. The program also includes community engagement, connecting residents in East New York and South Ozone Park to local stewardship efforts.
"Programs like GROW demonstrate the incredible potential at the intersection of workforce development and environmental stewardship," said Jennifer Mitchell, President & CEO, The Doe Fund. "As our city's infrastructure needs evolve, so too does the opportunity to connect hardworking New Yorkers to meaningful careers that strengthen our communities in every sense — economically, socially, and environmentally. We are proud to partner with DEP on an initiative that creates opportunity for individuals while helping build a greener, more resilient New York City."
"Building a sustainable city means equipping New Yorkers to care for it. And for people to care for our rain gardens, street trees and other green infrastructure, they need specialized training," said Andrea Parker, Executive Director, Gowanus Canal Conservancy. "Gowanus Canal Conservancy has years of expertise not only in green infrastructure maintenance, but in sharing this knowledge with volunteers, students, community members and youth apprentices to grow a network of skilled environmental stewards. In collaboration with The Doe Fund and DEP, we are energized to expand workforce development to more New Yorkers who are interested and ready to step into green jobs that will make our city greener, spongier and more climate adapted."
About The Doe Fund
The Doe Fund serves individuals facing significant barriers to employment, including histories of incarceration, homelessness and/or substance abuse. Its flagship program, Ready, Willing & Able, provides paid work experience, transitional housing, holistic social services, workforce development training, continuing education and other support services. The program has connected nearly 15,000 people experiencing homelessness to jobs, housing, or both, and has been shown to significantly reduce recidivism. Learn more here, https://www.doe.org/.
About Gowanus Canal Conservancy
Gowanus Canal Conservancy develops and maintains green infrastructure across the Gowanus Watershed and leads training programs in environmental stewardship. The organization co-founded the RAIN Coalition to connect green infrastructure maintenance with job creation and will support training and curriculum development for the GROW program. Learn more here, https://gowanuscanalconservancy.org/.
About Public Works Partners
Public Works Partners is a women- and small business enterprise-certified urban planning and management consulting firm. Since 2010, it has worked with more than 100 organizations to deliver impactful programs across community and economic development, education, health, workforce, and transportation, developing innovative, equity-driven solutions that strengthen communities, programs, and places. Learn more here, https://publicworkspartners.com/.
About NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
DEP manages New York City's water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.5 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP also protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X and Instagram.