Already a national leader in green building and looking to expand its leadership, the Los Angeles Community College District is launching several collaborative efforts to train a new, green workforce.
The article features an interview with Los Angeles Community College District Vice Chancellor for Economic and Workforce Development Marvin Martinez:
"[the city of Los Angeles] received their portion of the stimulus dollars for workforce development-about $22 million-which they plan to release through a number of RFPs. In most of those RFPs, community colleges will be a mandatory partner so that we can work with the city's workforce centers and other organizations. We will partner with them to prepare the workforce. A lot of those dollars are being dedicated to the green sector."
"I am pleased that in the federal stimulus legislation colleges are seen as a mandatory partner-education and training is a requirement. Under the old Workforce Investment Act it was a "work first" policy, meaning that the goal is always to place students, place anyone who is unemployed, in a job. The problem with that approach today is, number one, there are not as many jobs. There are not a lot of jobs for people to go into. Secondly, there is a need for training. A lot of jobs require that you have a certain knowledge base and technical skills."
FULL STORY: LACCD Launching New Sustainability Workforce Institute
The Vast Potential of the Right-of-Way
One writer argues that the space between two building faces is the most important element of the built environment.
The Mobility-Productivity Paradox
New research shows that excessive vehicle travel reduces economic productivity, and that less mobility provides more productivity. Yes, you read that right.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie